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Xingyiquan ( Hsing I Ch'uan)
The mythical bird known as the T'ai is the tenth animal. The T'ai has the largest variation in both the Animal name and description, of all 12 Animals, with different versions that range from a winged dinosaur to a camel. It's more commonly thought of as resembling an ostrich (see the inset at right for more information). It's footwork is angular like the Fire shape and the bursting action of the fists is similar to the Wood shape of the Five Fists.
The movements of the form feature the gait of the Horse shape somewhat, but are more like a large wild bird of prey as it steps off the line to encircle, then shoots forward with a long step to intercept and capture its prey. Furthermore, the movements emulate the Chinese character for T'ai both in shape and writing.
This Hebei style of Hsing-I Ch'uan (Xing Yi Quan) is organized using 12 Animals that group and teach the martial characteristics of particular actions.
Sample Applications from the 12 Animals:
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Nei Jia (Internal) Kung Fu Martial Application Example |
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Hsing I (Xingyiquan) T'ai (Roc) take down (Jiang Rong Qiao style).
The T'ai is a mythical ancient bird. It has also been called a 'Roc:' (n. Mythical bird of prey having enormous size and strength). The motion associated with this animal is sometimes likened to an ostrich (using wings to distract or grab and beak to bite). This particular animal of the 12 Animals of Hebei style Hsing-I Ch'uan is the one that has the largest variation in both the Animal name and description, with different versions that range from a winged dinosaur to a camel. The T'ai is sometimes represented as a descendant of an Archaeopteryx. Other groups sometimes describe the T'ai as having large wings like a Terasaur. A number of schools refer to the T'ai as an ancient large bird. It is possible, for example, to envision something like the now extinct flightless Moa (from New Zealand) and related large birds.
More About Hsing I Chuan (Xing Yi Quan)
Xingyi Resources: Mother Fists Video Series, Hsing I Books
About Nei Jia kung fu
The approach of Taijiquan, Xingyiquan and Baguazhang is to engage the opponent's aggression, maintain contact and exploit the weaknesses in the opponent's situation.
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