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Xingyiquan ( Hsing I Ch'uan)
The Swallow is the eighth of the 12 Animals. It is also called the Sparrowhawk. The movements emulate a swallow as it skims over water, makes a nest, and snatches an insect from mid-air. The fists are very focused on a straight line, and involve bursting (Wood), splitting, (Metal), and drilling (Water). The components of the Chinese character for Swallow identify it as a bird that depends on grass above, and swoops over water below. Therefore, the movements and shape take their cues from the calligraphy for Swallow.
This Hebei style of Hsing-I Ch'uan (Xing Yi Quan) is organized using 12 Animals that group and teach the martial characteristics of particular actions. Sample Applications from the 12 Animals:
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