Xinyi-Dao 心意道 is a system of martial arts created by Grandmaster Li Tailiang 李泰良 based on his extensive martial arts background in Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan, Shaolinquan, and Sanshou. The essence of the Xinyi-Dao system is the usage of the dantian (丹田) to create spirals expressed from the core of the body to the extremities (whether limb or weapon).

It is a comprehensive system for both health and self defense. The logical progression of dantian exercises provides a skeleton key to unlocking and understanding many of the cultivation methods of old.

Qingxiao Xinyi-dao is the personal expression of the Xinyi-Dao system by Alvin Chew (Zhao Jingliang 趙景良) based on the personal teachings and instruction he received from Grandmaster Li.

We focus on the teaching and cultivation of dantian spirals in all movements. After beginners are taught a variety of standing postures to develop connectivity, a simple version of the "squatting monkey" movement is used to demonstrate and practice storing and releasing in a straight vertical line. Stepping methods then are introduced to show how dantian rotation can be used to power forward movement.

Dantian powered movement and techniques are explored through the various forms of Dai style Xinyiquan and Che style Xingyiquan. Work with Cheng style Bagua circle walking and palm changes provides additional training in twisting and spiraling as well as exploration into the evasive techniques emphasized in that art. Two person practices follow the same progression from simple to complex, starting with fixed two person drills and forms, and gradually working into applications against progressive resistance.

The basic philosophy is to progress from simple to complex, working on both the internal connections and external forms alternately. The goal is to teach achievable skills that will help the practitioner in both martial and health contexts.

More information on the Xinyi-Dao system in the United States can be found at xinyidaousa.com

Public classes in Qingxiao Xinyi-Dao are held on Wednesdays at noon on the Stanford University campus and Saturday mornings in Fremont, California. Sign up at meetup.com if you'd like to join us!