The three forms of Internal Boxing, Hsing-I Chuan, Bagua Chuan, and Tai Chi Chuan, are not only extremely effective fighting forms, but confer considerable benefits in the form of moving chi kung as well. They are more often than not, better known for that aspect than their actual fighting applications. Hsing-I should be learned first, then Bagua, then Tai Chi, There is an old Chinese saying, that “Hsing-I is for the young, Bagua for the middle aged, and Tai Chi for the old.” This euphemism is somewhat misleading however, as age is really irrelevant to for practicing these arts, but more a reference to how this trinity of the Internal Boxing Arts should be learned, and how long it can take to truly master each one individually. Hsing-I emphasizes direct, explosive movement, Bagua is more subtle, flowing and curving like water or wind, and ending with Tai Chi, the “highest level” or, as the name means literally, the “Grand Ultimate” in how subtle it is, and also the most powerful, since it has been built upon a strong foundation created by the other two arts. Some people may only go so far as learning one or two of these arts in their lifetime, and not necessarily in this order as recommended. What is important, is that one does learn, and does their best to master their chosen art, or arts. We will begin with some of the principles of Hsing-I here, including its esoteric aspects and links to Chinese medicine.