5 Elements and 12 Animals Kung Fu

Xing means form and Yi means intent. The name itself makes it clear that this is a martial art style that integrates action and will.

Xing Yi incorporates the practice of the Shi Er Xing (12 Animals Forms) to further advance and expand fighting techniques and strategy. The 12 Animals are: Dragon, Tiger, Monkey, Horse, Water Lizard, Chicken, Sparrow Hawk, Wedge-Tailed Hawk, Snake, Swallow, Eagle, and Bear.

Xing Yi's nature is concise, dynamic, and economical. On the surface, movements seem predominantly linear, and this gives the appearance that Xing Yi is simple and direct, but this is not the case. The techniques are based on highly evolved concepts and contain many underlying intricacies. Xing Yi is easy to learn but requires diligence and dedication to master.

There is nothing flashy about the style; it is fast and extremely effective close-in. Kicking is generally aimed at low targets and is used in conjunction with the hand work. Nei Gong ("Internal Training") is an important and integral aspect of the art, making Xing Yi an excellent style to learn for both self defense and nourishing one's health.

Xing Yi is an aggressive style. Fighting strategy dictates overwhelming the opponent's defense with powerful and pressing attacks and instantaneously turns defense into offense. A Xing Yi fighter gives ground reluctantly and only for an instant before pressing the attack again. Shattering and jarring blows are generated by lining up the front foot, the nose, and the strike in coordination with stepping, thus transferring forward momentum and body weight into the opponent's center.

Fa Jin, the release of explosive force in Xing Yi, is akin to a piece of rattan when it is bent. Rattan is pliable, resilient, and yet sturdy; it flexes but snaps back with great force. Like rattan, Xing Yi looks rigid on the surface but in actuality is pliable, lively, and energetic. Practitioners seek to coordinate the motion of their entire body, along with their mind's intent, into one focused action. Xing Yi has a Yang exterior and a Yin interior and blends the actions of hard and soft.

Benefits of Xing Yi Practice :

• Develops whole body power
• Nurtures Internal and External coordination
• Builds strong mental focus
• Increases cardiovascular activity
• Teaches efficiency and economy of movement
• Fosters a strong fighting spirit
• Promotes robust health

Confucius said, "Do not enlighten those who are not eager to learn, nor advise those who are not anxious to give an explanation themselves. If I have presented one corner of the square and they cannot come back to me with the other three, I should not go over the points again."