In the practice of the Style, the practitioner will first be instructed in the basics. The methods of aligning the body, stances, stepping and the five forces, will all be introduced and discussed in terms of mechanical performance. Then the basic forms of the five forces (elements) will be introduced posture by posture until completed. Generally, about midway through the process of learning the five forces, push-hands and two-person five forces practice will also be introduced with an emphasis on blending with the opponent's energy without attempting to forcefully interupt. Standing Meditation (Zhan Zhuang) will also be a preferred staple during this time.

Later, as the student becomes still more proficient, the twelve animal forms, weapons and additional two-person work will be introduced. Free-fighting would be the last endeavor that the developing practitioner will engage in, after the proper body parameters have been ingrained and understood to a reasonable level of competency.

There is a great deal of emphasis placed upon two person exercises and practical training in Xingyi. Some of the more classical exercises are the San Shou Pao (Free Hand Pounding), Shrang Ren Wu Hsing (Two person Five Fists), and En Hsin Pao (Pounding Ways of Protection). In some schools there will be organized two person Chin Na (seizing skills) and two person Weaponry practices as well.

The energy of Xingyi has been described as that of a piece of Rattan. It will not flex very far before snapping back at you. Energetically, the art has a Yang exterior and a Yin interior. The practitioner seeks to create his own openings in attack and defense. It is extremely efficient in its expression of power.