Original name : Xing Yi Quan (形意拳 / Xíng yì quán)
Founded by : Yue Fei - sometime around (1103-1142 AD)
Country of origin : China
Introduction to Xing Yi Quan
Xing Yi Quan can be known in the western world as Hsing I Ch'üan. This roughly translates to Mind & Heart Boxing.
The style involves fast bursts of energy release whereby defense can be maintained whilst carrying out an attack.
An essential part of it is to keep the mind calm and focused, putting it in harmony with the body - the philosophy says that only then can true balance be acheived.
As techniques are carried out at a fast pace, the style is well known for it's health benefits for practitioners. By training the cardio cardiovascular system Xing Yi Chuan has been the base of some of the longest living practitioners of any style, with some instructors being able to overpower younger students at the age of 100.
