Ken Fish, a xingyiquan student of Zhang Junfeng over in Taiwan, had this to say about these forms:

"They are different forms. Bashi (eight postures/stances) is a "mixed" or "linking" set, containing a mix of animal and 5 element moves. There is also a Bashi ("grasping moves" different tones - these characters can also be used as another term for boxing) set - short, quick, a mix of striking and grasping (qin na) moves. Finally, Bazi or Bazigong, is a series of short sets of one or two moves - it is also called Bazi Rouhsou gong (Eight Character Soft Hands Skill). This is sometimes thought of a "closed" or "secret" teaching - it is an applications oriented series of drills, all very practical fighting moves, with an emphasis on speed, footwork, and a springy reactive quality."

Tim, did you study any of these forms with your primary xingyi teachers or with Luo De Xiu (I know you mostly studied bagua with Luo)?

As far as solo xingyi forms go, how would you rate the importance of these? I've been driving to another town to learn the 5 element and 12 animal forms from a teacher--but those are all he knows (no 2-person forms!)and xingyi is not his main art. He's just teaching those forms to me on the side as a favor.

I mean I know I can mix and match 5-element and animal forms in different sequences, but it just seems to me that these bashi and bazi forms were created with something useful in mind. Any thoughts?

I learned a couple of different versions of the Ba Shi form from different teachers. The essence of Xing Yi Quan is in the Five Elements. If you have a good teacher and learn the Elements well, you should have a good foundation in the Art.

The linked forms are important as they teach different rhythms of movements, how to flow from one movement to another in a logical sequence and each of the linked forms emphasizes a different fighting strategy.