Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

I believe that this is the best hsing-i book available. There is a massive (and somewhat daunting) volume of information here. For me the most important thing about this book is that the techniques displayed here are more realistic than those in the other hsing-i books I've seen. This is not to say that the techniques of the other books are ineffective: I think that an experienced instructor could demonstrate their value. For the solitary student though, you should get as much hsing-i literature as you can. Just make this book your first.

Yet another exceedingly useful book from Shou-Yu Liang and YMAA. This book collected most of the old texts and dissertations on Hsing-Yi Chuan and presents new translations and commentaries. It also presents the root philosophies and concepts and explains their direct use in Hsing-Yi. This book is all you need to start improving your Hsing-Yi Chuan.

YMAA presents may books on the chinese arts. The cost of these books is clearly outweighed by the depth of knowledge the writer presents. Master Liang is no exception. Clearly a highly informative reference text. Pictures are useful but we all want bigger pictures.... A good buy for the Tai Chi, Buag Qua, Hsing Yi or internal stylist. (I met Master Liang at a seminar in CO long before this book was published)

This book is an invaluable resource as far as the translated writings of Yeuh-Feah. It covers all the bases regarding the basic movements. The only criticism I have is that like other books on hsin Yi it fails to present the style as it was orginally taught (e.g. military training). That fact aside, the amount of knowledge contained within is certainly the price.

This book is the best on Hsing Yi that I have ever read. Master Liang Shou-yu's exposition is thorough and clean. The inclusion of the Hsing Yi classics is a stroke of genious as these texts are seldom available in English.