Xingyiquan (Hsing I Chuan) Kung Fu DVD

Due to the way the material is presented, it is nearly worthless without the book. For example the forms are shot once fast and once slow, but no instruction as to what is supposed to be going on. Nothing like "perform this strike, moving into that stance, turn left..." etc. That is all left to the book. Where stills don't convey the message very well. Key points are missed, like "you should move your chi here". The material itself seems to great though.

I'll be starting xingyiquan and I bought this DVD as an introduction. It's pretty good. The production values are fine, and the basics of the art are demonstrated clearly. I think it's worth it to prep your brain for the rhythms and movements, understanding that this is an internal art, and you really have to work with a teacher to go deeper. But I'm enjoying watching it and have viewed it several times.

Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming is a pretty familiar face in kung fu circles, but this was my first experience of his material outside of magazine articles. I am actually pretty disappointed. I wanted instruction in the basic forms and postures of hsing-i. Unfortunately, that was not provided here. Unlike the typical martial arts instruction video, there was almost no explanation at all of how to perform the techniques. The video shows very clear demonstrations of the five elements, but with only very cursory descriptions. The video would really only work as a reminder to someone already studying. Since they are presented clearly and slowly, one could learn by imitation, but that would be very difficult. The twelve animals are not presented, rather a combination form. Similarly, linking forms are demonstrated but not explained in any way. The videography is excellent and production quality is high, but the most important ingredient is missing - a master's instruction. This video would be a good reference for a student of the art, but don't expect to learn anything if you're a novice without a lot of work with slow-mo and copying the movements.

I was taught xing I xuan when I was 10 years old by my father. His style is different than what is shown in this DVD. This DVD complements what I know of xing I xuan. Now I can practice two different styles. This DVD displays the action in three speeds: slow mo, slow and regular. Nothing beats a kong fu teacher if one is to learn kong fu but I am impressed with this DVD and will be buying other kong fu dvds from this company in the future.

Excellent early practice/warm-up and foundation xing yi theory - recommend!

good general history on the subject mostly shaded in myth not enought information on the other branches applications were not shown against combination punching or possibe blocking anyone can do anying against someone that just stands their

This video was made by Master Liang Shou Yu in conjuction with Dr. Yang. Although Dr. Yang is in the video the primary focus is Master Liang. Even though Master Liang is said to be highly skilled I felt that his and his student's demonstrations of the techniques were very "airy-fairy", demonstrating very little intensity and power.

The DVD came as promised, on time. It was in pristine condition and played perfectly.

After purchasing the rather brilliant book by the same title and same authors, I found the DVD to be quite a bit of a let down. Firstly, at almost £50, I was expecting at least a 2 dvd set. Instead this item is only a single disk set which leaves many areas contained within the book unrepresented. There is very little mention of the philosophy behind xingy or any coverage of the excellant chi kung excercises. The five element forms are demonstrated and demonstrated well but with no actual examples of their martial usage as given in the book. However, unlike the book we are presented with some excellant full demostrations of all of the 12 animal forms but again only limited use is made of their marital applications. My main gripe is that in order to do the book any real justice this should definitely been made into a 2 dvd set which would also be more representative of its price tag!

Studied this martial art a few years ago but was unable to continue at the time. Have now been able to restart my learning. Clear and concise instruction with good demonstration.