Category Archives: Theory

The ideas and concepts behind Yi Chuan Kung Fu.

Are You Searching for Strength?

Posted on 14/07/2020 by steveehrenreich

Oneness strength, Hun Yuan, internal strength, Neijia or integrated strength is not only something cursed by the Tower of Babel but a truly tricky thing to figure out. I struggled with it. I have witnessed my Gung Fu brothers struggle … Continue reading →

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The Way of Yi Chuan

Posted on 17/12/2012 by steveehrenreich

Yi Chuan can be called an ancient method in a modern package.  While Yi Chuan (also know a Da Cheng Chuan or great achievement fist) was systematized in the early 1900’s by Grandmaster Wang it is based on a method that … Continue reading →

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The Opposite

Posted on 04/11/2012 by steveehrenreich

Many times in my experience with Yi Chuan the right path was the opposite of what I thought it was.  For you Seinfeld fans out there I felt like George Costnaza…..if I just did The Opposite of what I thought it was I would … Continue reading →

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Yi Chuan Puts Standing First

Posted on 09/10/2012 by steveehrenreich

Most martial arts systems start by teaching new students basic techniques.  Stances, blocks, punches, kicks, break-falls, joint locks and other techniques are practiced and improved through repetition. Yi Chuan is different; in that, the method clearly asserts that it has … Continue reading →

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Straighten Up!

Posted on 04/10/2012 by steveehrenreich

Do a quick survey of your posture as you read this.  Are you sitting down in a chair, back slumped and spine hunched?  If so, you are not alone.  Most people, myself included, have a bad habit of collapsing their … Continue reading →

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Three For One

Posted on 02/10/2012 by steveehrenreich

Yi Chuan is a holistic approach to cultivation because it helps build health, increase energy and improve self-defense capabilities simultaneously.  Like the three sides of a triangle, health, energy and self-defense mutually support one another.  How could you have good energy … Continue reading →

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Getting ‘Out of the Box”

Posted on 02/10/2012 by steveehrenreich

The box is everywhere, its all around us.  Its how we think, what we see and how we control the world in which we live.  From infancy what is real has been defined by our teachers, ingrained in us, from … Continue reading →

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Integrated Strength

Posted on 02/10/2012 by steveehrenreich

Most people have never experienced integrated strength.  Before meeting my teacher I had only heard stories and read historical accounts of people who had achieved the skill.  With an athletic background that included extensive strength training and years of martial arts practice under my … Continue reading →

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Play With It

Posted on 02/10/2012 by steveehrenreich

It would be quite a shame if the results of Yi Chuan practice were only useful for self defense.  Fortunately they are not. To make use of strength, flexibility, balance, awareness and other gains achieved through Yi Chuan practice you … Continue reading →

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Use ‘Hidden’ Practice time

Posted on 02/10/2012 by steveehrenreich

The core Yi Chuan practice of Standing (Jam Jong) can be practices in any position – standing, sitting or lying down.  The purpose is to activate or unite the frame so whole body or Hunyuan strength can be applied from … Continue reading →

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