Shang Style Xing Yi page #3

Demonstrator/Teacher: Li Hong. Li's father is Li Wen Bin, the last inner student of Shang Yun Xiang "Iron Leg Buddha". Shang is one of the best representatives of HeBei style Xing Yi which specializes in "Wave Power". Li Hong is currently the inheritor of the style which is derived from Li Cun Yi. We have another series with Li Hong but this is the more traditional series of sets, not the contemporary competition group.

Shang style Xing Yi (Form of the Mind) Boxing is one of the strongest and most representative styles of the HeBei branch of Xing Yi. The moves in this series represent traditional Xing Yi with an emphasis on two person sets and the important weapons.

VCD#1111 Shang XY Six Harmony Saber
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

So here's how it goes. Not every good or great Chinese martial artist is a professional. Certainly some of the greats are not, this is common knowledge. And among the professionals not all of them actually ARE professional, in attitude and manners as well as skill. But Li Hong is a professional. His performance shows it. Everything is honed and controlled. This is not a fancy set but it is remarkable clear and direct and, in that way as well as a few others, perfectly exemplifies the elegance of Xing Yi. His turns are on the dot, his Kan (hacks) are to the single hair. Liu He Saber is a well known XY set and harkens back to the belief that Yue Fei might have been seminal in the creation of both Xing Yi and Liu He Boxing.

VCD#1112 Shang XY Six Harmony Sword
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

This is a well performed and extensive sword set. Fairly complex but straight forward movements done with great precision and alacrity. The form has a definite Xing Yi flavor with thematic repeats and strong twirling moves. Not a beginner's set and not a light, dancing style series of motions. This, like the one above, are said to relate to the earlier name of XIN Yi Boxing.

VCD#1113 Shang XY Five Elements Saber
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

A short, fast set with more angle changes than that of the Six Harmony. More running steps, too and even a couple of movements that could easily translate into double handed action with this weapon. This is considered a fundamental set for capturing Xing Yi's flavor and transfering it to the instrument.

VCD#1114 Shang XY Five Elements Sword
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

The Five Element Sword is a faster, more footwork oriented set than that of the Six Harmony. Also more spinning moves. Other than that it shares with Six Harmony the same strengths of presentation and explanation.

VCD#1115 Shang XY 12 Animals
Four VCDs, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Each presentation of the Xing Yi style has either the 10 or 12 "shapes" or animals. This is a long, very detailed presentation of that fundamental aspect of Xing Yi training and, to our minds, one of the best we have to present. Li Hong's demonstration and explanation are quite detailed where he and a student show the basic lines along with many key points on execution. Pure and clear instruction with tight form and an eye for detail. This starts with the classic ten animals: Dragon, Monkey, Horse, Cock, Swallow, Sparrow Hawk, Snake, Eagle and Bear, said to be passed down by Xing Yi's creator: Dai Long Ban. TeacherLi Luo Neng then added the Crocodile and the Falcon and renamed the style XIN Yi - this according to one version at least.

VCD#1116 Shang XY Linked Double Sabers
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

These Xing Yi Double Sabers show the strength of the style. Rather than the usual emphasis on rolls and spins this very good set shows hacking, thrusting and cutting moves in a constant alteration of separated hand and synchronized hand moves. One of the better twin saber sets we have, regardless of style. Not an easy set to learn, though. This was developed by Li Wen Bing's teacher, Shuang Yuan Xiang who demonstrated this at a large relief gathering for the Yellow River Diaster.