Hsing Yi Chuan: Theory and Applications (Chinese Internal Martial Art) [Paperback]

Shou-Yu Liang (Author), Jwing-Ming Yang (Author), Alan Dougall (Author)

Book Description

Series: Chinese Internal Martial Art | Publication Date: February 27, 1996

Traditional training methods from this well-known Chinese martial art.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Ymaa Publication Center (February 27, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940871084
• ISBN-13: 978-0940871083
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,624,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The translations are invaluable yet illustrations lacking, October 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Hsing Yi Chuan: Theory and Applications (Chinese Internal Martial Art) (Paperback)

I found the translations in this edition are essential for those who seek the in-depth subtle side if this art. However, the illustrations feature the authors (no dis-respect intended)clearly breaking many of the foundations of form that are essential to all aspects of Hsing Yi Chuan, such as maintaining an erect spine while moving through the forms and maintaing the torso at a constant height as the forms are executed. While this is another of Yang's masterful and insight-ful texts, with the usual precious hard-to-find translations, I find it lacking in the detail he affords to his other books as well deficient in the emphasis on core Hsing Yi stances common to all systems of this art. These opinions aside, this text is obviously a must-own for all interested in this unique and beautiful art.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars buy this book only if you like to think, July 23, 2003

By 

"healingmindn" (Mountain View, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hsing Yi Chuan: Theory and Applications (Chinese Internal Martial Art) (Paperback)

The reason I especially like Yang's books is that they force the student to think outside of the "box." Yang realizes full well that a martial arts book can only enhance - not replace live instruction. As a former university teacher he is used to forcing his students to think outside of the "box." If you have been through enough college texts, then you know that they will solve the simpler problems up front and leave the more complex ones for the students to solve, thus forcing them to think outside of the "box." At the introduction of Yang's "Hsing Yi Chuan" he also describes Tai Chi Chuan, Ba Gua Chang, and the ultimate combination of all three internal styles, Liu Ho Ba Fa. At appendix A containing "Yeuh Fei's Ten Important Theses" the concept of inserting the other internal styles is implied in certain concepts: For example, in the "Thesis of Stepping," the concept of "hern," to enwrap the opponent's attack to the side, is integral to the practice of Pa Gua Chang. Another example is in the passage, "If your opponent remains calm for a long time, you may want to do something to make him move first. Then you have to borrow a technique. This means that you temporarily `borrow` a technique to use it as a fake - it is not your actual attack. Such techniques cause the opponent to move and break down his concentration on his defense..." This tactic implies the "listening" of Tai Chi Chuan.

In essence, the text forces the student to think outside of the "box" of Hsing Yi Chuan. That's what all the old songs, sonnets, and original Chinese texts are for throughout Yang's books; they force the readers to think outside the "box." The same can be said for "Liang Zhen Pu Eight Diagram Palm" by Li Zi Ming which is clearly for advanced students. This book consists mostly of translations of old songs and philosophy up front with a few pictorials at the back, but the purpose is clear; it's meant only as an enhancement to live training that forces the reader to think and translate those those thoughts externally to his practice. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not like being forced to think because they are too convenience oriented, so they poo poo on books like these.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the ultimate Hsing Yi book, September 20, 2002

By 

AK van Deelen "Alex K. van Deelen" (The Hague, The Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hsing Yi Chuan: Theory and Applications (Chinese Internal Martial Art) (Paperback)

This is probably the best and most lucid book available on Hsing Yi (Xing I). Although Hsing Yi doesn't seem to be the core art of either of the authors, the writing is reasonably straightforward, and there are translations of Yueh Fei and similar texts.

The 5 fists are described, with one form tying them together and another form from master Liang Shou Yu, incorporating the 12 animals. The two man form, Ann Shan Pau is shown, and a double deer hook set is demonstrated by dr. Yang. There are also 12 Chi Kung exercises included.

The setup of this book is that the ancient texts are first shown in Chinese, then literally translated (in boldface) and then briefly interpreted and discussed.

There is also an accompanying video available separately.