Abstract

The ancient Chinese martial art of Xingyi Quan is known for its explosive internal power. Closely related to both Taiji Quan and Bagua Quan, Xingyi is regarded as the most esoteric, and the most dangerous of the fighting arts, though the purposes of consistent practice include health and spiritual development.

This in-depth guide is the first to cover the history and traditions of the art in such a comprehensive way, describing the essential Xingyi Quan movements, and their effects, in fully illustrated form, and including the author's research with the Song Xingyi Quan clan in China. The book contains a comprehensive teaching guide to the practice of Santi Shr and the Five Element Fists, the core exercises of this potent fighting system, as well as explanations of the underlying principles which give Xingyi Masters their great depth of skill and refined understanding of combat strategy. The reader will also find clearly illustrated teachings of all the Twelve Animal Forms, linking forms, two person sets, basic skills, and the weapons training.

This authoritative book will be an illuminating and complete guide for anyone interested in the internal martial arts, especially those practicing or teaching Xingyi Quan or wanting to learn more about it.

Master C S Tang has provided the internal martial arts community with a valuable guide to the history, principles and training of the art of Xingyiquan. It is my opinion that no other book currently available in the English language provides such detailed and extensive information on the martial and medical aspects of this wonderful art. Thank you Master Tang.
Damo Mitchell, Technical Director of the Lotus Nei Gong School of Daoist Arts and author of Daoist Nei Gong and Heavenly Streams
Master C S Tang is a senior Xingyi Quan, Bagua Quan and Yi Quan expert and researcher from Hong Kong, known for the depth of his knowledge and his skill in the internal systems. He studied Xingyi Quan with several Masters of the old generation, and has made a special study of collecting and researching the ancient training manuals of various Chinese martial arts systems. He lives in Hong Kong.
“This comprehensive book on Xingyi Quan by Master C S Tang certainly sets a new standard for manuals on the art. It not only covers the entire system of Hebei Xingyi Quan with clear illustrations, but also gives very detailed explanations of the all-important basic training and core principles which will prove to be a lifelong reference for sincere practitioners.”
Alex Kozma, author of Warrior Guards the Mountain