The Fists are also called Elements, named from their actions and connected to the elements in early Chinese natural science.
Many authorities recognize it as the oldest internal system in the Chinese canon.
As a result, Hsing-I is relatively easy to learn when compared to other internal systems, but just as hard to master as well. The Fists are taught in drills, and also incorporated into forms. Like Shaolin Kung Fu , Hsing-I incorporates animals into its practice, and each are assigned chuans. At the Animal level, the grace and beauty of Hsing-I becomes quite apparent. Along with Ba Gua and Tai Chi , it forms the trinity of internal systems that constituted the Shaolin and Taoist Chinese's greatest secret.