XING YI QUAN TWELVE ANIMALS

SPARROW HAWK FORM: YAO XING

Yao Xing, the Sparrow Hawk, emphasizes the drawing in of the wings (shrinking), penetrating, and turning over (p. 198). Imagine a hawk diving at full speed. The wings are pulled in. This is the emphasis in the Sparrow Hawk form. 

In terms of chi manipulation, the Sparrow Hawk works with the "prenatal Qi" and makes it collect in the center "Dan Tien." It allows the body to be light and able to move up and down swiftly.

With regards to the boxing, the following are the basic steps.

• "Shrinking of the Sparrow Hawk"
• From the Santi Shi, the right arm drills up in a fist on the underside of the left arm while the left fist twists inward until the palm faces up. The left leg makes a pad-step, the right steps up and then the left lifts to the right shin.
• "Flying into the Forest"
• From Shrinking of the Sparrow Hawk, step into a pounding fist strike BUT lead with the left and punch with the left. (Pounding fist typically strikes with the rear fist).
• "Penetrating into the Sky"
• Drill the right arm up, and bring the left arm in so that the left elbow "leans" into the heart and the left fist goes to the right elbow. Right fist palm up, left twists down. Step with the right. Similar to Drilling Fist (Zuan Quan).
• "Turning Over"
• The right arm pulls towards the left shoulder as the right foot hooks around and turns. The left foot draws back to the right as the left arm draws a circle in front of the body. The right fist pulls back to the side as the left fist shoots out and the left leg steps forward into a low step similar to that of Splitting Fist (Pi Quan).
• Shrinking of the Sparrow then Close

All in all, this seems like a simple but AWESOME form (which I will practice, practice, practice). Maybe I'll become a Sparrow Hawk? Enjoy. :D