I want to thank Mr. Ian Gibson for asking the questions that lead to this blog.  There are people more qualified to write about the origin and history of Yiquan.  But here is a brief account:

 

Yiquan was created in the mid 1920’s by Master Wang XiangZhai (王芗斋老师). 

 

After he learned XingYiQuan (形意拳) from Master Guo YunShen (郭云深老师), Master Wang XiangZhai (王芗斋老师) traveled throughout China to gather experience and firsthand information on various styles of martial arts.  Three persons had specific influences on his development in synthesizing the different styles.  He refined Zhan Zhuang (站桩) with Mr. Xie TieFu (解铁夫); researched XinYiQuan (心意拳, a branch of XingYiQuan) with ShaoLin Monk HengLin (衡林和尚); and integrated HeQuan (鹤拳, Crane Style) from Mr. Fang YiZhuang (方怡桩).  To this day, in Yao style Yiquan (姚氏意拳), you can still see traces of XingYiQuan (形意拳) in Pi Quan (劈拳), Zuan Quan (钻拳), and Deng Ta Jiao (蹬踏脚); and traces of HeQuan (鹤拳, Crane Style) in Gou Gua Shi Li (勾挂试力), Hun Yuan Zhuang Fa Li (浑元桩发力), and Fu An Fa Li (扶按发力).

 

Yiquan’s precept of adhering to proven principles but adopting any tactic and technique that is useful implies that Yiquan is always evolving; it is a developing art.  For instance, several students of Master Wang XiangZhai (王芗斋老师) have created their own styles:  Han style (Han XingQiao, 韩星桥老师) is heavily influenced by XingYiQuan (形意拳); Zhao style (Zhao DaoXin, 赵道新老师) is influenced by BaGuaZhang (八卦掌); and Yao style (Yao ZongXun, 姚宗勋老师) is influenced somewhat by western boxing.  The important thing is to keep your focus on and adhere faithfully to the principles and theory of Yiquan (Quan Quan Fu Ying, 拳拳服膺).  When you have mastered the internal aspects, the external form will be harmonious.  While it is interesting to notice the similarities and see the origins of certain maneuvers/techniques, the emphasis should be placed on the effective delivery of the balanced force (Hun Yuan Li, 浑元力).  Without the whole-body balanced force backing up your blows, style is irrelevant.

   

As for training methods, most Chinese martial arts use some form of relaxed standing (Zhan Zhuang, 站桩), trial and feel (Shi Li, 试力), power discharge (Fa Li, 发力), push hands (Tui Shou, 推手), and sparring (San Shou, 散手) training.  For instance, XingYiQuan (形意拳) standing in San Ti Zhi (三体式) training and conditioning is Zhan Zhuang (站桩); TaiJiQuan (太极拳) form practice (Zou Jia, 走架) is Shi Li (试力), push hands training is Tui Shou (推手); and HeQuan (鹤拳) basic skill power discharge training (Shuai Shou, 摔手) is Fu An Fa Li (发力), etc..

 

So what sets Yiquan apart?  The answer is mind-intent (Yi, 意) and simplicity.  We have covered these subjects extensively in previous articles.  Suffice it to say that the effectiveness of training procedures and methods is ultimately judged by outcome. Those that do not produce the desired results must be re-examined and refined.