Hsing-i chuan (also spelled xingyiquan) is one of China's three main internal martial arts. Heavily influenced by the teachings of Taoism, its based on the five elements: wood, water, earth, metal and fire. Its forms are based on the movements of 12 animals, including the horse, monkey, tiger, bear, leopard, swallow, dragon, snake and hawk. Students are more concerned with discovering the meaning behind the animal movements than with imitating the movements themselves.

Many experts believe the origin of hsing-i chuan dates back to the second century, when written descriptions of various animal movements were made in China. Many of those animals and their movements are still taught in hsing-i chuan classes.


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