Hi Greg,

Xingyiquan is usually taught in a progression starting with stationary basics, standing in Santishi, the Five Elements, basic linked forms, the Twelve Animals and then then more linked forms.

Depending on the teacher, applications training and sparring is usually introduced early on in the training (in my academy, the first week of training).

Since BJJ follows virtually the same principles as the "internal" styles, it integrates extremely well.

Greg,

Much of combatives are reality based and the trainers are gung ho. Much of it relates to physical conditioning along with the psychological imperatives in downing the 'enemy'.
Personally, although it is 'self protection', it can stand up to most scenarios because it is also martial.

Usually the guys who teach this bares the art down to its basics. Through repetition and training the results are amazing!

just a note. The mainland and Taiwan has used hsing-i as a template for their basic training for military and PSB.

Greg,

We've discussed the similarities between BJJ and the Internal styles quite a lot on the board, you might want to do a search. Briefly, some of the similarities are:

Not using force against force

Using the power of the whole body to attack the opponent's weaknesses

Using primarily weight, momentum and proper alignment to generate force

Sticking and following the opponent

Yielding to force and borrowing the force of the opponent

Techniques based on leverage and superior angles instead of brute force

being close to montreal you should check out
Yang hai who runs a school called wudang internal.
Look up "wudang internal" on google and you will probably find it. He teaches xingy bagua and chen taiji. He is very precise and a good teacher.
I cant recomend him more.

also I am sure this truth about self defense guy is just selling bullshit to unsuspecting trusting people. Thats how his site seems at least.

Also, ralston is worth checking out. Having been to two of his camps I can honestly say that he is the real deal (as I am sure tim is too). Sorry for taking three posts to say that all in.