12 Animals Xingyi Sword

12 Animals Xingyi Sword Xingyi is an internal style of Chinese Martial Arts akin to Tai Chi and Bagua. It is based on the five elements so that each element is expressed as a characteristic combat technique. These elements are combined to form twelve more techniques that emulate the fighting skills of the animals. Xingyi is still implemented by modern military and police for combat training. It is also very popular for health cultivation since its guiding five element theory is parallel to that of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This unique Xingyi form is for short blade weapons. It is practiced with either a double-edged straight sword (jian) or a single-edged curved sword (dao), with slight variations to accommodate the different weapons. The jian form can be practiced with either one-handed or two-handed jian. The dao form can use a conventional dao or the rare dadao. 5 Element Xingyi Sword is the first form. 12 Animals Xingyi Sword is the second form. Xingyi Sword is demonstrated by Master Helen Liang and Master Tony Chen (assisted by Zhao Haitao). Each master takes turns showing the variations between jian and dao. Together, these masters break down all the movements into easy-to-learn lessons and basic line drills (Xingyi linking sequences), as well as reveal the applications for combat.