Wu Xing Li Lun

(Five Element Theory)

Xing Yi Quan has its theory based on the five element theory, commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) and Chinese Acupuncture. There are two cycles to note. The first is the constructive cycle, or sheng cycle, where metal creates water creates wood creates fire creates earth. The second cycle is the destructive or ko cycle, where metal chops wood, wood separates the earth, earth damns or absorbs water, water puts out fire, and fire melts metal. The following graphs illustrate these two cycles. As it is in TMC, so it is in fighting in Xing Yi Quan. If some one attacks you with a metal you would retaliate with what destroys metal, fire, and you would over come your opponent. Understanding this principle is key to understanding how to fight using Xing Yi Quan.

Constructive Cycle / Sheng Cycle

Destructive Cycle / Ko Cycle

Both Cycles / Liang ge Cycle