06/13/2025
A lateral view of Sun style Hsing-I Chuan's five core energy flow patterns. Although they almost appear like some sort of periodic waveforms or primitive cuneiform writing, they generally represent the travel pathways of the art's movement and power. These patterns are attained by proper body structure, step work, and sinking/rootedness. Momentum and weight disposition are also used in Hsing-I to enhance force and striking power. The word, "energy" should not by sullied by notions of mystical or supernatural power. In our system, "energy" is simply another way to express force or power (behind a technique) and the development of such force/power.
The "Chopping Fist" (劈拳 - Pek Kuen or Pi Chuan - a.k.a. "Splitting" or "Cutting Fist", or "Chopping Fist") corresponds with metal and its organ is the lung. Its element and organ refers to its motion, energy flow and torso movement. It possesses the energy of lifting and dropping, as if one were swinging a heavy metal axe overhead and downward, with the intention of chopping or splitting. As such, this technique is used to neutralize an opponent's force by jamming and dividing their energy or force. Its power can be compared to an extremely heavy weight suddenly pressing forward and down at the same time.
The "Crushing Fist" (崩拳 - B**g Kuen or Beng Chuan - a.k.a. "Crashing" or "Collapsing Fist") corresponds with wood and its organ is the liver. It possesses the energy of simultaneously extending and contracting, with the fists drawing inward and shooting outward, like "a continuous barrage of arrows". The fists move in an almost flat, vertical circle from the Dan-Tien. This technique develops "short power" and became the basis for what is often known today as the "one-inch punch". Its power can be compared to a heavy speeding truck that suddenly puts on the brakes, with all its impetus suddenly moving to the very front of the vehicle.
The "Drilling Fist" (躦拳 - Joon Kuen or Zuan Chuan) corresponds with water and its organ is the kidney. It possesses the energy of constant bending or curving, like a flowing current, reaching and penetrating even the smallest of targets. It draws its power from the lower back, around the kidneys. This technique is used to simultaneously circle over the top of an opponent's attack, smother it, and strike. Its power can be compared to a great curling wave of water.
The "Cannon Fist" (炮拳- Bao Kuen or Pao Chuan - a.k.a. "Blasting Fist") corresponds with fire and its organ is the heart. Its energy is one of a continuous expanding and contracting action similar to the sudden firing of a cannon or an explosion. The most visibly aggressive of the Hsing-I's Five Elements, its power moves upward along the body and outward while advancing at different angles. This technique works to get inside of the opponent's centerline, working up from below to overwhelm and uproot, just as fire consumes upward. Its power can be compared to that of a projectile exploding up and outward very quickly.
The "Crossing Fist" (横拳 - Wong Kuen or Heng Chuan) corresponds with earth and its organ is the stomach and/or digestive tract (it's also associated with the spleen). The "Crossing Fist" is essentially a merging of the other four elements (just like the earth combines all of the previous elements) and possesses the energy of continuous gathering and twisting. The fists twist and drill outward and inward simultaneously, as the body turns (similarly with the step work of the "Cannon Fist"). The striking fist drills upward and outward, under the retreating fist. This technique also provides some essential Chin-Na principles. In fact, most of Chin-Na's small wrap and elbow wrap type of techniques can be found in the "Crossing Fist". Its power is derived from the horizontal displacement of force similar to that of a whipping alligator tail.
"Hsing" (形) basically means "form" or "shape". The art follows the concepts of the classical Chinese Five Elements for the best function of human body movement. Metal, wood, water, fire and earth metaphorically represent five different states of combat and serve as an interpretative framework, or "combat formula", for reacting and responding to attacks. "I" (意) means "mind" or "intellect", as the mind directs all of these movements. Each element has a different energy pattern that's directed by the mind to different parts of the body to create or enhance power. The external movements—or form—is learned first. Once these are refined, the mind can direct these energy patterns more actively. "Chuan" (拳) means "fist" or "form of martial art". This simply identifies Hsing-I Chuan as a martial art. Beyond its martial aspects, Hsing-I's Five Elements are also associated with the Internal organs and its practice is designed to invigorate and "massage" those organs for health-giving and therapeutic benefits.
As one of the three major forms of Internal kung-fu (along with Tai Chi and Pa-Kua), Hsing-I can trace its roots to Shaolin and was originally developed by Yue Fei in the Northern Song Dynasty. It later became standardized between the end of the Ming Dynasty and the early part of the Ching Dynasty. Since then, Hsing-I developed into three schools, designated by their geographic origin: Hobei (Hebei), Shansi (Shanxi) and Honan (Henan). These schools all more or less share the same fundamentals of the art. The style of Hsing-I featured in our curriculum is the Sun style, which is of the Hobei school.
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