Xingyiquan – Foundation – The Songs

[Xue Sheng]

The Songs are basically Poem, written in Chinese many many years ago (some claim a thousand years ago or more) so those training Xingyiquan could better understand the style. They were all written in Chinese and what I plan on posting here are translations from various sources. I hope they are of interest to some. Things in parenthesis were added by the translators to make it easier for us to understand

There are multiple books out there with Xingyiquan Songs in them but I this one was in

Xingyiquan
Theory, Applications, Fighting Tactics and Spirit
by Liang Shouyu and Dr Yang Jwing Ming

Five Basic Patterns of Xingyiquan

Piquan belongs to metal in the five phases: it is able to nourish the lungs. If its Jin is smooth, the lung qi will be harmonious. Because man is mastered by qi, when qi is harmonious, then the body is naturally strong.

Zuanquan belongs to water in the five phases; it is able to nourish the kidneys. The flowing of its qi is like the water flowing in the curve (i.e. river), nowhere will not be reached. When its qi is harmonious, then the kidneys are firm, the clean qi will rise and the dirty qi will sink.

Bengquan belongs to wood in the five phases; it is able to ease the liver, and is the stretching and withdrawing of ones qi. When its fist is smooth, then the liver will be peaceful and the spirit of vitality will grow; (is is also) able to strengthen the tendons and bones (i.e., physical body), and enhance the condition of the brain.

Paoquan belongs to fire in the five phases. It is an opening and closing of ones qi. (It is) like the explosion of a cannon. When its qi is harmonious, then within the heart will be light and agile, the body will be comfortable and invigorated.

Hengquan belongs to earth; it is able to nourish the spleen and harmonize the stomach. (It is) the gathering of ones Qi. Its shape is round and its characteristic is solid. When qi is smooth, then the five phases will be harmonious and hundreds of lives will be produced.

The shape of Piquan is like an axe therefore it belongs to metal. The appearance of Zuanquan is like thunder, therefore it belongs to water. The aspect of Bengquan is like an arrow, therefore it belongs to wood. The appearance of Paoquan is like a cannon, therefore it belongs to fire. The configuration of Hengquan is like a ball therefore it belongs to earth. Form the theory of mutual production, Piquan is able to generate Zuanquan, Zuanquan is able to produce Bengquan, Bengquan is able to yield Paoquan, Paoquan is able to generate Hengquan, and finally Hengquan is able to produce Piquan. From the theory of mutual conquest, Piquan is able to conquer Bengquan, Bengquan is able to defeat Hengquan, Hengquan is able to surpass Zuanquan, Zuanquan is able to conquer Paoquan, and Paoquan is able to defeat Piquan

Wuxingquan > 5 Elements Fist > basic forms of Xingyiquan

Piquan > Splitting Fist or Metal
Zuanquan > Drilling Fist or Water,
Bengquan > Crushing Fist or Wood
Paoquan > cannon/pounding Fist or Fire,
Hengquan > Crossing Fist or Earth.

 

[Xue Sheng]

This too is from

Xingyiquan
Theory, Applications, Fighting Tactics and Spirit
by Liang Shouyu and Dr Yang Jwing Ming

The Song of fighting #1

(In) the technique of striking, you must move your body first. It is real only when both your feet and hands arrive (together). The fist is shaped like a cannon and the body is bent like a dragon. When you encounter the opponent, it is like your body is on fire

When the striking Yi is generated, the head is in the center. When the entire body arrives all together, the opponent cannot defend. The feet are stepping in the center door to occupy the advantageous position. Even if (your opponent) is a fairy, he will have difficulty defending.

(When) the shoulder is striking for one Yin, you again return with one Yang. Both hands are always hidden in a dark place. Left and right (strikes) all depend on the advantages of postures. Withdrawing and extending (are just) two words, one life will be terminated.

(When) the hands strike, the Yi s on the (opponent’s) chest. This vehemence is like a tiger leaping towards a lamb. (When) you stick firmly and use Li, they should be extended and loose. The two elbows should always (remain) hidden under the armpits

(When) knee are used for striking, they can cause death. Two hands feint movement in the upper center. (It is) a marvelous secret and you are advised to practice diligently. Unlimited happiness will be gained from strengthening the body and defeating the opponent.

(When) the feet step, the Yi must be firm and accurate and not enter the emptiness. The message (i.e. key) relies entirely on the rear leg’s kicking. (When) storing your Yi, you should prevent being sensed by your opponent. (When) you start to move, it is like a tornado.

The Song of fighting #2

(When) the fists are used for striking, the shape of the three sections cannot be seen. If the shape of the shadow can be seen, then (the strike) cannot be said to be proficient. Proficiency comes right after the end of the thought, and does not dally with thought. The proficiency is (generated) before the Qi and not after the Qi.

(When) the hips are used for striking the middle section, both of them are connected. Yin and Yang are mutually combined is hard to obtain. (If) the external hips are like a fish jumping, then (it will be) hard to hide the stepping (i.e. strategy) and change postures in the internal hips

(When) the knees are striking at several places, the opponent will not know (They are) like a fierce tiger escaping from the cage: the body is harmonious when turning, do not stop your movement. Repel left and right clearly and strike as desired

When the hips and the tail are used for striking, movement up and down cannot be seen. It is like a fierce tiger entering and leaving a cave

Yi > Mind
Qi > Energy

 

[Haris Lamboo Faisal]

Very interesting read.