Xingyi - A Means To An End

A book covering the tactical theories, training methods and philosophy of Xingyi as taught to Mike Patterson by the late Hsu Hong Chi of Taiwan. Shrfu Patterson is widely considered to be one of the foremost experts in the world on the art of Xingyi. With over 40 years experience (at time of writing) as a fighter, coach and teacher, he has authored a masterpiece covering all aspects of this discipline. His immense experience is gleaned from the crucible of continuous and true testing of Xingyi's tenets. The crucible of first being a successful full contact fighter himself and then following that experience by becoming a successful full contact coach, training and guiding 37 full contact champions throughout the 80's and 90's until retirement from coaching in 2000. This book covers the Hsing I (xingyi) taught to him by Hsu Hong Chi (XuHongJi) in thorough detail. Theory, mechanics and strategy of the five fists and twelve animals are covered with emphasis placed on opening/closing phases of core power generation. Perspectives on training, skill development, conditioning, meditation/energetics, partner drilling, strategy and cultivation are all discussed thoroughly. This is a work designed to present Xingyi in a plain English, straightforward manner. Great lengths are taken to explain concept with science while offering simple physical "proofs" to test the veracity of the methods. The author avoids subject matter that has been done to death (i.e. history) in other books to instead put forth concrete methodology allowing practitioners to "marry" traditional practice to real world application. To this end, the book also covers R.S.P.C.T. (Realistically Structured Progressive Combat Training). RSPCT is a contemporary methodology of translating Xingyi concepts and tactics into viable combat skills through specific partner training. This method is time tested under the pressure of full contact competition. RSPCT was invented and synthesized as a stand alone program to train effective fighting for competition or street environments. Five tiers, ten categories of training methods, drills and exercises are discussed in depth. It is a training methodology that can be applied to any martial discipline for effective real world application. The book is punctuated by personal anecdotes which drive home certain salient points within the scope of the work as only a person who has lived this path can ascertain. The book contains 266 pages, at 8 1/2 x 11, and over 700 photos and illustrations. A summary of the main table of contents follows: (1)Statement of Purpose; (2)History; (3)Memories of Master Hsu; (4)Building The Wall; (5)Meditation & Energetics; (6)Hsin, I, Li, Chi, Jin; (7)Importance of Ritual; (8)Song of Pi; (9)Song of Tsuan; (10)Song of Peng; (11)Song of Pao; (12)Song of Heng; (13)Theory and Principle of the Ma (Horse); (14)Theory and Principle of the Yao (SparrowHawk); (15)Theory and Principle of the Ing Shyung (Eagle/Bear); (16)Theory and Principle of the Dou Gi (Cockerel); (17)Theory and Principle of the Sir (Snake); (18)Theory and Principle of the Tow (Tortise/Alligator); (19)Theory and Principle of the Gi (Rooster); (20)Theory and Principle of the Tai (Phoenix) Hsing; (21)Theory and Principle of the Yen (Swallow); (22)Theory and Principle of the Hou (Monkey); (23)Theory and Principle of the Fhu (Tiger); (24)Theory and Principle of the Lung (Dragon); (25)Practical Practice; (26)Paired Drills; (27)Three Basin Theory; (28)The High Low Poker Game; (29)The Nine Essences; (30)The Seven Stars; (31)The Eight Fundamentals; (32)Energy Release; (33)The Five Forces; (34)The Five Key Words; (35)Essential Knowledge - 24 Stems, 5 Roots; (36)The Three Powers; (37)Yin & Yang Theory; (38)R.S.P.C.T. (Realistically Structured Progressive Combat Training); (39)RSPCT Tier 1 - Reflexive; (40)RSPCT Tier 2 - Structural; (41)RSPCT Tier 3 - Perceptual; (42)RSPCT Tier 4 - Conceptual; (43)RSPCT Tier 5 - Tempering; (44)Closing Commentary
About the Author: Mike Patterson is considered by many to be one of the foremost experts in the world on the art of Xingyiquan (hsingichuan). Shrfu Patterson is a career professional martial artist with over 44 years of Martial Arts experience at the time of this writing (2012), 34 years teaching the Internal Styles of Hsing I, Pa Kua, Tai Chi and Liou He Ba Fah. Mike Patterson was the All Taiwan Full Contact Martial Arts Champion in 1975-1976, an all inclusive contest open to all styles and all ranks. He was the youngest champion ever in the history of the event and retired undefeated. He has since trained Numerous World, International and National Full Contact Champions himself. he was Men's Coach of the 1996 World Team U.S.A. Inside Kung Fu Magazine chose him as The 1997 Coach Of The Year, having trained so many successful Full Contact KuoShu Fighters for competition. He has trained a total of 37 World, International, National and Regional Chinese KuoShu Full Contact Champions between the years of 1981 and 2000. He retired from this venue of coaching at the end of the year 2000 to focus on teaching and dissemination of the internal martial arts. He served as the West Coast Regional Director of the United States Chinese KuoShu Federation from 1996 to 2001 and now serves as a special advisor for the same organization on the internal martial arts. He has also served as consultant for military, law enforcement and professional athletics programs throughout his martial career. His insights into training are based on what is real and he has consistently demonstrated his ability to communicate central and important tenets of internal martial training to all he associates with.