Xingyi Quan Basic Skills

(The information presented here is taken from an article in the March 1987 issue of Wushu Jianshen
Magazine which was written by Shang Ji of the Xian Xingyi Bagua Sanshou Research Institute.)

Xingyi Quan basic skills, that is the specific regulation of inner door Xingyi Quan, are for
prolonging years and nurturing life. Study the routines well and the correct grasp of the essential
skills is absolutely necessary for fundamental training. This is the so-called If the roots are deep,
the leaves will be profuse; if the roots are solid, the branches will be luxuriant.
Xingyi Quan is an excellent combination of Body, Function, and Skill. It is one of the Internal
martial arts. It pays attention to inner and outer dual cultivation combining spirit qi and form into
one. Inside has the qi flying and soaring. Outside has the posture changing and transforming. The
energy has rising and falling, vertical and horizontal, sucking in and spitting out, hard and soft,
three combined to make one. The methods allow for nurturing life and subtle function in fighting.
Because of this, the beginning student must first progress through the basic training exercises of the
three aspects of qi, form and energy. Then you can begin to practice the fists. Therefore Xingyi
Quan basic skills must include the four aspects of regulating the meridians, nurturing the zhen qi,
fixed forms, and solidifying the lower basin.
All the old martial arts teachers each had their own methods for training these basic skills. The
author studied with Mr. Liu Weixiang in Beijing. Mr. Liu had Guo Yunshens strength, Song
Shirongs softness, and Bai Siyuans skills. His basic exercises emphasized the post skills. These
train simultaneously the qi, form and energy. His training methods can be divided into standing
post and moving posts which are described below.
STANDING POST SKILLS
Standing Post is a type of training method where one stands erect without moving according to
specified requirements. It is the foundation of the inner door patterns of Xingyi Quan. The skills of
the old masters come from post training. Mr. Liu Lao commonly said, Three Pi Quans are not as
good as one post. Shang Yunxiangs students first had to stand in the post for three years. When
they were tested on their ability to do fixed step Pi Quan, the importance of standing post was
clearly seen. There are many forms of standing post. These are four fairly commonly used one,
Fixed Energy Post, Qian Kun Post, Chicken Leg Post and San Ti Post.
1. Fixed Energy Post
Both feet are parallel and open to about shoulder width. Both arms naturally hang down. Both hands
are by the outsides of the thighs. The palms face inward. The knees are slightly bent. The kneecaps
are aligned directly over the toes. The upper body is straight. The muscles of the back and chest
must be relaxed. The waist relaxes. The buttocks hang. The head pushes up. The neck is vertical.
(picture 1) Then both arms gradually rise up to the front until they are level with the shoulders.
Bend the elbows and sink the shoulders. It is like embracing a ball in front of the chest. The palms
face inward. Both middle fingers point at each other from about three inches away. (picture 2) Stop
slightly, then both forearms rotate inwards. The palms overturn to face outward (toward the front).
The tigers mouths are rounded. Their height is even with the mouth. The eyes look between the
fingertips. (picture 3 front and side)
At this time the vitality must be lead inward. The eyes are like they are closed, but not closed.
Emphasize looking inward. The mouth is like it is closed, but not closed. The tongue pushes up to
the upper palate. Naturally purify the breathing from rough to fine, from quick to slow, from having

to not, from moving to stillness. Imagine the qi inside the lower abdomen rising and falling
turbulently. Imagine the qi in the four limbs flowing up and down. The mind arrives in the lower
limbs. Gradually become aware of the lower legs and soles of the feet. The toes feel like they are
swollen with sinking qi. The toes grip the ground with the idea of having them enter three feet into
the ground. The mind arrives in the hands causing an awareness of itching and tingling in the
fingers. Both palms generate heat and swell. Feel that the changes are deep and profound. At this
time if you close your eyes. You should be aware of the emptiness between heaven and earth, only a
remnant of yourself in the two hands, it is great boundlessness. This is then created throughout the
body. The beginner, after standing for 10 minutes may become aware of being tired. You can move
ever so slightly and then continue to stand. Eventually your skill will progress and the length of
time you are able to stand will become longer and longer. Every morning set aside a time for
standing. Each period of standing should not be less than 40 minutes, there is no limit on the
maximum time.

2. Qian Kun Post

Both feet are parallel about shoulder width apart. The soles of the feet are empty and arched, like
walking in the mud. The knees are relaxed and slightly bent and aligned with the toes. The arms
gradually rise up to the front. Bend the elbows and sink the shoulders. The palms face inward. The
height of the palms is even with the chest. They are like embracing a ball. Do not use strength.
(picture 4) The head pushes up and the neck is vertical. The spine is straight. Expand the back and
hollow the chest. The muscles are completely relaxed. Allow the qi to flow naturally and sink into
the dantian.
Maintain this form without moving. Concentrate the vitality. Eliminate mixed thoughts. The brain
is empty and clean, spotless. Then emphasize looking inward. Carefully adjust the breathing.
After the breathing is even, push the tongue up to the upper palate. Use the idea of leading the qi
from the Tian Xin (that is the Yin Tang) and again down. It lingers in the Shan Zhong (the area
between the nipples), again it moves along the Ren channel down to the dantian. You can move the
qi like this many times.
After the qi is flowing, both arms naturally drop down. The inside and outside laogong points of
the hands come together. The hands rest on the dantian area with the left hand on the inside and the
right hand is on the outside. (picture 5) Relax the shoulders and sink the elbows. The soul is empty
and the belly sinks and is full. The breathing gradually becomes deep, long, careful, and even. It is
like it is there, but not there. Gradually become aware that you have hot qi moving up and down.
This is the skill of moving the breath and moving the qi.
Do the above method each day until you can do it for 40 minutes without disruption. After a while
you will be unable to stop even if you wanted to. When you practice for a long time, the qi in the
dantian will feel very full. Then the inhaled qi must not again be carried down. Breathing must
gradually be allowed to still and stop. Do not allow the dantian to emit too much heat. Strong fire
eats qi. This is most important! Most important!

After your skill is pure and deep, sometimes you will manifest the zhen qi thrusting movement
phenomena, your movements will arise. This type of phenomena should not be insisted upon. Also
you must not force it to stop. Allow it to be natural. Then you will have the benefits and not the
harm.

3. Chicken Leg Post

Both feet front and back stand open. The toes of the front foot hook inward. The toes of the back
foot also slightly hook inward. The distance between the front foot heel and the back foot toes is
about one and a half feet. Both knees bend as much as possible causing the rear foot kneecap to be
about two inches from the back of the front knee. The head pushes up. The neck is vertical. The
spine is straight. The waist is relaxed. The buttocks hang. The sacrum rises up. The chest is curved
inward. The left palm pushes on top of the dantian. The right palm is on top of the left palm. The
inside and outside laogong points are in contact. The shoulders relax. The elbows drop. The side of
the upper body is open and extended. (picture 6)
Both knees close inwards. The toes of both feet hook inward. Both heels twist outward. Up and
down, left and right, and everywhere the energy is closed. The tongue pushes up to the upper
palate. Breathe evenly through the nose. There should not be too much noise. When inhaling, the qi
is swallowed down. The eyeballs must overturn up to let loose the yang fire, causing the zhen qi to
return to the dantian. When you get tired of standing, you can change your feet. This posture is
similar to the one described above. Take turns changing the post like this. Do two sessions every
day early in the morning. Each session should be a minimum of 40 minutes. There is no maximum
time limit. This form is for training lower basin skills in Xingyi Quan. It is simple and easy to
study. You can quickly gain skill. It you practice for a long time then the stance will be firm and
stable. For the time being, do not treat it lightly.

4. San Ti Post (also called Ziwu Post or San Cai Post)

Stand erect. The heels are next to each other. The toes are open about 45-60 degrees. The body faces
halfway to the right (45 degrees). The left foot toe points to the front. The knees are slightly bent.

The knee caps are aligned over the toes. Both hands make fists next to the dantian. The palms face
up. (picture 7)
The right fist rises up. The forearm rotates outwards. The elbow sticks next to the ribs as the fist
drills out to the upper front. Inhale as the drill goes out. The palm of the fist faces in toward your
face. The height of the fist is even with the nose. Inhale as much as possible as the form is
completed. (picture 8)
When exhaling, the left fist rises up. The forearm rotates outward. The elbow sticks next to the left
ribs and the fist reaches out toward the front of the chest. The eye of the fist faces left. It passes over
the right fist towards the front. When the fists separate, it changes to a palm. The palm rotates
inward, overturns and simultaneously splits towards the lower front. The left palm height is even
with the shoulder. Simultaneously, the right fist also changes to a palm. The center of the palm
faces down. It is pulled back and pushes down below the right ribs by the Riyue point. The left foot
steps straight towards the front simultaneously with the splitting palm. The distance between the
front foot and back foot is about 18 inches. The hand and foot must move simultaneously. The palm
follows the exhale and drops down. Exhale as much as possible as the form is completed. (picture
9)
When the form is complete, the body is angled at 45 degrees. Both knees bend about 135 degrees.
The back arm bends 120 degrees and the front arm bends 150 degrees. The three points of the rear
foot heel, front foot heel and front foot toe are aligned in a straight line. The tip of the nose, the tip
of the front hand middle finger, and the tip of the front foot must be aligned. The base of the
sacrum is suspended directly over the back heel. The hand is aligned over the foot. The elbow is
aligned over the knee. The shoulder is aligned over the hip. These are the so-called Outer Three
Combinations. The head pushes up. The neck is vertical. The shoulders relax. The elbows drop.
The chest is hollow and the back is expanded. The tigers mouths are rounded. The eyes gaze
forward.
The requirements for using energy are: The whole body is relaxed. The head is like it is suspended
from a lintel. Both shoulders naturally hang down. This causes the muscles of the upper arms and
upper spine to have the feeling of sinking down. Start from the cervical vertebra. Relax and hang
the thoracic vertebra one by one straight down to the sacrum. Then carry the sacrum toward the
front. Move it up and around and overturn it. Bring the lower abdomen to uphold and stop. The
gudao contracts inwards. Have the idea of holding back your stool. This is what is spoken of as
raising the anus and contracting the kidneys. Both knees have closing energy toward the insides.
Both hips have embracing energy. The toes grip the ground. The palm presses toward the front.
The hearts of the palms contract. Both knees bend as much as possible. The sacrum must be as
straight as possible. The energy of the entire body is unified. The inner qi jumps and rises.
Your mood should be very peaceful. The vitality is gathered within. The body is relaxed but the
manner is moving. It is bent like a crossbow and ready to issue. The mind moves and the will
follows it. The breathing is pure and natural. Not one thread is strained. Use the will to lead the qi.
If you cause it to rise, then it rises. If you cause it to descend, then it descends. When inhaling, the
qi rises up and the internal zang organs follow it and contract. When you exhale, the qi descends
and the internal zang organs follow it and relax. When both hands and both feet feel warm,
swollen and tingly, then you have qi passing through the four extremities. It feels like strength fills
the palms and fingers. This is the so-called Inner Three Combinations.
After you have practiced the above for half a year, you will feel that the dantian is full of qi. The qi
moves throughout the body and the qi of the four limbs and four extremities feels very strong. This
can be like practicing Jin Gong [energy skill]. Also you instantly follow the breathing of the
outer qi and the rise and fall of the inner qi. This makes the fixed form of the relaxing and
contracting exercise. The practice method is first gazing fixedly at an object forward three or four
meter in the distance (perhaps a tree). Use the mind to guide you. Reach out with your qi and
energy. Cause the palms and fingers to work with the object as though they are joined in coming

and going. When the qi rises up, the energy returns and contracts. I imagine that I have gripped the
object and pull it back to me. When the qi descends, the rear leg has kicking energy and the front
leg has treading energy. The toes grip the ground. The qi penetrates to both hands. Use the qi to
hasten the strength to issue out to the front. Feel as though the strength is pushing the object away.
Like this one rise one fall, one relax one contract, one suck in one spit out. Instantly you have the
fundamentals of being able to strike down with explosive energy. You must pay attention, when
practicing to do these things. The outer form of the Standing Post cannot move. Only use the will
to direct and coordinate the degree of movement. For strength to be issued from the dantian to the
wrists palms and fingers, etc., the extreme joints must be temporarily relaxed, and the shoulders,
hips, and waist etc. (the root joints) then must also be loose. You must avoid having a tight strained
energy simultaneously all over. This causes the body to have a root like a wooden post, and lose it
springy nature. You will not achieve the results that the standing post must have.

MOVING POST SKILLS

(Coiling Root Moving Skills)
Meticulously investigate the skills of the Coiling Root. It is also the training of the fundamental
skills. What are the dissimilarities? The fixed post is nurturing the zhen qi in an unmoving form. It
solidifies the lower basin. The form is fixed. The moving post then uses advancing, retreating, and
changing as a way of training the inner qi. It solidifies the lower basin. It is a more advanced level
of training the basic skills. After practicing for a long time, whether in the walking frame or in
fighting, even if you are advancing or retreating, quick or slow, you will be light and yet not lose
your sinking stability. The inner qi is not separated. The methods changes are nimble and normally
can have the inner energy sucking in and spitting out smoothly. Strength permeates to the four
extremities. It is as Song Shirong said, I have the coiling root and maintain a true count, revolving
turning flying leaping skill unbroken ... The Coiling Root skills are Mr. Songs version of
Baguazhang, as he envisioned it and trained it.
The specific training methods of the Coiling Root Moving Skill are very similar to Baguazhang,
only in Baguazhang the circle is comparatively large (about 3 meters in diameter) whereas the
Coiling Root circle is relatively small (Mr. Jia Yungaos circle had a diameter of about one meter).
When walking in Baguazhang, the outer foot toes-in but the inner foot does not toe-out. The Coiling
Root step then is one toe-in and one toe-out. Baguazhangs steps rise levelly and fall levelly. In the
Coiling Root stepping, the heel touches the ground first and then the whole sole of the foot touches
the ground. In Baguazhang stepping, both feet walk on a single line. In Coiling Root stepping, the
feet walk along two lines. The proper body method is relatively low. There are eight forms in the
Coiling Root Moving Skill. There methods are given below.
1. Qi Sinks into the Dantian

Begin by using the Chicken Leg Post (you can also use the San Ti Post). Both hands make fists
opposite each other. The palms face downwards near the sides of the dantian. The distance is about
2 inches away. Both shoulders sink down. Both elbows open to the outsides. The chest is slightly
concave and the back is rounded. The spine is straight. The head pushes up. The neck is erect. The
eyes look toward the front. (picture 10) This posture is said to make Chicken Legs, Dragon Body,
Bear Arms, and Monkey Back.
The posture of the upper body and upper arms does not change. The feet walk counter-clockwise
(left) along double lines around a circle with a diameter of 1 to 1.5 meters. Walk many circles
without limit. When walking use Xingyi stepping. The bottom of the foot is even with the surface
of the ground. The distance from the ground is about half an inch. When falling, the heel touches
the ground first, then the whole sole of the foot touches the ground. In walking, the height of the
posture does not change, the body cannot be rising and falling. The steps must not be fast and the
steps must not be big. The waist must be relaxed. Completely rely on using the strength of the
kneecap and lower leg. The inside foot toes-out and the kidney meridians qi moves. The outside
foot toes-in and the bladder meridians qi moves. When raising the foot, inhale. When the foot
falls, exhale. The qi descends to the dantian. One rise, one fall; one swallow, one spit out. Inhaling
is without intent. Exhaling has intent.
When changing direction, the upper body does not change. The right foot toes-in as much as
possible. Turn the body 180 degrees toward the left. The left foot steps up half a step. The right
foot rises up next to the left ankle. It is about an inch from the ground. Rub the shins. (picture 11)
The right foot stops slightly and then steps towards the front. It drops down half a step in front of
the left foot. The foot slightly toes-out. (picture 12) Then walk the circle clockwise (to the right).
The stepping method and breathing are like before. Walk the circle without limit.

2. Three Basins Drop to the Ground

Begin using the Chicken Leg Post (you can also use the San Ti Post). Both forearms rotate
inwards. They turn until both hands face outward. Instantly push diagonally down towards the
right and left directions. The elbows must open outwards. The shoulders must sink down. The arms
are rounded. The chest is concave. Open the back. The spine is erect. The body turns left 45
degrees. Look towards the left front direction. (picture 13)
The upper body posture does not change. The weight and height do not change. Walk the circle to
the left. The stepping, breathing, and turning are like in Form #1.
Both arms are rounded and push down. The fingers are spread open. The centers of the palms are
concave. Then the qi moves freely along the hands three yang and three yin meridians. Push up
the head. The neck is erect. Open the back, then the Ren and Du meridians flow together. As a
result the qi in the dantian moves along the du meridian up the spine, divides into two branches
along the hands three yin meridians spreading down the arms and filling the fingers. Then it also
returns up the hands three yang meridians. It passes through the six organs and again descends into
the dantian. It follows the rise and fall of the feet. The inner qi billows. The yin rises and the yang

descends. It flows everywhere without stopping. After practicing a long time, you can get the
movement of the will, qi, and strength to subtly mutually transform each other.

3. Heavenly King Upholds the Pagoda

Begin using the Chicken Leg Post (you can also use the San Ti Post). Both forearms rotate
outwards making the palms face up. The palms rise up from the chest and uphold toward the front.
The palms rise up until they are even with the center of the nipples and then reach out toward the
front. The hands open slightly to the left and right until they are about three feet apart. The palms
face up level with the shoulders. The fingers are spread open. The tigers mouths are rounded. The
bends of the elbows is about 130 degrees. The elbows are closed inwards. The shoulders relax
toward the front. The armpits pull down as much as possible. The head pushes up. The neck is
erect. The chest is concave. The back is rounded. The head turns slightly toward the left. The eyes
look toward the front left direction. (picture 14) This form is also called Tiger Upholding Form.
After the form is finished, first walk around the circle toward the left. Walk many circles without
limit. Then change directions and walk toward the right. Walk many circles without limit. The
stepping method, breathing, and turning methods are like in Form 1.
This form, as before, is for guiding the qi of the hands three yin and three yang meridians. And
opposite the heart embrace the meridian qi lead single or multiple. Each change is one step. The
inner qi can be transported from the bubbling well up to the laogong causing the heart and kidneys
to mix, get the water and fire already aid of skill.

4. Push the Mountain into the Sea

Begin using the Chicken Leg Post (you can also use the San Ti Post). Both hands make fists and
overturn making the palms face up. They drill up in front of the chest until they are even with the
mouth. (picture 15) The waist then turns left 45 degrees. Simultaneously, the forearms rotate
inwards and the fists change to palms. The hearts of the palms face outwards. They push together
towards the left front direction. When the form is completed, the fingers are spread open and the

tigers mouths are rounded. Both tigers mouths are opposite each other. The index fingers are
about three inches apart. The elbows are open and, as before, must hang down. The back is
spread. The chest is concave. The head pushes up. The neck is erect. Both shoulders are loose
towards the front. The centers of the hands have returning contracting energy. The eyes look
towards the left front direction. (picture 16)
The upper body posture does not change. Walk the circle towards the left. The walking method is
like Form #1. Walk many circles without limit. Each change is one step. When the foot drops,
exhale. The qi descends to the bubbling well and feels like it sinks three feet into the ground.
Simultaneously with the dropping foot and sinking qi, both shoulders relax towards the front. Both
palms push towards the front. One step, one push. They must be well coordinated. When pushing,
the arms must not straighten towards the front. Only use the will to lead the qi to permeate the
fingers. Issue strength from the spine. Use the back to push the shoulders. Use the shoulders to
push the elbows. Use the elbows to push the hands. The extreme joints contract and the root joints
relax. This is the conscious mind leading the relaxing and contracting actions of the fixed forms.
When changing directions, both hands go down and grip like eagle talons. They return to make fists
by the sides of the dantian. Simultaneously the right foot steps up and toes-in as much as possible.
The body turns to the left. The left foot rises up next to the inside of the right ankle. The sole of the
foot is about an inch from the ground. Rub the shins. (picture 17) Slightly stop. Then the left foot
steps forward and drops down half a step in front of the right foot. Then the right foot steps
forward. Simultaneously both fists drill up in front of the chest about level with the mouth. They
then change to palms and overturn so that the palms face outward. They push out to the right front
direction. This form is similar to the beginning form only it is a mirror image. (picture 18) After
the form is complete, walk the circle to the right. The stepping method is the same as before. Walk
many circles without limit. This form not only regulates the yin and yang meridians of the hands
and feet so that the qi and blood flow unimpeded, but it also connects the taiyang bladder meridian
with the du meridian on the spine.

5. Scaly Dragon Swims in the Water

Begin the form like before. Both hands make the Alligator Form palms. The index fingers are
slightly hooked and the thumbs make crab pincers. The tigers mouths are rounded. The remaining
fingers are curled back. The left hand drills up along the right front of the chest. The palm faces
left. The right palm is below the left elbow. The palm faces up. (picture 19) The above form does
not stop. The body turns left. Simultaneously the left forearm rotates inwards. The left palm
continues to overturn, pull, and twist. It pushes out to the left front direction. The left arm slightly
bends making a half moon shape. The palm faces outward. The right forearm also rotates inward.
The hand overturns so that the palm faces the lower left direction below the inside of the left elbow.
Look toward the left front direction. (picture 20) As before, the head must push up. The neck is
erect. Open the back. The chest is concave. Twist the waist. Embrace the hips. The shoulders relax
toward the front. The elbows hang down.

The upper body shape does not change. Walk the circle towards the left. The stepping method and
breathing are like the first form. Walk many circles without limit. The falling step makes the
exhale. The qi sinks down and the shoulders sink down. The back pushes toward the front. The
forearms, wrists, palms, and fingers are like they are relaxed, yet contracted. They have stretched
energy but are not stiff. One step, one change of the energy, changing endlessly.
When changing directions, the right foot steps up and toes-in as much as possible. The body turns
180 degrees to the left. Raise the left foot. Rub the shins like before. Simultaneously, the right
palm drills up inside the left arm and arrives at the left shoulder. The palm faces right. The left
palm overturns causing the palm to face up below the right elbow. (picture 21) The left foot steps to
the front. It drops down a half a step in front of the right foot. Simultaneously, the body turns 45
degrees to the right. The right arm rotates inwards and wards-off to the right. When it overturns, it
causes the palm to face outward and is rounded. The left palm overturns so that the palm faces the
lower right direction. Everything is like the previous form, only it is the mirror image. (picture 22)
The right foot goes out. Walk the circle to the right. Walk many circles without limit.
Because the back is rounded, the arms are rounded, and the tigers mouths are rounded, this form is
also called the Three Rounded Form. The energy of stretching outward must be round and have a
springy nature. The whole body has strength, is lively and not stiff. The whole body is moved by the
waist and hips rotating and turning. Give free reign to the big or small cosmic orbit actions. The
idea is that both hands thumb and index fingers cause the Lung meridian and Large Intestine
meridian to become unblocked. When changing the forms and overturning the palms, use energy in
the palms outer edge and little finger. The elbow is slightly lifted and has hanging down energy.
This causes the qi of the Spleen meridian to travel up the inside of the legs along the heart meridian
and penetrate straight to the shao chong. Yin and yang change. Its flavor is unfathomable.

6. Push the Window to See the Moon

The beginning form is like before. Both forearms simultaneously rotate outwards. They overturn
causing the palms to face up. (picture 23) The right arm rises up. The forearm rotates inwards. As
the right arm rises, it overturns so that the palm faces outwards. It rises until it is close to the upper
front of the forehead. Its distance from the forehead is about two inches. Simultaneously the left
forearm rotates inwards. It overturns so that the palm faces outward and downward. Its distance
from the left front of the belly is 7 or 8 inches. The body turns left 45 degrees. The eyes look
toward the left front. (picture 24) Both shoulders must relax towards the front. Both elbows open
to the outsides. They must also hang down. The fingers are spread open. The tigers mouth is
rounded. The right hand upholds upwards. The left palm presses outward. The center of the palm
contracts. The head pushes up. The neck is erect. Relax the waist. Embrace the hips.
The upper body posture does not change. Walk the circle toward the left. The stepping method,
breathing method and moving are like the first form. Walk many circles without limit. When
changing directions the right foot steps up and toes-in. Raise the left foot, Rub the shins. The body
turns towards the left... this is similar to the Push the Mountain into the Sea form.

Simultanesouly both forearms rotate inwards and retract. The right palm drops down. Both palms
face upwards. Bring them together in front of the lower abdomen. (picture 25) As the left foot
steps to the front, the left palm rises up and overturns. The right palm presses down. They are like
the previous form, only left and right are reversed. (picture 26) Then walk the circle to the right.
Walk many circles without limit. The stepping method, breathing, and actions are like the previous
form.

7. Hold the Tablet toward Heaven

The beginning form is like the previous one. Both arms drill up in front of the chest. The drilling
stops when the middle finger tip is even with the eyebrows. The palms face your face. Their
distance from the face is 5 to 6 inches. Sink the shoulders, drop the elbows. Open the back.
Concave the chest. The head pushes up. The neck is erect. The eyes look towards the front. (27)
The upper body and upper arms do not change. Walk the circle towards the left. Walk many circles
without limit.
Changing directions is like the first form. Turn the body then walk the circle to the right, Walk
many circles without limit.
This form is used for getting the qi into your palms. The qi emits from the laogong points and
returns to the point between the eyes. Use your own outer qi to stimulate your own inner qi. This
called makes Create things in myself return back method. When you practice this for a long time,
then the face and forehead will always be fresh, the eyes bright, and spirit full.

8. The Woodsman Points the Way

Begin the form like before. The left hand palm faces inward. It passes the front of the chest and
drills up the center. When the middle finger rises up even with the eyebrows, it rotates inwards and
reaches out to the left. It is level with the shoulder. The elbow hangs down. The bend of the elbow
is about 150 to 170 degrees. Simultaneously, the right hand reaches out toward the left. It is below
the inside of the left elbow. The body turns toward the left. The eyes look at the tip of the middle

finger. (picture 28)

The upper body posture does not change. Walk the circle toward the left. The stepping method,
breathing, and walking actions are similar to the fourth form. Walk many circles without limit.
When changing directions, toe-in the right foot and raise the left foot. Rub the shins like the
previous form. The upper arm actions are like picture 28, only reversed.
After the form is complete, the upper body posture does not change. Walk the circle to the right.
Walk many circles without limit.

When closing the form, the left foot is in the front and the right foot is in the rear. Stop. Both arms
bend the elbows and return. Both palms inner and outer laogong points come in contact. The left is
on the inside and the right is on the outside. They are placed on the dantian. As before make the
Chicken Leg Post. (picture 29) Both legs gradually straighten up. Stop for a short while. Then
you can walk.

In this form, both palms rise, fall, overturn, and turn. The hands three yin and three yang meridians
together make turning and transforming. The Heart meridian and Pericardium meridian qi flow is
unimpeded. It can rise to nourish the heart and regulate the hearts main functions.
The above eight forms can be used as single form practices. They can also be combined together .
Only no matter how you train, in general the use of the will is pre-eminent. The posture must be
the standard. The post steps must be rigorous. The advancing steps must be well coordinated with
the rise and fall of the qi. The relaxing and contracting of the muscles and spitting and swallowing
of the energy, all must follow the will. The extreme joints moreover have the transformation of
relaxing and contracting. The shoulders, back, waist, and hips must definitely be relaxed. The qi
must drop down. The vitality must rise up. Be sure to carefully commit this to memory and not
forget.