The David Brent Wolfe Dictionary of

Chinese Martial Art Terms

When possible, terms are given in Mandarin (Hanyu) pinyin spelling. The older spelling of the Wade Giles method is used when it is the more commonly known version. For some terms the most common version is given in Cantonese.

- I -

• I Ching means the classic of changes. It is a text written about 3,000 years ago about eight elemental energies. Each energy is represented by three lines which can be solid (yang)or broken (yin). The three lines are called trigrams. Two trigrams paired are called a hexagram. There are 64 hexagram combinations possible. The I Ching explains the 64 hexagrams.