Xing Yi Quan’s Five Element Fists
Xing Yi Quan, or Form and Will Boxing, is a traditional style of Chinese Martial arts. Xing Yi Quan, or Xing Yi, is over 400 years old. However, Xing Yi Quan has roots in older traditional styles such as Liu He, or 6 Harmonies Boxing, and Northern Shaolin. The Five Element Fists of Xing Yi Quan are 5 specific techniques that develop the core of the Xing Yi Quan method of boxing. Xing Yi Quan’s Five Element Fists are both the five main fighting strikes of Xing Yi Quan, and a powerful method of martial arts Qi Gong.
Peng Quan from the Five Elements of Xing Yi Quan.
Xing Yi Quan’s Five Element Fists Names and Qualities
Pi Quan – Splitting Fist – Metal –
Tsan Quan – Drilling Fist – Water
Peng Quan – Penetrating Fist – Wood
Pao Quan – Exploding Fist – Fire
Heng Quan – Crossing Fist – Earth
The Five Element Fists of Xing Yi Quan are the main strikes of Xing Yi. They are all practiced in flowing lines alternating the left and right sides of the body. This develops both arms equally and balances the body. Xing Yi Quan boxers aim to be ambidextrous, changing sides swiftly with quick steps. Xing Yi Quan’s Five Element Fists help you develop striking power, strong foot work, and stable stances. When you practice, sometimes you practice vigorously, using your skill and energy, delivering sudden, powerful strikes from aggressive, attacking steps. Other times, you need to practice much slower, and focus on being as aware of your posture as possible, concentrating your Qi with your breathing, and building your inner strength.
The Five Element Fists are also a powerful form of martial arts Qi Gong.
In traditional Chinese medicine the philosophy of the Five Elements is important. In the traditional Chinese medical model there are 10 main internal organs. Five organs are Yin organs, and the remaining five organs are Yang organs. These five pairs of organs are perfectly paired with the Five Elements of Chinese philosophy. Any acupuncturist will agree the Five Element Theory accurately models many aspects of the internal organs inter-relationships. The movements of the Five Elements Fists are closely connected to both Chinese Medicine and to the Five Element Theory and they actually help strengthen the corresponding internal organs. The Yin organ is considered to be much more important than the Yang organ. Often, when the organs are listed in relationship to the Five Elements of Xing Yi Quan the Yang organ is omitted. Strengthening the Yin organ is more important, and thus the focus is always on nurturing, cleansing, and balancing the Yin organs. If the Yin organ is happy, it is axiomatic that the Yang organ is happy as well. So take care of the Yin Organ. (The saying happy wife, happy life comes to mind here.:-))
Tsan Quan from the Five Elements of Xing Yi Quan.
Xing Yi Quan’s Five Element Fists Traditional Chinese Medicine Correspondence:
Pi Quan – Splitting Fist – Metal – Lungs = Yin, Large Intestine Yang
Tsan Quan – Drilling Fist – Water – Kidneys = Yin, Bladder = Yang
Peng Quan – Penetrating Fist – Wood – Liver = Yin, Gall Bladder = Yang
Pao Quan – Exploding Fist – Fire – Heart = Yin, Small Intestine = Yang
Heng Quan – Crossing Fist – Earth – Spleen = Yin, Stomach = Yang
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a cycle within the internal organs that generates more Qi within the body. This
is a central part of the Five Elements philosophy. It is also the order for both learning and practicing the Five Element Fists. Th Qi Generating Cycle is the order in which the 5 Elements are traditionally listed including in both charts above. Done correctly, the Five Element Fists enhance the bodies natural cycle of Qi Generation. In addition, Xing Yi’s Five main movements work individually to strengthen each of the internal organs. Strengthening your internal organs builds your health making you resistant to both disease and injury. Strengthening your internal energy and strengthening your internal organs definitely helps you resist blows and increases your self defense ability. The most important benefit of all is increasing your healthy happy lifespan!
The following Video was made for my friend Agou, a Taiwanese artist and Calligrapher. He is interest is in the Qigong and Health aspect of Xing Yi so that is what I show in this video:
We have Xing Yi Quan classes in San Anselmo, and San Rafael, Ca. We’ll be back next week with another Xing Yi Quan post on Wednesday!
Xing Yi
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