Learn xing yi online and gain The benefits of training xing yi quan.
As a certified Xing Yi instructor, I’ve spent years training in the Li Cun Yi Hebei Xing Yi system as passed down through the Yi Zong school.
Xing Yi Quan is the oldest of the three major internal martial arts, with a battle-tested training progression refined over hundreds of years.
Not only is it an effective fighting system, but it also develops the mind, energy, and internal power in a clear, structured way.
While arts like Tai Chi and Bagua are known for their complexity, Xing Yi offers a direct path to developing internal force and practical martial skills—making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Being a direct and well organized system, one would expect xing yi to be more suitable for online learning than tai chi, but there are some things to look out for.
The biggest issue I see with English speaking programs for learning xing yi online is that the xing yi is often too hard and over-relies on fa jin brought in from other styles such as chen tai chi, boxing, or white crane. There is nothing wrong with this but it is not straight xing yi, which has it’s own specific jin.
Another issue with the learn xing yi online programs is that the xing yi can be overly soft.
Xing Yi Quan is neither hard or soft and never frail.
If you want to learn xing yi online this guide will give you an overview of the Hebei Xing Yi training progression, including both the theory and training methods behind the Five Fists (Wu Xing) and Twelve Animal (Shi Er Xing) systems. Whether you’re looking to build internal power, improve your martial ability, or simply understand the deeper aspects of Xing Yi, this guide will help you get started—even if you’re learning online.
To view xing yi videos check out my instagram .
HEbei style Xing Yi Quan
The Hebei style of Xing Yi Quan can be traced through Li Cun Yi, back to Guo Yunshen, and even further.
While there are variations among different lineages of Li Cun Yi’s Xing Yi, one of the most notable shifts occurred after his experience during the Boxer Rebellion.
After killing an opponent, he went into hiding and spent time exchanging ideas with another xing yi master, this fundamentally altered his body method (shen fa), this is where the “chewy style” (QQ in Taiwanese slang) in the Yi Zong school originated.
The Core Principle of Xing Yi
At its heart, Xing Yi is about using harmonious posture to create transformation. The mind (yi) is trained as well, emptiness meditation training is a core part of xing yi training, that is forgotten in many schools now. The depths of Xing Yi’s internal mechanics are profound. By refining posture and intent, a practitioner can:
✔ Increase energy and vitality
✔ Improve mental and emotional state
✔ Break through an opponent’s defenses with precision
The Xing Yi Training Progression
Xing Yi’s training follows a structured progression through three key stages:
- Ming Jin (Obvious Force) – Developing external structure and basic power. Corresponds roughly with the 5 elements.
- An Jin (Hidden Force) – Refining internal force and control. Movements are so small they are unseen, think in terms of the 1 inch punch and then how to make that a “no inch” puch. Corresponds to the 12 animals.
- Hua Jin (Transforming Power) – Mastery of mind.
This progression is what makes Xing Yi the most accessible of the three internal arts. You can practice xing yi in a more external fashion, focusing on ming jin body mechanics and strength development. The master Dmitriy Nogay is an example of the pinnacle of ming jin training.
the end of xing yi is the beginning of Tai Chi.
My Xing Yi teacher, Shifu Chao, is a master of An Jin or hidden force. This method takes a lot of standing practice and two person drills to get the correct posture. An jin is physical force, it’s just very short range and can’t be seen, no chambering is necessary.
Xing Yi Basic training
Xing Yi’s foundational drills are simple yet powerful. One key is the method of Wrap, Drill, Overturn, and Fall (缠, 钻, 覆, 摔). This is sometimes translated as “hug, drill, flick, fall”
Wrap, drill, overturn, fall can be compared to chan si gong in tai chi, although it is not a martial technique itself, it underlies a lot of xing yi’s methods.
Begginer Xing yi 5 postures and 7 movements set
A unique advantage of the Yi Zong Xing Yi system is the warm-up set, a 10-exercise routine designed to develop the mobility, power, and flexibility required to perform the wu xing quan. This warm-up works all Five Element fists while incorporating essential stretches from horse stance training. For beginners, this makes learning Xing Yi’s internal mechanics more accessible than attempting to generate power directly from San Ti Shi.
Wu Xing Quan, or Xing Yi 5 elements
Xing Yi’s five elements fist training is a very well organized martial progression that takes a beginner xing yi student to fighting ability quickly. After the 5 elements are practiced individually for some time there are various ta lu forms and partner drills that link them together.
XING YI 12 animals OR 12 shapes
After xing yi’s five elements are practice sufficiently the student can start training the 12 animals. There are 5 birds and 7 animals, each with different qualities. Some of the forms are short and simple, some are long and complex. In the Yi Zong tradition the animals are not shown outside of the school and some of the forms are a lot longer than the public versions that can be seen on video.
Challenges of Learning Xing Yi Online
While learning Xing Yi online is effective, it does come with some challenges:
- Posture correction is harder without a teacher’s direct feedback.
- Application development requires a partner for realistic practice.
One way to overcome these challenges is to find a dedicated training partner to refine applications and test structure. Additionally, recording your practice and comparing it to high-level examples can help bridge the gap in self-correction. Practicing postures in front of a mirror or on video is also very helpful when you know what to look for.
Essential Stances & Movements
The Xing Yi training progression in the Yi Zong school follows a structured path through three key stages: Ming Jin (Obvious Force), An Jin (Hidden Force), and Hua Jin (Transforming Force). Each stage refines the practitioner’s skill, gradually deepening their internal power and efficiency.
Stage 1: Ming Jin (Obvious Force) – Building a Strong Foundation
Training begins with Ming Jin, the stage of developing clear, external power. This phase focuses on:
✔ The Yi Zong warm-up set – A structured 10-exercise routine for mobility, power, and flexibility.
✔ San Ti Shi (Three-Body Posture) – The foundational stance that develops structure, stability, and internal connection.
✔ The Five Element Fists (Wu Xing Quan) – Core striking patterns that build fundamental power and coordination.
Initially, students practice the Five Elements as solo drills, then move on to partner exercises, linking forms, and practical fighting applications. Historically, some Xing Yi masters focused solely on the Five Elements and reached exceptional skill levels, proving the depth of this foundation.
Stage 2: An Jin (Hidden Force) – Refining Subtle Power
As a practitioner progresses, they learn to refine their force, making it smaller, more efficient, and eventually invisible. This leads to the An Jin stage, where power becomes more internalized and adaptable.
At this level, students begin training the 12 Animal Forms (Shi Er Xing). Similar to Tai Chi, the 12 Animals require an intermediate level of conditioning and body mechanics. These forms introduce unique fighting strategies, body shapes, and energies that deepen a practitioner’s skill.
Many of the Yi Zong school’s 12 Animal Forms have only recently been made public, with longer and more detailed versions than those commonly found online—particularly the Bird Forms, which contain highly refined mechanics.
Advanced linking sets like Ba Shi (Eight Postures) and the 12 Smashing Phoenix Set help integrate the first two stages, combining Five Elements and Animal techniques into seamless transitions.
Stage 3: Hua Jin (Transforming Force) – The Highest Level of Xing Yi
At the Hua Jin level, the focus shifts to the mind, energy, and spontaneous expression of power. Training includes:
✔ Meditative practices from San Ti Shi – Cultivating stillness, awareness, and refined energy control.
✔ Qi Gong exercises – Strengthening internal energy flow and relaxation under pressure.
At this stage, technique dissolves into pure intent and internal skill, marking the highest expression of Xing Yi Quan.
Online Xing Yi Training Resources
Training Tips for Learning Xing Yi Online
Training Xing Yi online comes with unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can build strong fundamentals and progress effectively. Below are key strategies to help structure your practice and refine your technique.
1. Structuring Your Solo Practice
A well-organized training routine is essential for making progress without in-person corrections. Here’s a simple structure to follow:
- Warm-Up (10–15 min) – Start with the Yi Zong Xing Yi warm-up set to activate mobility, loosen joints, and prepare your structure.
- San Ti Shi (10–20 min) – Holding and adjusting San Ti posture daily is the foundation of internal power development.
- Five Element Fists (15–30 min) – Focus on one or two elements per session, drilling them for power, precision, and flow.
- Linking Forms & Applications (15–30 min) – If space allows, practice Five Element linking sets or 12 Animal Forms, ensuring correct mechanics.
- Cool Down & Meditation (5–10 min) – Finish with Qi Gong or standing meditation in San Ti to reinforce body awareness.
Practicing consistently, even in short sessions, is more important than training sporadically for long hours.
2. Using a Mirror or Recording Yourself
Without a teacher physically present, self-correction is crucial. Using a mirror or video recording can help you:
✔ Check posture alignment in San Ti Shi.
✔ Identify imbalances or excessive tension in your movements.
✔ Compare your form to high-level practitioners or your instructor’s videos.
Reviewing your recordings regularly helps catch mistakes early and refine your technique over time.
3. Supplementing with Tai Chi or Bagua
While Xing Yi is effective on its own, cross-training with Tai Chi or Bagua can enhance your internal skill:
- Tai Chi (Taiji) – Improves relaxation, flow, and whole-body connection, balancing Xing Yi’s direct power.
- Bagua (Baguazhang) – Develops footwork, adaptability, and circular movement, complementing Xing Yi’s linear nature.
If you already practice one of these arts, integrating elements like Tai Chi’s Silk Reeling (Chan Si Gong) or Bagua’s circle walking can deepen your Xing Yi understanding.
4. Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes
Learning Xing Yi online comes with pitfalls to watch out for:
🚫 Overusing muscle strength – Xing Yi power comes from structure and intent, not brute force. Avoid tensing your shoulders or arms.
🚫 Skipping San Ti Shi – This posture develops your foundation; neglecting it slows progress.
🚫 Moving too quickly – Rushing through forms sacrifices structure and intent. Focus on precision first, then speed.
🚫 Neglecting footwork – Proper stepping is crucial for power generation and applications. Train your transitions deliberately.
By staying mindful of these points, you’ll build a strong, efficient Xing Yi practice—even from home.
Equipment & Space Setup for Online Practice
Xing Yi can be practiced almost anywhere, but having the right space and equipment will improve your training experience.
1. Training Space
Ideally, your training area should be:
✔ Longer than it is wide – Xing Yi drills, such as Five Element stepping and linking forms, require forward movement. A hallway, backyard, or narrow room works well.
✔ Clear of obstacles – Ensure no furniture, walls, or objects interfere with footwork.
✔ Indoor or outdoor adaptable – Training outside on different surfaces (grass, dirt, pavement) builds stability and adaptability.
2. Recommended Equipment
- Flat-bottom shoes – Traditional Chinese martial arts shoes or minimalist sneakers help maintain proper foot feel and stability.
- Loose, comfortable clothing – Allows free movement and unrestricted postural adjustments.
- A wooden staff (Gun) – Useful for training structure, coordination, and power development in certain drills.
- A heavy bag or striking post – Helps develop impact power for Xing Yi’s linear strikes. If space is limited, a makiwara board or padded wall section can work as a substitute.
Having a simple, dedicated practice space—even a small one—makes consistent training easier and more effective.
How to Stay Motivated & Track Progress
Staying motivated while learning Xing Yi online requires structure, measurable progress, and real-world feedback. Here are key strategies to help you stay consistent:
1. Set a Training Calendar with Measurable Goals
Create a realistic schedule that balances intensity and recovery. For example:
✔ Daily Practice (20–60 min) – Even short, focused sessions build long-term progress.
✔ Weekly Challenges – Track improvements in San Ti Shi duration, Five Element power, or footwork speed.
✔ Monthly Benchmarks – Record yourself to compare form, power, and structure over time.
2. Use a Heavy Bag for Immediate Feedback
A heavy bag is one of the best tools for solo Xing Yi practice. It helps you:
✔ Feel real impact power from your Five Element strikes.
✔ Develop root and connection by hitting with proper structure.
✔ Measure progress through harder, faster, and more efficient strikes as well as increasing upper body strength and definition.
3. Find a Training Partner (If Possible)
Even occasional partner work can massively accelerate your progress. A partner helps you:
✔ Test structure and application through controlled drills.
✔ Feel resistance and realignment in push hands or light sparring.
✔ Learning the partner drills and forms forces you to focus.
Can I really learn Xing Yi effectively online?
Yes, but success depends on consistent practice, self-correction, and structured training. While in-person learning is ideal, online training can still be effective if you:
✔ Follow a clear progression (San Ti → Five Elements → Animals → Applications).
✔ Use tools like video recordings and mirrors for self-correction.
✔ Find a training partner or heavy bag to develop power and application.
2. How long does it take to see progress?
You may feel improvements in balance, posture, and coordination within weeks, but developing internal power and martial skill takes longer. General time-frames:
- 1–3 months – Build a solid San Ti Shi stance and basic Five Element strikes.
- 6 months – 1 year – Develop smooth transitions, better structure, and power.
- 2+ years – Start refining internal force, an jin, and advanced forms.
3. Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No, but experience in Tai Chi, Bagua, or other martial arts can help. Xing Yi’s direct, structured approach makes it one of the easier internal arts to start with, even for beginners.
4. What are the biggest challenges of learning online?
🚫 No hands-on corrections – Solution: Record yourself and compare with high-level examples.
🚫 Limited partner work – Solution: Find a training buddy or use a heavy bag for feedback.
🚫 Lack of understanding or wrong idea of the internal body mechanics
Conclusion & Next Steps
Xing Yi is one of the most practical and effective internal martial arts, offering a clear training progression that builds power, structure, and internal development. While learning online comes with challenges, the right training structure, self-correction methods, and consistency can help you progress effectively.
By following the San Ti stance, Five Element drills, and structured training plan, you can develop real Xing Yi skills—even from home. Adding tools like a heavy bag, video recordings, and a training partner will help accelerate your learning.
Ready to Start Your Xing Yi Journey?
✔ Set up your training space – A small area and basic gear are enough to begin.
✔ Commit to a practice plan – Even 15-30 minutes a day builds real skill over time.
✔ Track your progress – Use videos, a journal, and specific training goals.
✔ Engage with the community – Find partners or online groups to stay motivated.
Contact me today if you would like to learn xing yi online.
Learning Resources
- Recommended Xing Yi Books –
The correct path of YiQuan – Not xing yi quan but this free pdf gives an overview of the same internals - Using a heavy bag when you learn xing yi online
- Tim Cartmell’s translation of some of the xing yi classics is on the internet archive, it’s still one of the best books on xing yi quan.
Training Community & Support
- The Reddit kung fu community often has posts relating to xing yi, though they vary in quality.
Equipment Recommendations
- Best Heavy Bags for Xing Yi – I use a soft vinyl Everlast heavy bag. You can use mma or bag gloves until your hands and wrists get conditioned.
- Xing Yi Training Shoes – These are my favorite shoes to practice xing yi with.