Hsing-I, translated from Chinese as Mind Boxing/Mind, Heart Boxing, is an internal system of Chinese boxing, meditation, chi gong, and combative techniques that was developed in ancient China by Taoist Monks. Within the years 1127-1276 AD Hsing-I was popularized by General Fueh Fei who taught it to his troops during that period. Hsing-I goes way beyond a system of punching and kicking, it is rooted in the ancient Taoist philosophies of the five element theory and in Chinese healing. Hsing-I is a practical fighting system that has been used for centuries for effective self defense. The greatest benefits for Hsing-I practitioners are often gained after a number of years of practice.

Through the practice of Hsing-I, a practitioner can achieve abilities that are extremely rare in even the most skilled in other martial arts systems. The most powerful among Hsing-I masters are able to be able to destroy his opponents internal organs with a single strike. Hsing-I students who wish to achieve this level of power spend years attempting to master Hsing-I. Hsing-I is said to be easy to learn and hard to master. A typical Hsing-I practitioner may spend longer refining techniques than a practitioner of other systems of martial arts not because the move is more inefficient, but because the move requires more subtle movements within the body in order to create the force needed to develop the very devastating power of Hsing-I.  Master James W. McNeil says ‘’It is an internal system and is therefore most concerned with the cultivation of chi. When chi is held in the lower abdomen or tan tien, the body will be harmonious and stable. When chi erupts from the tan tien, power is produced to work the forge of the will. The power is held within until it is used and then regenerated. Every movement contains the theory of yin and yang, or true not true. Every move must be creative and destructive and combine the long and short. Hsing-I is devastating because of the eight fundamentals of Hsing-I, the theories of touch-go-kiss, true not true, and the seven stars of Hsing-I, along with the power of the five elements that follow the laws of nature. There is no power greater than the elements, for they constitute all power.’’

Hsing-I is an excellent martial art for a person who wishes to practice martial arts throughout their whole life or wishes to experience some of the more long term health benefits of internal martial arts. As in all styles, practitioners of this style become better with the amount of practice, but unlike some other styles they are never too old to practice their art. Hsing-I helps a practitioner stay fit and healthy even in old age by strengthening the internal organs and increasing the Chi and energy flowing within the body. Internal martial arts practitioners increase in power with regular practice, not by being the biggest and strongest. These qualities do help in the beginning, but as time progresses the level of skill and diligence of practice are the only factors that matter.

There are three principles of Hsing-I: refine "ching" or seminal essence, to chi; refine chi to "shen", or spiritual essence; refine "shen" back into emptiness, or prenatal awareness. The three major steps are: modify bones; modify muscles, modify the spinal cord. The three ways to practice Hsing-I are: visible strength, invisible strength, refined inner strength. These principles will help you transform your mind and body to its prenatal state. The Chinese believe that a child's mind is like a blank tape. After years of problems and troubles, the slate must be wiped clean. This is the objective of Hsing-I. It is common knowledge that most children heal faster and are generally more fit and flexible than most adults. Returning to this condition will make you physically and mentally healthy and help prolong your life. Hsing-I involves two levels of study. The first consists of understanding the way of power, naturally cultivating the chi and defeating an opponent in no sign. The second level consists of learning how to dissolve power, learning how to change the marrow in the body, and achieving a state of spiritual emptiness. One's offense or defense follows the heart and mind. The posture should be gentle and the power should be in harmony with hard and soft.’’

Says Sifu James W. McNeil. A devastating blow from a Hsing-I master will many times look only like a subtle touch. The fighting power of the internal arts comes from a series of factors all taking place simultaneously including the ability to use the whole body as one with proper timing, hitting an opponent with an impact that when applied correctly is the equivalent of hitting them with large heavy object traveling at high velocity with pin point accuracy.  Other factors that contribute to the power include being supple and sensitive, well remaining centered and solid at the moment of impact,  as well as using the power of ones opponents energies to suck them in to a vortex of destruction.

The power of Hsing-I is not just punching and kicking, but in the ability to feel what an opponent is going to do and respond with an effective counter attack that will make an opponent feel impotent and unable to attack. Hsing-I not only physically destroys an opponent, it also crushes their ability and will to fight by cutting off an opponents punches at the source.  The internal arts believe in cultivating the strength of the internal organs and see them as a source of power, and strength.     

Hsing-I classes and private lessons include the Five Elements and the Twelve Animal forms, practical and advanced Fighting Applications, Sitting and Standing Taoist Meditation, Chi Gong and Nei Gong exercises, Traditional Chinese Healing, Chinese Weapon (staff), Push Hands, Tien Gunn and a variety of other martial skills.

Weekly Hsing-I Kung Fu Classes. Every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Call or email for details