Xingyi Fist is one of the three most famous Chinese traditional Fists forms. It originated from southern Song Dynasty, and has nearly 1000 years of history. Based on a broad and profound philosophy Xingyi is founded on theoretical and scientific principles.

There are different versions of its origin and founder. Most widely accepted is that, during wartime in Southern Song Dynasty, wounded soldiers couldn¡¯t train properly in GongFu because of their injuries. However, the soldiers were needed in battle; they had to train somehow and improve their skills in Gong Fu. With his generals, Yue Fei, a distinguished and loyal marshal, began to develop the basic shapes of the Xingyi fist forms for the soldiers. They practiced this fist for a long time, taking inspiration from observing the movements of animals and combining it with the principles of Wuxing. Xingyi fist developed into a martial art of moderate movements, one that could combine the internal and external styles through inner control.

Guo Yunsheng developed the style to completion and so is generally acknowledged as the modern founder. The name of Xingyi Fist was given by him.
The technique and theory can be summed up by Wuxing (the 5 elements): metal, wood, water, fire and earth. The content and theory of the 5 elements, based on traditional Chinese philosophy, inspired the Xingyi Fist and weapon forms. The 5 elements correspond to the 5 forms of Xingyi Fist: Chopping Fist, Beng Fist, Zuan Fist, Pao Fist and Heng Fist.

In addition, these are 12 shapes of technique: Dragon, Tiger, Monkey, Horse, Cork, Pear, Sparrow hawk, Swallow, Eagle, Snake, Cat and Crane.
The movements emphasize 6 combinations, which includes 3 internal combinations and 3 external combinations. The "3 Internals"are namely the combination between "right effort"and consciousness (mind), between the consciousness and the "Internal Qi" and between the "Internal Qi"and Internal strength. The "3 Externals" are the combinations between the hands and the feet, between the elbows and knees and between the shoulders and arms. The main points are having the agile waist of a dragon, the strong shoulder of a bear, the nimble way of an eagle and make sound like thunder.

Xingyi is a unity between the external forms and internal energy. It focuses on Mind dominating Qi, the physical movements and mind join together and Qi cooperating with strength. Through incorporating the physical forms, the concentration of mind with the combination of the internal and external practice, Xingyi is a very effective combat technique. However, it can also improve the learner's health, cultivate the soul and prolong one's life.

Xingyi Fist has several branches, such as Yuyi Fist, Dacheng Fist, etc. which have become famous in their own right. In recent years, Xingyi Fist has developed both in China and abroad. More and more people from all over the world are now learning it.