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	Probably one of the most famous exponents of Xingyi is Li Lao Neng (also known as Li Neng Ran). He was born in 1807 in Shen County, Hebei Province and originally practiced Chang Quan (Long Fist). It wasn't until he went to Shanxi and was repeatedly defeated by Dai Long Bang's sons that he and switched to the art of Xingyiquan, begging them to teach him. Since's Dai's sons were young, they took him to their father. He then began training under Dai. Some say it actually his son Dai Wen Xun who taught him. He was 37 at the time. Over the next ten years, Li stayed with Dai and mastered the art, earning himself the nickname of "Magic Fist Li."Li then returned to Hebei Province and began teaching there himself. He greatly expanded on what he learned and made many major contributions to the art. He also changed the original name of Xinyiquan (Heart & Mind Boxing) to Xingyiquan - "Form of the Will Boxing." Dai's style is still known as Xinyiquan to this day and differs greatly from Xingyi. Other additions Li made were the addition of two more animal forms - the Tou (Water Lizard) and Tai Bird. He also developed many of the common Xingyi forms such as Lianhuan, Wu Xing Sheng Ke, Za Shi Chui and An Shen Pao. He added the San Ti posture to the beginning and end of each of the forms. He is also credited with coming up with the principles of keeping the elbows close to the ribs and the fists in front of the heart. He was a great innovator, his principles developing into what is now known as the Hebei style - the most widely practiced Xingyi style to this day. Some of Li Lao Neng's most famous students included the infamous Guo Yun Shen, Che Yi Zhai, Liu Qi Lan, Bai Xi Yuan and Song Shi Rong. Guo and Liu went on to teach Li's Xingyi in Shen County, Hebei Province. Che and Song taught in Shanxi. So as you can see, the art of Xingyi was created in Shanxi, modified and spread in Hebei, and later returned to Shanxi in it's "Hebei" form. Because of this, you'll see many variations of the Hebei and Shanxi styles as they spread throughout the Provinces. Li eventually returned to Taigu and died in 1888 at the age of 81, his art flourishing long after this great master was laid to rest. <--- | --->