Yi Quan (pronounced "ee
chwen") is sometimes jokingly referred to as 'the martial
art without techniques', as there are no specific
techniques per se, but rather excercises designed to make
the practitioner aware of fundamental aspects of good
kung-fu. Rather than spend time learning techniques, which
often serve only to confuse students who mistake the
techniques for the art itself, Yi Quan focuses on showing
the student the essence of martial movement, regardless of
style or technique. In other words, every technique or body
movement, regardless of style, should have the same basic
qualities, i.e. power, focus, suddeness, etc. Each
practitioners body should have the same qualities, f.x.
balance, flexibility, rooting, etc. Yi Quan has 4 phases
consisting of various excercises designed to impart upon
the practitioner these qualities in as little time as
possible, through self-experience.
Our practice consists primarily of static relaxed postures
that contain tendencies towards movement, combined with
conscious body movements that focus on awareness. Our goal
is the cultivation of general body power and explosive
power (fa li). Our practice is used as a compliment to
Wing Chun, helping to illuminate core principles from a
different perspective in order to facilitate the paradigm
shift neccessary as one progresses through the system.
