Small talk on Xing Yi Quan?

To practice Chinese martial arts or any other country's martial art, it is essential to read and understand that culture. When we talk about Xing Yi Quan, it is crucial to understand what it means. Xing means the shape or look of an object, while Yi refers to the essence or meaning of that object. Therefore, Xing Yi Quan is a style that focuses on the deeper meaning of movement and not just the way elements or animals move.

For example, in the 12 animals of Xing Yi, one of the animals is the bear. In this practice, you do not copy the bear's movements, but the master studies how the bear moves, how it walks, stands up, and how it moves its body. After studying these details, the master then looks at the human body and how to incorporate these ideas and ways of movement into it. Though humans and animals have similarities, they also have differences, which the master takes into account.

This style is different from modern Chinese martial arts, which is known as Wushu. Nowadays, Wushu only focuses on how to jump higher, make more twists in the air, and make the sword twist faster, with no deeper meaning behind the movements. When practicing Xing Yi Quan, it is important to focus on the movement first with just the body, then with the mind, and finally, to let the mind travel outside of the body.

Let me use the bear as an example again. When we observe a bear standing up, how do they do it? They stand up with their heads, and when they walk, do they move their heads or necks? Not really. So let's talk about foundational movement. First, let's try to imitate that - when you walk, try not to move your neck, and when walking slowly, let your leg and hip move together. Once you can do that, it's time to make your mind work with your body. What does that mean? Let me give you another example to help you understand. When you walk, how much is under your control? How much muscle power is being wasted? You can walk with less muscle engagement, but due to some bad habits, you may be using more energy and force than necessary. When you let your mind work with your body, you need to feel and work with your body every step of the way. You need to know which muscles are moving and whether you can move them without engaging those muscles. You should also be aware of how much pressure you are putting on each step and at what angle you are stepping. Once you can do all these things, you can move on to step three - let the force travel outside your body. Let's go back to the bear example. We say you need to walk with your head, what does that mean? That means you need to feel like something is pulling your head and that you are pushing your force up to your head and above it. This is the force traveling outside your body. When you feel like a force is pulling you, that's a good place to start.

If you think that the practice described sounds a lot like Tai Chi, you are 50% correct. While the two practices are similar, there are also many differences. This is why people study different styles based on their master's suggestion, as it can help improve their skills. Even if you don't particularly like Xing Yi, it is still worth studying as it can improve your abilities in other styles that you do enjoy

What is the Xing Yi you are practice in the Monk Wise?

The Xing Yi taught at Monk Wise originates from Shanxi, China. According to legend, the founder of Xing Yi was General Yue Fei during the Song Dynasty. One day, Xing Yi master Ji Ji Ke (姬際可) traveled to Zhongnan Mountain and discovered General Yue Fei's martial arts book. Some stories claim that he learned the style from a Taoist monk. The style is said to come from the Yue style Six Harmony Spear, which is why it is also said that when one puts down the spear, they are practicing Xing Yi.

Interestingly, when Master Ji Jike taught the style to his students, it was called Xinyi (心意). According to legend, Ji Jike taught Xinyi to some Shaolin monks, which is why one of the highest systems in Shaolin is called Xin Yi Ba (心意把). Later, Xinyi was passed down to Master Li Luo Neng (李洛能) who organized the style and renamed it Xing Yi (形意). However, there is still a big argument about this. Shaolin claims that they created Xinyi and that Ji Jike was just a student at Shaolin. They also argue that Xing Yi is different from Xinyi. It is up to the individual to decide what is real and what is not.

The line:

  • Master Ji Jike (姬際可) – During the Ming dynasty, Master Ji Jike was known as the undefeated "Spear of God" and "God of the Fist".

  • Li Luo Neng (李洛能)- also known as "The Fist of God", was the teacher of the founders of Che-style (車) and Song-style (宋) Xing Yi.

  • Liu Qilan (劉奇蘭) – Master Liu, was a renowned practitioner of the dragon style in the 12 animal forms. He is credited with making the dragon style very popular, and there is a saying that goes "dragon style search deep in the bones" (龍形搜骨). Master Liu was also known for his friendly and helpful nature, and he would often assist practitioners of other styles who visited him to practice Xing Yi. One famous visitor was master Sun Lutang (孫祿堂), who was known as the number one hand of the world 天下第一手, as no one could defeat him at that time. Sun Lutang was also the founder of Sun style tai chi, Xin Yi, and Bagua, and was known as the tiger head general虎頭少保.

  • Li Cunyi (李存義)- nick name single broad sword Li. The founder of Chinese martial art/samurai association(中華武士會) This association work closely with Chin Woo Physical Association. Samurai is a Japanese word, in Chinese is Wushi (武士)

  • Chen Panling (陳泮嶺)-Vice president of the central Chinese martial art center(中央國術館).

  • Weifo Jung and Adam Woolsey

There is much more to each master's story than just two sentences. If you want to learn more, purchase the upcoming magazine issue in May.

-Wei Fo Jung

A Brief History of Tai Chi

According to legend, Tai Chi was created by Zhang Sanfeng, a Taoist monk, in the 12th century. It's said that Zhang observed a fight between a snake and a crane, which inspired him to develop a martial art based on the principles of balance and harmony.

While the legend of Zhang Sanfeng is widely popular, the historical origins of Tai Chi can be traced back to the Chen Village in Henan Province during the 17th century. It's believed that Chen Wangting, a military general and martial artist, developed the original Chen-style Tai Chi. The Chen family kept Tai Chi Quan a closely guarded secret for generations, passing it down within the family. Chen-style Tai Chi is characterized by its explosive power, fast movements, and low stances.

Over time, Tai Chi spread beyond the Chen Village, and different styles emerged, each with its unique characteristics and forms. Notable styles include Yang, Wu, Wu (Hao), and Sun styles.

Yang Luchan, a former servant in the Chen Village, is credited with popularizing Tai Chi during the 19th century. He modified the Chen-style movements, making them more accessible to the general public. Yang-style Tai Chi is known for its slow, graceful movements and is the most widely practiced style worldwide.

Tai Chi is deeply rooted in Taoist philosophy, particularly the concept of Yin and Yang, symbolizing the balance of opposites. Practitioners seek to harmonize these opposing forces within themselves.

While Tai Chi is a martial art, it's also practiced for its numerous health benefits. Its slow, gentle movements promote relaxation, improve balance, flexibility, and strength, and reduce stress.

Tai Chi has gained popularity worldwide, not only as a martial art but also as a form of exercise and meditation. It's practiced by people of all ages for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

In addition to its traditional practice, Tai Chi has also evolved into a competitive sport, with standardized forms for tournaments. However, many practitioners still focus on its original martial and health aspects.

Tai Chi continues to evolve, with new interpretations, applications, and variations emerging while still holding onto its rich historical and philosophical roots.

Morning Classes and Tai Chi Fundamentals Together At Last!

Finally Morning Classes with Tai Chi Fundamentals, Qi Gong, and Meditation.

Monk Wise Academy intorduces a Tai Chi Fundamentals class along with, Qi Gong, and Meditation.

The class will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00-9:50 A.M. at the Monk Wise Holladay Studio (3934 So.2300 East).

The class is based on basic Tai Chi movements, healthy stretching Qigong, and some Meditation. The class will be conducted through a relaxed and restorative atmosphere.

Mornings are considered the optimal time to practice the art of Tai Chi as well as the invigorating movements of Qi Gong. 

-Increase your metabolism to aid the body in maintaining a healthy weight.
-Stress Relief and management
-Increase balance in both your body and mind
-Increase core strength

 

This class is ideal for:

- Men and Women ages 40+ (Although, we do encourage young practitioners to join)

-Anyone wishing to begin an exercise regime

-Those that would like a relaxed, peaceful class to begin their day

-Someone with limited flexibility or physical challenges that would like to move in a healthy way

 

-The fundamental class will cover:

-Basic Tai Chi movements as well as an introduction to the Tai Chi 32 and basic straight sword form
-Various Qi Gong exercises designed to restore and aid the body’s most basic functions.
-Seated Meditation.

 

Membership includes unlimited attendance to our Morning Tai Chi Fundamentals classes currently offered Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Holladay Studio. (3934 S. 2300 E.) -across the street from Olympus High School

The first Month is ONLY $99 and includes all Enrollment fees, Uniform, and First Months Tuition. (BEST VALUE)

*The term "contract", even for a 12 month agreement, refers to a  60 day cancellation notice. Thanks!

Master Su Tong Yu visits Monk Wise

At a glance:  

Youth ages 4-12 Chain Whip Clinic                                                   Adult Chain Whip Clinic

Youth ages 8-12 Long Sword Clinic                                                  Adult Long Sword Clinic 

Youth ages 8-12 Tai Chi Clinic                                                             Adult Tai Chi Clinic

Look below for special pricing on bundling more than one clinic.  Also Saturday dinner.

Master Su Tong Yu comes to Monk Wise

master Su Tong Yu leading monk Wise students in taijiquan (Tai Chi)

master Su Tong Yu leading monk Wise students in taijiquan (Tai Chi)

Master Su Tong Yu will be at Monk Wise from April 22nd - 28th.  He will be teaching private lessons and conducting seminars throughout the week.  Schedule and Sign-up as soon as possible.  

Master Su Tong Yu with Janet Hough of Monk Wise

Master Su Tong Yu with Janet Hough of Monk Wise

Master Su Tong Yu with Master Woolsey

Master Su Tong Yu with Master Woolsey


Master Su Tong Yu

Miao Dao Clinic

- CLINIC WILL BE SATURDAY THE 25TH AT 12:00PM

- FEE IS $60

- MIAO DAO AND TAI CHI CLINIC COMBINED ONLY $90, SAVE $30


Master Su Tong Yu

Tai Chi Clinic

- CLINIC WILL BE SATURDAY THE 25TH AT 5:00PM

- FEE IS $60

- TAI CHI AND MIAO DAO CLINIC COMBINED ONLY $90, SAVE $30


Youth

Chain Whip Clinic

- CLINIC WILL BE FRIDAY THE 24TH AT 5:00PM

-FEE FOR CLINIC IS $45 FOR THE FIRST FAMILY MEMBER AND ONLY $25 FOR ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.

- CHAIN WHIP, AND MIAO DAO CLINIC COMBINED ONLY $90, SAVE $30


Adult

Chain Whip Clinic

- CLINIC WILL BE SUNDAY THE 26TH AT 10:00AM

- FEE FOR CLINIC IS $45 FOR THE FIRST FAMILY MEMBER AND ONLY $25 FOR ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.

- CHAIN WHIP, MIAO DAO AND TAI CHI CLINIC COMBINED ONLY $115, SAVE $50


Master Su Tong Yu has made a career of the martial arts.  Training many professional athletes.  Being a renowned master and champion himself.  :Read more about Master Su Tong Yu here  

*If interested you and a friend or family member may spend the day with Su Tong Yu and Monk Wise on April 25th.  Su Tong Yu will be in class Saturday morning.  Then we have the Miao Dao Clinic.  After that we will head down to the Japanese Festival to watch the Monk Wise performance team (we may even be able to convince Master Su Tong Yu to perform on stage as well).  After that we will be back to the studio for the Tai Chi Clinic.  After the clinic students are invited to join all of the Masters for dinner.  Again friends and family are welcome to attend any of the clinics (this is a great opportunity to get an interested friend or family member to taste the art for themselves).

We hope to see you all there!!