A book that goes into detail about various internal martial arts iron body conditioning exercises and protocols. This book seeks to archive this information for future generations of practitioners.

With detailed photographs and clear instruction for practice, this is the first book comprehensively to cover the history, development and training methods of this rarely taught esoteric internal martial art. The deceptively simple postures and movements of Yiquan are highly effective for achieving results for both health and combat, making it very appealing to martial artists, and Master Tang here reveals the secrets of a martial art still surrounded in mystery. He also provides a history of the origins and lineage of the Yiquan tradition, as well as detailed information on the stances and movements, weapons, and programs, grading and teaching. This complete guide to Yiquan will be essential for anyone interested in Yiquan or oriental martial and internal arts more generally.

Xing Yi Quan is an old combat style from China which is still popular, easpecially amongst bodyguards. This new book on Xing Yi takes an in-depth look at the advanced fighting strategies of Tai (Flycatcher) and Tuo (Crocodile) Xing which were added to the art by Master Li Neng Ran.

A book covering the tactical theories, training methods and philosophy of Xingyi as taught to Mike Patterson by the late Hsu Hong Chi of Taiwan. Shrfu Patterson is widely considered to be one of the foremost experts in the world on the art of Xingyi. With over 40 years experience (at time of writing) as a fighter, coach and teacher, he has authored a masterpiece covering all aspects of this discipline. His immense experience is gleaned from the crucible of continuous and true testing of Xingyi's tenets. The crucible of first being a successful full contact fighter himself and then following that experience by becoming a successful full contact coach, training and guiding 37 full contact champions throughout the 80's and 90's until retirement from coaching in 2000. This book covers the Hsing I (xingyi) taught to him by Hsu Hong Chi (XuHongJi) in thorough detail. Theory, mechanics and strategy of the five fists and twelve animals are covered with emphasis placed on opening/closing phases of core power generation. Perspectives on training, skill development, conditioning, meditation/energetics, partner drilling, strategy and cultivation are all discussed thoroughly. This is a work designed to present Xingyi in a plain English, straightforward manner. Great lengths are taken to explain concept with science while offering simple physical "proofs" to test the veracity of the methods. The author avoids subject matter that has been done to death (i.e. history) in other books to instead put forth concrete methodology allowing practitioners to "marry" traditional practice to real world application. To this end, the book also covers R.S.P.C.T. (Realistically Structured Progressive Combat Training). RSPCT is a contemporary methodology of translating Xingyi concepts and tactics into viable combat skills through specific partner training. This method is time tested under the pressure of full contact competition. RSPCT was invented and synthesized as a stand alone program to train effective fighting for competition or street environments. Five tiers, ten categories of training methods, drills and exercises are discussed in depth. It is a training methodology that can be applied to any martial discipline for effective real world application. The book is punctuated by personal anecdotes which drive home certain salient points within the scope of the work as only a person who has lived this path can ascertain. The book contains 266 pages, at 8 1/2 x 11, and over 700 photos and illustrations. A summary of the main table of contents follows: (1)Statement of Purpose; (2)History; (3)Memories of Master Hsu; (4)Building The Wall; (5)Meditation & Energetics; (6)Hsin, I, Li, Chi, Jin; (7)Importance of Ritual; (8)Song of Pi; (9)Song of Tsuan; (10)Song of Peng; (11)Song of Pao; (12)Song of Heng; (13)Theory and Principle of the Ma (Horse); (14)Theory and Principle of the Yao (SparrowHawk); (15)Theory and Principle of the Ing Shyung (Eagle/Bear); (16)Theory and Principle of the Dou Gi (Cockerel); (17)Theory and Principle of the Sir (Snake); (18)Theory and Principle of the Tow (Tortise/Alligator); (19)Theory and Principle of the Gi (Rooster); (20)Theory and Principle of the Tai (Phoenix) Hsing; (21)Theory and Principle of the Yen (Swallow); (22)Theory and Principle of the Hou (Monkey); (23)Theory and Principle of the Fhu (Tiger); (24)Theory and Principle of the Lung (Dragon); (25)Practical Practice; (26)Paired Drills; (27)Three Basin Theory; (28)The High Low Poker Game; (29)The Nine Essences; (30)The Seven Stars; (31)The Eight Fundamentals; (32)Energy Release; (33)The Five Forces; (34)The Five Key Words; (35)Essential Knowledge - 24 Stems, 5 Roots; (36)The Three Powers; (37)Yin & Yang Theory; (38)R.S.P.C.T. (Realistically Structured Progressive Combat Training); (39)RSPCT Tier 1 - Reflexive; (40)RSPCT Tier 2 - Structural; (41)RSPCT Tier 3 - Perceptual; (42)RSPCT Tier 4 - Conceptual; (43)RSPCT Tier 5 - Tempering; (44)Closing Commentary

Literally translated as "Form-Intention Boxing," Xing Yi Quan emphasizes internal movement within external stillness. Practicing Xing Yi trains the practitioner to actualize the instinctive, hair-trigger reactions of the human body in direct, powerful movements. Xing Yi training focuses on natural, integrated movement, whole body breathing, and the movement of Qi (vital energy), rather than external technique. Rooted in Daoist meditation and longevity practices, and Chinese medical and martial art traditions dating back into antiquity, Xing Yi Quan training draws upon ancient Daoist meditation and inner alchemical practices that transform the body's internal structure, while confronting and dispelling extraneous thoughts to actualize true Intention, thereby providing the practitioner with a comprehensive method of actualizing his or her own inherent potential. Xing Yi Quan: Art of Inner Transformation is not a how-to book. In this fascinating meditation on the art of Xing Yi Quan and its many applications to life and living, author Tom Bisio discusses the many facets of this ancient art: - What is Xing Yi Quan? - The Relationship of Xing Yi Quan to Daoism - Xing Yi Quan and the Five Elements - The Health Benefits of Xing Yi Quan - Xing Yi Quan Training - Suitability of Xing Yi Quan for Different Ages & Lifestyles - Xing Yi Quan as a Martial Art - Xing Yi Quan as a Psycho-Spiritual Path Xing Yi Quan has five key movements, known as The Five Elements, or The Five Fists. Each of the Five Fists has a specific internal action and intention that is simultaneously energy enhancing, combative, and strengthens and harmonizes the internal organs. Practicing the Five Fists cultivates Qi and develops practical fighting skills. In Xing Yi Quan: Art of Inner Transformation Tom Bisio explains how the postures and movements of Xing Yi Quan open the body's energy pathways (meridians), promoting health and well-being, while simultaneously arousing and enlivening the Qi, so that there is no gap between intention and action.

The ancient Taoists developed extraordinary abilities through the practice and perfection of methods that cultivated chi. They could nourish their existence and cultivate a healthy, energetic life-span, with some living to be 150 years of age. The internal aspects of martial arts is a subject discussed by everyone who practices kung-fu, but is known and actually employed by only a few.

This meticulously researched and eminently readable study considers the economic, political, and religious factors that led Shaolin monks to disregard the Buddhist prohibition against violence and instead create fighting techniques that by the 21st century have spread throughout the world.