Hsing-I Clip - Body Mechanics - Xingyi Tai Chi taiji

Sifu Ken Gullette gives beginning students a tip on body mechanics while working on a fighting application from Pao Chuan, Hsing-I's "pounding fist. This is a short clip from a 2 1/2-hour DVD called "Hsing-I Class Vol. 2 - Fighting Applications of the Five Fist Postures." The DVD is available at www.kungfu4u.com.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Hsing-I
• Xingyi
• xingyiquan
• taiji
• tai
• chi
• kungfu

[ninpomasta111]

Nice connection to taiji. Most people don't realize it, but those who cross train or have seen other styles realize that there are lots of similarities across moves and applications. One question I have though: isn't part of xingyi forward movement, making a straight line through the opponent? I know that xingyi makes use of dantian and internal power, but it also makes use of forward momentum and full body coordination, as follow up linear attacks are meant to drive the opponent backwards.

[kungfukennyg]

Hi ninpomasta,

Yes, you're right, Hsing-I is intended to drive through the opponent. Forward momentum doesn't always have to mean moving forward dramatically. You can drive through an opponent without moving. In most of the applications on this DVD, the concept of driving through the opponent and taking his ground is stressed. Without correct body mechanics, however, I'm sure you'll agree that you can take ground without doing proper Hsing-I.

[narayanr]

Ken is cool in my book.

[WarriorBoy]

You gave a very good explanation on the way the hip moves and aids the movement. Good teaching style and fa jin!

[berner]

I like styles that are either based solely on body mechanics, or at least teach the fundamentals of how important body mechanics are; because you can't have technique without movement.

[chansk76]

Who is this teacher? I would say that he is good...as an American Martial Arts teacher. Is XingYi commonly practised in USA?

[AganiNYC]

peace is good im glad you two are conversing peacefully as opposed to comparing styles foolishly

[ninpomasta111]

Thanks for your reply.

I do agree that as long as you have proper body mechanics, it does not really matter what the external representation is. What counts is the intention of the mind in the action. Thanks for clarifying.