Deep analyis of the hidden and lost mechanics of the Chinese internal martial arts has produced an extremely effective self-defense system. Part Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang), part Hsing I, part Tai Chi and part secrets of ancient Chinese yoga, merged with newest discoveries of the latent power of mind, intention and ways of training the body to move harmoniously with natural rhythms, the Hsing Chen close combat system has evolved over four decades. [What makes an internal martial art internal?]

[See related articles under "How to become a top internal art fighter"]

[Registered users: view a video of "One Point Mind" POWER TRAINING FOR CLOSE COMBAT principle developed by Shrfu Bracy]

Looking back, its easy to see how its evolution was seeded by my frustration as a teenager with the martial art I was studying at the time. In the late 1960s and early 70s I began to realize that something was wrong. I became increasingly disillusioned by what was, in many cases, unworkable and illogical training methods taught by some of my early instructors. Over time I realized that these otherwise well-meaning teachers, although talking about how to punch, didn't really know how to punch, at least not much more than the average guy on the street. The same seemed to apply to joint locks, throws and take-downs, and they had not clue about internal energy.  This began my search to discover the real magic that was supposed to be inherent in Asian Combat arts, the search for what was lost or hidden and ultimately the Chinese nei chia chuan "internal martial arts."

[VIDEO: Overview of Hsing Chen kung fu]

From an observer's (or experiencer's) point of view, most impressive about Hsing Chen is the consistency with which senior Hsing Chen practitioners can deliver impressive force or take-down an opponent without the appearance of special effort.  The core of this "effortlessness" power, developed from deep understanding of advanced mechanics, is the ability to willfully direct refined muscle skill not otherwise under conscious control.

If the internal martial arts are going to survive as a respected combat system, it is critically important for senior practitioners to give realistic demonstrations, to give and take a punch or push and demonstrate advanced skill without hurting the receiver. The true art has got to be experienced, not talked about. Practical testing and  demonstration is extremely important, and it's a welcome sign that ever increasing numbers of potential students demand real demonstrations from their potential teacher--otherwise they won't bother. Potential students not only in the West, but in China are increasingly less tolerant of a "master" who talks about his amazing abilities without any real demonstration. I describe my encounters with one Chinese teachers who was mostly talk in when I was interviewed in the first issue of the Pa Kua Chang Journal [READ RELEVENT ARTICLE PART] and tell the story of how I declined to study with one somewhat famous teacher in Beijing after he refused to demonstrate his kong jing "empty force" skill [read]. (I also make recommendations for how students might evaluate teachers in the feature article of the summer 2002 edition of Qi Magazine) [Read Qi Magazine article]. A teacher being tested and demonstrating--especially with someone not his or her student--is the most pragmatic way of demonstrating skill and may help save the internal martial arts, a rich fighting tradition which--when correctly taught-compete effectively against MMA, grapplers or full contact fighters. But to do so requires mastery of core essentials. Demonstration of skill is important since the uninitiated public has no real knowledge that the Asian guy representing himself as a Ba Gua Zhang master has memorized forms in China for only a year, or the person holding himself out to be a senior judge has never really studied at all.

I encourage teachers reading this, not to be defensive about these statements, but learn to work together, compare, push each other around and talk about these things for the benefit of future and present aspirants of the art.  and SHARE your knowledge--I teach senior martial art masters all the time. This, done with a sense of openness, support and not putting the person's previous training down can be very effective.  Chinese martial arts has gone through this before. Consider the story of Wang Xiang-zai, founder of I Ch'uan (yiquan) or "mind-boxing" [Registered users read more about Wang Xiang-zai and his challenges in Beijing]

The core of Hsing Chen close combat system, and this is what makes the art (along with other styles I teach) unique, is special attention to, and training of, the spine. Through special types of training called tensegrity, suspension, "connective-tissue" training exercise and body rhythm training, the aspiring master of the Hsing Chen art learns to coordinate and develop higher potential and abilities. Experiencing--and giving--realistic demonstrations is extremely important in this process. Most often, within minutes of beginning study the student is awestruck by his or her ability to imitate the power or technique just demonstrated by the Hsing Chen instructor. This experience--personal experience touching and awakening profound ability--after only a few minutes of study-inevitably brings the sense of awe and joy and what Bruce Lee referred to as "emotional content" directly connected to physical expression.

Go to: Teaching and study of internal martial arts

Through this approach, the Hsing Chen student learns to strike with power, effortlessly control the opponent while advancing understanding of body and mind.

Hsing Chen close combat system is a synthesis of the following arts:

Hsing I (xingyiquan), I Chuan (yiquan), Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Internal Shaolin, Taoist yoga and Taoist alchemy

From Hsing I: Close range power and bio mechanical principles

From I Chuan (yiquan) Standing practice and light touch to defeat an opponent.

From Tai Chi: Neutralizing an attacker's force and the goal of using no more than a few ounces of force to defeat an opponent

From Ba Gua: Light quick stepping and control techniques to simultaneously defend against multiple attackers