subject: A Devastating Internal Martial Art [print this page] A Devastating Internal Martial Art A Devastating Internal Martial Art
The other two internal arts are Tai Chi and Ba Gua. Like the other internal arts, Xing Yi focuses on the use of internal and external body alignment as well as the use of chi energy in combat situations instead of simply focusing on training for sheer physical force. The word "Xing" is most commonly translated as 'shape' or perhaps 'form.'
The word "Yi" is translated "will" or "mind intent." In combination, these two words can be translated in many different ways. The title of this martial art may actually have been created in order to give a number of different possible meanings. However, loosely speaking, the phrase could be translated "spirit and mind intent boxing," "mind intent boxing" "mind and heart boxing" or simply "mind boxing."
While Tai Chi uses soft movements and a Ba Gua uses circling and evasive movements, Xing Yi has a much more direct and simple approach to combat situations. The martial artist moves in a straight line directly for an opponent and lands devastating hits immediately. A person being attacked by someone trained in Xing Yi would see the martial artist coming directly at them in a straight line or perhaps not at all since this kind of attack can come very quickly.
In Xing Yi, the knees are bent like when a person is about to jump into the air. However, the force is sent forward instead. In addition to this forward force, the martial artists uses somewhat circular hand motions. Consequently, while there is a direct attack happening, it is very hard for an opponent to grab on to anything. Xing Yi is a little bit like having a fan on wheels coming directly at you. The force tranferred using this martial art can be extremely powerful. It is not simply based on the muscle power someone has in their arms.
