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Xingyi & Spear Seminar Summary
Xingyi and Xingyi Spear seminar with Andrea Falk
We have re-introduced the Xingyi curriculum with Andrea Falk’s visits to Guelph.New students covered Santishi stance and three of the five fundamental strikes: Pi (chop), Drive (beng) and Pao (Cannon).The Santishi stance is characterized by a center-line alignment, the stance is back weighted and there is a dynamic tension between the front and back legs. Andrea Falk’s translation, “Di Gouyong on Xingyiquan” includes a full discussion of the role of stance training for Xingyi. One of the goals of this training is building the Xingyi body structure;“Standing for a long time sets the body into the correct position. The beginner learns to self-correct and gradually builds correct and unchanging positions. This creates a solid foundation for learning future movements and skills, and the body will naturally hit the correct positions when moving into stances.”The Pi (Chop), like all of the fundamental techniques requires a centre-line alignment and application of full body power. It is a downward strike; the standard Pi is done with the palm. It requires the movements be continuous and connected - especially the timing of footwork and hands.The Beng (Drive) is a direct forward strike. While the hands alternate between left and right, the feet don’t change - one leg (back leg) always pushing off. The timing of the strike can be either front timed (hitting as the front leg lands) or back timed (hitting as the back leg lands). Front timed Beng is faster, but the back timed Beng can generate more force.The Pao (Cannon) practice involves zig-zag footwork, and combines simultaneous blocking and striking. ”Di Gouyong on Xingyiquan”describes Pao this way,“Gunpowder exploding in a cannon launches the cannonball instantaneously towards the enemy. Then the cannonball explodes with unstoppable destructive ferocity. The Cannon technique imitates this explosive ferocity. The technique enters fiercely, nothing can stop it and nothing can block it.”Returning students practiced the two-person routine, An Shan Pao. This routine builds on both the five strikes and the twelve animal techniques. Practicing it helps to refine power and alignment of the various techniques as well as teaching timing and correct distance. It is also fiendishly difficult.
Xingyi Spear Seminar
Following the Xingyi, Chinese Spear (Qiang) was taught. The spear is often called the King of weapons, in part because of its versatility and also because of the skill required to use it proficiently. Xingyiquan is based off of spear stance and structure, making Xingyi spear ideal for grasping this weapon’s fundamentals.
The five central spear techniques were taught and practiced:ThrustDrillSlashChopCrosscutLike the bear hand techniques, each of the five train different types of attack. It is worth mentioning that these are different from staff techniques, because the spear is an edged weapon. The power needs to be sent to the spear tip, and speed and accuracy are important to bear in mind.The Xingyi Spear Linking Routine was also covered. This routine combines the five key techniques with offensive and defensive footwork. It also teaches how to link techniques and how to vary the timing of movements.(Note on the video links: students can contact me for the password. The linking routine was filmed in a small room, which explains why the Pi/chop was done stepping backwards and why I was always looking up to avoid spearing the lights. The lack of finesse, I can’t blame on the room…)Andrea Falk’s next visit to Guelph will be June, 2013.Posted on February 21, 2013 with 3 notes
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Posted on January 9, 2013 with 2 notes
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New Chen Taiji Monday evening class starts January 14th!
Posted on January 7, 2013
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Winter Session Begins January 9th
Posted on January 3, 2013
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The five fundamental strikes build the structure, alignment and speed essential to Xingyi.
A video reference of all five fundamental strikes can be found on Vimeo. Stone Lantern sudents can contact me for the password.
Posted on October 23, 2012 with 7 notes
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New Location!
The finishing touches are almost complete to Stone Lantern’s new home - 42 Quebec Street, 2nd floor. Across from The Bookshelf, the new studio is right downtown, and shared with Jack Yan’s Tai Chi club.
Check the class schedule for evening classes. And watch for upcoming events once we have settled in.
Posted on September 20, 2012 with 2 notes
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Fall Session Wednesdays, Sept 5th to Dec 12th
See club schedule for details.
Posted on August 31, 2012
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Chinese Sabre Fundamentals - Seminar Summary
The session began with an explanation of the sabre’s shape, characteristics and usage. Compared with the sword (jian) the Sabre is heavier and edged only on one side. Because of the heavier construction, it is more capable of being used for blocks. It’s primarily a slicing and chopping weapon and while capable of being used for thrusts, it’s asymmetrical shape makes this technique less effective. The flat spine allows the left hand to be used to support the blade when slicing and blocking, and allows the weapon to wrap around the body and be held or swung overhead safely.
The fundamental wrapping drill (chan tou guo nao) was taught. As a fundamental exercise it is practiced with the spine of the blade coming into contact with the body. As a practical technique, this allows you to know where the blade is without looking. The exercise also teaches coordination between the two hands and proper extension.
The following techniques were shown and practiced:
- Slice
- Chop
- Hook
- Pierce
- Roll/Block
- Full Flower - deflect and chop combined
For those familiar with the Chen Taiji Sabre routine, the form was practiced and each technique analyzed. Others used Xingyi Sabre techniques to practice use of the Sabre.
Posted on July 4, 2012 with 3 notes
Discover the Internal Arts
Classes in Qigong (Qi Gong), Taiji (Tai Chi), Xingyi (Hsin i) and Bagua (Pa Kua) in Guelph, Ontario. Learn these
traditions in an open, non-competitive environment.
Information on the club, class schedules and resources for students can be found in the navigation bar above.
I hope the blog entries below provide interesting reading and food for thought for everyone interested in the internal arts.
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