A question for all, but especially Tim.

When doing basic forms such as five elements, should they be done purposely with explosive burst (the way Master Hai Yang does it here):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQZ3xn-UmjI

Or more relaxed, like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vAQUdDWufw&feature=PlayList&p=04B78781EC46079A&p laynext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

Is it a progression, adding more burst as one becomes more adept?

Steele,

Tim answered a similar question before, here is the answer:

By Tim on Sunday, August 23, 2009 - 09:54 pm: Edit Post
The harder you stomp, the more energy you will displace into the ground and subsequently the less force you will have in your strike.

There are various ways to practice Xingyiquan and different styles have different emphasis.

I think Yang Hai's form is excellent. The type of "stomp" I was referring to in the quote William referenced above was the downward stomp of the back foot when attempting to issue force forward through the arms. This type of stomping simply wastes energy. The sound you hear when Yang Hai steps is from the "blocking" action of his front foot, which is not the same as stomping down with the rear foot. All styles of Xingyiquan generate power from blocking forward momentum through the legs and up through the body. It may be helpful to look at the method of force generation rather than the speed of the forms.

For an excellent example of form done in an apparently more relaxed manner look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd853Jg6AaQ

Notice although the "flavor" is different, the method of force generation is the same.

For another excellent and even "softer" example, look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOEjaeeL274&feature=related

Speed is relative, the principles of force generation do not change.