Hsing - I Chuan

Hsing - I Chuan 

Hsing-I Chuan (Xing Yi Quan) is a Chinese boxing style of Taoist origin. It's name literally translates as ‘mind form boxing’ or ‘heart and mind boxing’. It is an internal art that is concerned with life, health and creativity rather than death, destruction and swelling of the self-ego; which is so often the focus of most martial training today. It's movements are simple to look at and learn, but hard to master. It is straight forward and direct in it's actions, combining both soft and hard movements, therefore, it conforms to the Taoist principle of Yin/Yang.


This style is excellent for conditioning the body internally and externally. The practise of it's forms develops balance, coordination, timing and physically strengthens the muscles. The actions of the techniques open and stretch the muscles and joints to their full range and encourage increased Chi and blood flow, which in turn nourishes the tissues and benefits the health.


Hsing-I can be practised in both an energetic or gentle manner. With this in mind, people of all ages can train throughout their lives and it can be adapted to all abilities. Over time, the practise of Hsing-I will develop an internal awareness of oneself, helping the physical body to reconnect with the mind, which in today’s stressful lifestyles most people have lost. Practitioners should become better with practise and never become too old to practise!


The Hsing-I syllabus includes the Five Elements Forms, Twelve Animal forms, Five Element Two Man Fighting Form, Combination Forms, Staff Form, Practical and Advanced Fighting Applications and several Hsing-I related health cultivation practices.  This system was taught to Master McNeil from Master Hsu Hong-Chi and Grand Master Chiao-Chang Hung respectively and it originates from the 'Shansi lineage' of the Hsing-I family. It is an excellent system  for those wishing to learn both the health and self-defence aspects of the internal arts and is often taught first, ahead of Tai Chi, as initially it is easier to learn and understand.


The regular weekly class is an excellent choice for any person wishing to start their study of the internal martial arts and will give a sound foundation from which to progress. The training emphasises improving each student’s skills individually even though it is taught in a group setting. The class is suitable for all levels and for both male and female students. It is taught in a friendly but professional and respectful atmosphere.
Struggling to find time to attend regular classes?
Too busy with work?
Why not consider one of our intensive training courses, with self-study between courses to be carried in your own time - learn the whole  Hsing-I Syllabus in a structured program, to suit your time frame. 
Private lessons for individuals or groups can also be arranged covering the full Hsing-I syllabus. 
Contact us to discuss any queries further.

Hsing - I Syllabus
Level 1 - Basic Training Course (Yellow Belt)
Stance training, 5 Elements Forms, 5 Element Chi Kung methods, San Ti Standing training and fighting applications. 
Course - 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.

Level 2 - Intermediate Training Course (Blue Belt)
5 Element Linking Chain form, 5 Element Two Man fighting form, fighting applications, Standing meditation and Taoist breathing training. 
Course - 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.

Level 3 - Advanced 1 Training course (Green Belt)
6 selected Animal forms, Ba Shi combination form, fighting applications, 25 Tien Gunn exercises for health and fighting applications. Taoist seated meditation practice and breathing method, 5 Chi Kung Exercises. 
Course - 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.

Level 4 - Advanced 2 Training course (Brown Belt)
6 remaining Animal forms, Chu Chi Chuan combination form, fighting applications, Advanced fighting theories and practice of applications, including striking areas of the body and bag and pad work. Review and advancement in all practice as appropriate. 
Course - 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.

Level 5 - Advanced 3 Training course (Black Belt)
Consists of a full syllabus review, San Guan Chuan combination form, 12 Red Hammers combination form, Staff form, fighting applications. Rank testing for Black Belt is only available 6+ months after the Advanced 3 Training Course has been satisfactorily completed and if requested. All Rank testing is FREE of charge.
Course - 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.

All private lessons and intensive courses are taught at the fully equipped Little Nine Heaven UK School by qualified and insured instructors. Private instruction at other venues may incur travel and accommodation costs.
For costs of intensive training courses, see Timetable and Prices page. Feel free to contact us for any further information. Intensive courses do not include food or lodgings.

Hsing I Chuan Masters Lineage

Master Hsu Hong-Chi
Master Hsu Hong-Chi was a Taiwanese martial artist who specialised in the internal Chinese arts of Hsing-I Chuan. Hsu was born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1934 and he began his study of Shaolin Kung Fu with his father at an early age. He also learned boxing and became a skilled street fighter. After studying the external styles of Shaolin for many years, he discovered the unique effectiveness of the internal martial arts and began training with Master Hung I-Hsuang. He trained for many hours and became the number one student of Master Hung.

After many years of training Master Hsu opened his own Hsing-I school called ‘Shen Long Tang Shou Tao,’ which translates as Spirit Dragon Chinese Hand Way. 

‘Shen Long Tang Shou Tao’ is not a separate style of martial art, but rather a practical, step-by-step, systematic approach to learning internal martial arts.

Master Hsu felt that if a person, no matter what their race or nationality, sincerely wanted to learn and was willing to work hard then he would teach them. In the late 1960’s he began teaching foreign students in Taiwan.

For many years, Hsu went to teach in Japan and he also went to the U.S several times and taught a number of long-term students both in America and Taiwan. One such student was James McNeil. Hsu Hong-Chi was James McNeil’s teacher from 1978 until his death in 1984.
Grandmaster 
Chiao Chang-Hung
After Master Hsu's passing in 1984, James McNeil went on to become a formal 'closed door' student of the legendary Grandmaster Chiao Chang-Hung who alongside teaching him Little Nine Heaven Wu Tao system and Ba Gua also further refined his Hsing-I skills.
      Master James McNeil
Master James McNeil is the founder and Chief Instructor of the Little Nine Heaven Internal kung fu school and Director of the Little Nine Heaven International Kung-Fu Association. He has taught students from all over the world and continues to travel and teach relentlessly in order to ensure the legacy of the martial arts systems he was entrusted continue to survive.
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