The three internal martial arts

Tai chi chuan
The chief characteristic of tai chi is a deep relaxation of the body, so that the chi
can circulate freely. When the tai chi explosive force (Jing) is used it is soft like a
whip, but with deep penetrating power. Tai chi strategy in fighting is defensive,
preferring to wait for the opponent to attack, and then using the oncoming force
against the attacker. A strategy such as this enables even elderly tai chi
practitioners to overcome a much younger assailant, not by contending strength
against strength, but by using the mind allied to their skill and experience. All
defensive movements are circular in nature. The tai chi defender endeavours to
'stick' to the attacker by using the acute sense of touch acquired through
training.
Tai chi has a large array of kicks, but tends to use them to support the hands in
self-defence applications. At close quarters tai chi commands an extensive array
of throwing and grappling manoeuvres.
Hsing yi
Hsing yi requires that you be relaxed and natural. When both defending and
attacking the movement is relaxed until the last instant, when the body stiffens
momentarily as the hsing yi Jing is emitted. Hsing yi Jing is like a piece of bamboo,
flexible but possessing shocking force. This force is characterised as being heavy
like a cannon ball.
Hsing yi fighting strategy is much more assertive than that of tai chi - direct in
its actions and preferring to move offensively as a form of defence, instantly
countering every attack with one of its own, frequently at the same time. The
mind and body move as one with a consistent forward momentum, hence the
art's name 'mind fist'. Dodging, slipping and side-stepping are also used at a
higher level. The 'mind fist' possesses several kicks, but tends to keep them low
and blend them with an explosive barrage from the hands.
The basic arsenal of the various hsing yi styles encompasses the use of straight
and circular punches, palm strikes, elbow, shoulder, head butt, kicking both high
and low, and throwing and grappling.
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THE THREE INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS
Pa kua chang
The movements of pa kua are not as forceful as hsing yi or as soft as tai chi.
Spiralling and whip-like power emanate from pa kua techniques. Always
circular in appearance, its footwork is lightning fast, complex and evasive,
patterned on the imaginary movements of a dragon. (The dragon was thought to
be as light as a bird, with the elusive quality of a snake.) More defensive than
hsing yi, a circular defence is quickly followed by a powerful circular attack with
one of a vast array of hand, foot or body attacks, or throws. Pa kua strategy is to
move to the side or rear of an opponent and attack the aggressor in their most
vulnerable position. Throwing manoeuvres are used extensively, while striking
techniques are aimed at vital points.
Pa kua has many kicking manoeuvres hidden within the pa kua chang form (72
in total). Occasionally kicks are aimed at the head, usually when the attacker
least expects it and with lightning speed.
Pa kua chang literally means 'eight diagrams palm' and is aligned with the
ancient Taoist philosophy of the I Ching (Yi Jing) or 'Book of Changes'. The basis
of this philosophy is the dynamic inter-connections between all things in
existence, both animate and inanimate. The basic eight manoeuvres of pa kua
chang can be ascribed to the eight core trigrams of the Yi Ching. These eight
trigrams are considered as the prime movers in existence, which in turn have
eight actions each, making 64 actions. These 64 have also eight actions, and so
on. It is a mathematical philosophy of great complexity which attempts to place
Man and his actions in context with the cosmos.