INSIGHTS

   from  the              

Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Newsletter

DECEMBER 1987

  by Michael Alan Brown            President -  CYKFA

Edited by W Kraig Stephens CYKFA Black Belt #68

PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION OF THE CHING YI KUNG FU ASSOCIATION

INSIGHTS:  Xing Yi:  As most of you know, after attaining my CYKFA Black Belt in 1973, I chose the art of Xing Yi as my specialty.  Since then, I have studied, researched and practiced this system daily.  Through the years I have come to certain conclusions about Xing Yi and about the martial arts in general.  One such realization is that by definition, the term Xing Yi should encompass all martial arts, regardless of "style" or origin.  Understanding this concept can add immeasurable dimension and  freedom to the skills of any martial artist.

To experience the maximum power possible in Gong Fu, one must master the Xing, the outer form/movement/action of the body and combine it perfectly with the Yi (pronounced yee), the inner will/intent/idea.  Anything less constitutes an incomplete martial art and produces an incomplete martial artist.

We've all heard stories of great masters of the past like Wang Xiang Qi of the famed "Natural Style" of Xing Yi, who taught no forms (Xing) whatsoever to students with previous experience in other arts, or taught just a few straightforward basic actions to beginners.  The aim of such teachers was to develop their students' Yi and show them how to integrate it into their movements.  Form was held secondary and/or of slight importance by comparison.

Virtually any Xing that adheres to the basic laws of physics will suffice, but in any situation from schoolwork to business dealings to deadly combat, the Yi is everything.  Nothing can be accomplished without being initiated by the Yi, and the stronger the Yi, the more certain is success.....And the good news is, it's transferable!!  When you develop the Yi and meld it into your Gong Fu actions, you'll find yourself increasingly in control of every life situation you encounter.

The Yi is indeed the ultimate weapon available to mankind.  Fists, knives, guns, missiles, bombs -- any weapon -- all must first be set into action by the Yi of a user.  Until that time, they are merely inert Xing, with only the potential for destruction.

Right.  So now you're convinced that Mike Brown is a space case on some kind of head trip.  Forget it!!  I'm talking hard core practicality all the way.  Start a program of Yi training today and you'll prove it to yourself.

The way to develop the Yi is so simple it's ludicrous.  Step 1:  Pick out the form or style or actions that you like best or at which you feel most proficient.  (The founder(s) of the standardized Xing Yi "style" just picked out 5 simple actions they felt covered most situations.  You can do the same thing for yourself.)  Step 2:  Do the Xing you've chosen tens, hundreds, thousands of times -- every day, 365 days a year, for as much time each day as you can afford -- while concentrating intently with the eyes on the moving portion of the body (hand, foot, knee, etc.) and  with the mind on the Dan Tian.  Do not attempt to visualize results nor to direct energy to one place or another.  Step 3)  Do standing meditation as taught by Dr. Wong or as can be found in any one of a hundred books or magazine articles on the market today.  Just stand relaxed, feet shoulder width apart, arms raised to shoulder level, mind and breath concentrated in Dan Tian, spine and head erect.  Then concentrate on the Dan Tian breathing and slow it down to a minimum, paying particular attention to exhaling for as long or longer than you inhale.  Do as much of the meditation exercise as you have time for at the end of each practice session.

That's it.  Think about it.  Try it.  Regardless of how much or how little Gong Fu you have learned or remember, apply the literal meaning of "Xing Yi" to your training and I guarantee you it will change every aspect of your training and your life.