Unlike most martial arts, Chinese internal (soft-style) boxing does not depend upon muscular strength. The secret behind its power lies in the cultivation and practical application of internal energy-chi. There are basically three soft-style martial arts: T'ai-chi, already well known worldwide, and Hsing-i and Pa-kua, relative newcomers to the West.

Although they are essentially not fighting arts but living arts, they are devastating as systems of self-defense.

This book outlines the history of Hsing-i-a style of boxing given form (hsing) by the mind (i)-and gives a thorough account of the philosophy behind the techniques. It also presents to the West for the first time the orthodox style of the late Chinese Hsing-i master Chen P'an-ling.

Described here in great detail and fully illustrated are the basic techniques, the five fists of Hsing-i, a linked form of the five fists, and the twelve animal styles.

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104 pages