Xingyi, Five Element Strikes

This class covers the first Xingyi technique: Pi Quan or Chop. This is a downward strike combined with an upward intecept.

Additionally, we go through a warm up and conditioning sequence, including footwork drills to develop Xingyi's launching power.

This reference video allows you to review the Pi Quan - Chop and to preview the rest of the course material.

Use this video to practice the Chop at a typical speed, paying attention to footwork as well as hand technique. Follow along for the other four techniques and the routine to familiarize yourself with the material.

This lesson covers the second technique, Zuan Quan or Drill. This is a upward strike combined with a downward covering block.

This lesson also includes a warm up and conditioning sequence that builds on the last lesson.

This reference video allows you to review the Zuan Quan - Drill and to preview the rest of the course material.

Use this video to practice the Chop and the Drill at a typical speed, paying attention to footwork as well as hand technique. Follow along for the other three techniques and the routine to familiarize yourself with the material.

This lesson covers the third strike, the Beng Quan or Drive. This is midline, forward strike that can be done with either front or back timed footwork.

The warm up and condition for this lesson includes the short stance footwork used for this technique.

This reference video allows you to review the 1st three strikes and to preview the rest of the course material.

Use this video to practice the Chop, Drill & Drive at a typical speed, paying attention to footwork as well as hand technique. Follow along for the remaining techniques and the routine to familiarize yourself with the material.

 Make a recording of yourself performing the 1st three strikes, Pi Quan, Zuan Quan & Beng Quan.

Upload the video as an unlisted/private video on youtube.com, vimeo.com, Google Drive, or another free service. Please ensure the video can be streamed! File transfers requiring download will not be accepted.

Send me the streamable link via email: james@eastmountain.ca. I will respond with detailed feedback as soon as I’m able.

Tips for recording video:

• Cell phones or laptops are a convenient way to record video. If using a cell phone, consider having someone film for you or use a stand. Here’s a video on how to make a phone tripod with just a paper towel roll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCF-uPQ4zzo

• If you have an option for setting the video quality, avoid high quality (makes the file size too large). Medium or low quality settings are typically fine.
• Don’t have bright windows or other bright lights behind you. This will turn you into a silhouette. Try to position yourself so that the camera is between you and main light sources.
• Try to ensure you stay in the frame of the recording. Watch that the left and right edges of the frame don’t cut off hands or feet.
• Ideal is to position the camera so all of you, from head to feet, is recorded. But if you don’t have enough room, then please ensure that your feet, legs, torso and arms are in the picture.
• Review the video before you send it. It doesn’t need to be perfect in terms of recording or performance. Just an accurate reflection of your practice to date.

Recording your practice is an excellent way to see your progress objectively. Often students immediately see details they want to correct! It also serves as a reference point that you can return to, letting you see your improvements over time.