Hsing-I

Master Chinese internal boxing or Hsing-I with this illustrated martial arts guide. Unlike most martial arts, Chinese internal (soft-style) boxing does not depend on muscular strength. The secret behind its power lies in the cultivation and practical application of internal energy-ch'i, There are basically three soft-style martial arts: T'ai-chi, already well known worldwide, and Hsing-I and Pa-kua, relative newcomers to the West. Although they are not essentially fighting arts but living arts, they are devastating as systems of self-defense. This martial arts book outlines the history of Hsing-I-a style of boxing given form (Hsing) by the mind (i)-and gives a thorough account of the philosophy behind the techniques. It also presents to the West for the first time the orthodox style of the late Chinese Hsing-i master Ch'en P'an-ling. Described here in great detail and fully illustrated are the basic techniques, the five fists of Hsing-i, a linked form of the five fists, and the twelve animal styles.