Hi Tim
Keeping both fists close to the center of the body (one supporting the other)when drilling in Pi Quan is a characteristic of the HeBei style or the Shanxi style?

Hey Felipe,
I've noticed that this querry has gone unanswered. Perhaps you'd like to re-phrase the question -- it's ambiguous as it stands right now; for instance:

(1) "...one supporting the other..." How so (whaddaya mean)? Do you mean the right hand is supporting the left hand as the left hand is supporting the right hand??? How (other than the fact that every part of one's body supports all the other parts in some fashion)?

(2) "...when drilling in Pi Quan..." Do you mean "drilling" as in practicing, or as in Dzuan Quan (a.k.a.: "splitting;" I had to look at a syllabus for that one as my foreign-language abilities stink) -- that is, there is an element of drilling in the splitting form called Pi Quan.

(3) "Keeping...fists close to the center of the
body...a characteristic of...Hebei...or...Shanxi?
I'm a beginner with Xing-Yi Pi-Quan form, but fortunately I've been exposed to both styles; and both keep the principle of "fists" focused on centerline (i.e.: forward foot, nose, & fists focused in line from your center to the opponent's center -- in general if not precisely); so do you mean "centerline," or do you mean the center of your own torso as in pressing close to your chest/solar-plexis/whatever??? Also there are degrees of "close" between touching your chest & somewhere short of full extension, so define "close" so we can better understand what it is you're asking. NOTE: I'm not implying that one's fists ever touch one's own chest in the splitting form (Pi); I'm merely trying to understand the question posted -- as to what you mean ('cause you & I both may learn a thing or three from Tim's reply).
Personally I don't think Tim will reply until the question is stated clearly; but that's just my own speculation. I hope that after such a long period of waiting for an answer that you haven't given up hope & still check back, read this, rephrase, & get an answer. {:o)

Tim, Have watched a number of video clips on the net showing Pi Quan recently and all of them seem to emphasise the drilling aspect rather than the splitting, i.e alot of rising and drilling and little overturn and falling.

The way i practice the lead hand moves in a circular path rising and drilling on an 'inside' arc and overturning and falling on an 'outside' arc, together which roughly translates as a circular path (in conjunction with the rising and falling of the lead foot). Also the lead hand finishes at about rib level, while in the clips it finishes at about shoulder height.

Is this another example of different styles technique, or interpretation (I think they are all Hebei orientated)? I see Pi more as an initiation (first contact) technique or as a finishing technique, however the way it is demonstrated in the clips i can't see how it would overcome a good beng.

I realise that without viewing the clip/s yourself a judgement may not be possible or appropriate (in any case), and i'm not seeking to 'trash' anyone, but if you haven't worked it out, it isn't just the thread topic that is fortuitous.

Chris,
The way you describe Pi Quan (rise/drill during the inside arc and fall/overturn during the outside arc) is the standard way Pi is usually practiced.

Most schools I've seen stop the downward movement just about shoulder height.

I've also seen alot of variation in the way the Elements are practiced. As long as the forms and applications follow the principles, there should be room for variation.

thank you.

hi love pi