<--- | --->
		The old classics say the following eight characters must be present to make the enemy yours. Each of these characters has three important physical points which will help in aligning the body properly. These principles must be observed when practicing Xingyi, especially in the five elements. San Ding "three press upwards" San Kou "three hooks" San Yuan "three rounds" San Min "three quicks" San Bao "three embracings" San Chui "three sinkings" San Qu "three curves" San Ting "three stretches"
	Three Press Upwards - the head presses upwards helping to straighten the spine, the palms press outwards and the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth. Three Hooks - the shoulders hook forward and inwards emptying out the chest, the backs of the hands and feet must hook (the ground) and the teeth must hook (close) together. Three Rounds - the back is rounded out, the chest rounded in and the Hu Kuo (Tiger's Mouth) is round. This is the space between the thumb and index finger. Three Quicks - the heart (mind) must be quick like a tiger ready to pounce, the eyes must be quick like an eagle diving on it's prey and the hands must be quick, so they can strike first. Three Embraces - the qi is embraced (held) in the Dan Tian, the heart is embraced so as you are in control no matter what happens and the ribs are embraced by the elbows, protecting them at all times. Three Sinkings - the qi must sink, the shoulders must sink and the elbows must sink. Three Curves - the arms must be curved, never straight, the knees must be curved and the wrists must be curved, then the energy can be used continuously by having the body naturally expand and contract. Three Stretches - the neck must be stretched upwards, the spine must be stretched straight and the knees must stretch out like a tree creating roots. <--- | --->