A Martial Arts Community Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue #8, October to December 1997
Content:
The Roots of Traditional Martial Arts
Wu Tang Tournament in Canton
Wu Song Breaks Manacles
Histories of the Three Kingdoms
101 Lessons of Tao
Self-Defense Methods for Women
Email & WWW
Newsbits...
The Roots of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts - Empty Hand Boxing
Qin, Han, and Three Kingdoms Periods (221 BC to 280 AD)
By Salvatore Canzonieri, Boonton, New Jersey
The constant state of war that occurred between the Zhou Dynasty and
the Warring States period did much to promote wu shu and reinforce its applicability
to the conditions of the times. With the heavy use of infantry and weapons
fighting, wu shu matured quickly and many ideas for offensive and defensive
action came and went. Only the most practical moves survived the test of
time, as the leaders of losing armies were often wiped out, as was the memory
of their military tactics. Because so many non-nobility people served in
the military, military martial art techniques began to be disseminated into
the general population. People were able to perfect fighting techniques
and become wu shu masters, exchanging ideas with each other as they defended
themselves in these turbulent times against all manner of robbers and assailants.
By 221 BC, warring became so intense that not only did the emperors and
their ministers keep wu shu masters but also the dukes and marquises of
the different states did the same. A noted ancient military advisor by the
name of Guai Gu Tzu (who wrote his own military tactics book along the lines
of Sun Tzu), is said to have taught wu shu techniques to such luminaries
as Sun Bin and Bai Yuan, among others. His techniques were based on simultaneous
offense and defense using evasive tactics to overcome the opponent. The
moves of the Bai Yuan Tung Bei style are said to have emerged from his teachings.,
the `tan sao` technique especially.
The fighting arts began to split into Military Wu Shu, which was highly
selective and developed for killing on contact, and Civil Wu Shu , which
was more merciful and evasive as it developed among the common people. Civil
Wu Shu kept some of the powerful aspects of Military Wu Shu but also was
used for fitness, competition, and entertaining performance. Over the centuries,
people added their own ideas to the existing wu shu techniques to develop
their own brand or styles. Thus, the ancient family styles of martial arts
came into being and soon were passed down from generation to generation
in a secret manner. Only a very few such ancient styles have survived into
modern times (such as the Wu Jia Quan Shu - Wu family Dragon/Phoenix style)
and most of the techniques from such ancient times have been absorbed into
the various wu shu styles that developed between the Tang and Sung dynasties
(as did the Chang Shou Men style of Kuo I). Other ancient styles were lost
due to the many millions of deaths that occurred during the many wars and
resultant migrations of people that China endured. Thus, over the centuries,
Civil Wu Shu styles would appear and disappear and reappear again, even
Military Wu Shu would disappear occasionally for a number of years before
people would reintroduce it, always different than the previous version.
Such social dynamics made wu shu techniques and styles develop rapidly over
the ages and evolve to be ever more efficient and effective. By the end
of the second century BC, equal attention began to be paid to the practice
and theory of wu shu and not just isolated skills and techniques, as more
and more people wrote books on wu shu and incorporated the different tenets
of various Chinese philosophies. Many philosophy books of the times (Zhuang
Zi - Book of Master Zhuang being one of the earliest) featured chapters
of Sword play and examined how wu shu theory fit into other philosophical
ideas.
Qin Dynasty (221 BC to 206 BC)
During the end of the Warring States Period (see Part 2 of this series),
the northern and western areas of China began to be settled by various nomadic
tribes, with the Hui (a Uighur Islamic peoples) settling in the western
regions. They introduced horseback riding and a type of iron sword making
method.
At the same time (around 316 BC), the Qin (Ch`in) finally conquered the
Shu and Pa (in modern day Szechuan), which gave them a strong advantage
over the Ch`u. In 264 BC, the Qin completed a canal (chengkuo) that connected
the Qing and Lo rivers. With this, they were able to create a key agricultural
and economic area in western Szechuan. That same year, the last Zhou (chou)
rulers were deposed.
By 221 BC, the Qin emerged as the most powerful of the Warring States
and became the ruling victors. Prince Zheng (cheng) proclaimed himself to
be the first Qin Emperor and began to unify China under a central bureaucracy
(which lasted only 14 years).
Under the Qin, land reform and enforcement of the letter of the law was
strict. The Qin carried out a policy of enhancing its wealth and military
strength. In this way, they were able to defeat the strong countries in
the east and unify all of China into one empire. Emperor Zheng standardized
Chinese written characters, coinage, and weights and measures. China became
a vast administrative system with a strong central rule, over a system of
provinces, governed by administrators appointed by the center (this type
of system has lasted more than 2000 years in China).
Also, the Qin became the biggest iron producers in the world, especially
weapons. To enforce his rule, in 213 BC, the Emperor decried that all books
were to be burned, outlawing all philosophies that competed with his Legalism.
All weapons (bronze) were to be collected from all the provinces, brought
to the capital in Xianyang, and melted down. The Qin`s iron weapons were
to be the only weapons around; they were characterized by their longer length
than was traditionaly used in the past.
Because weapons and military fighting was outlawed in the provinces,
the art of Shuai Jiao became highly popular. During the Qin Dynasty, the
art was promoted for its entertainment spectator sport value and was called
Jiao Ti by the people. The art was also adopted officially by the Qin government
as a fighting and training method for the imperial army. Other names it
was called in other provinces was Hsian Pu, Kwang Jiao, Liao Jiao, among
others (Even Japenese envoys came to see the Jiao Ti matches, the characters
for `Hsian Pu` are the same as those in Japenese for `Sumo`). Jiao Ti became
widely demonstrated at banquets, festivals, and public gatherings. Similarly,
the sport of boxing, called Shou Bo, became popular as well. The Qin imperial
court promoted both all over the Empire and helped spread their popularity
and use. Many folk people learned the techniques of Jiao Ti and Shou Bo
and perfected their own methods.
Even though the Qin dynasty (via its despotic emperor Qin Shi Huang)
brought upon the unification and expansion of China, it was not able to
last very long itself. The many expansionist battles the empire fought,
the building up of huge earth mounds to form the foundation to the Great
Wall of China, and many elaborate public works, cost an enormous amount
of wealth and human life. The populace became heavily burdened with taxation,
military service, and forced labor, which soon made the common people deeply
resent the Emperor`s repressive rule. Also, the literate class resented
the banning of competitive philosophies and the burning of books. When the
Emperor died from an illness in 210 BC, many people schemed to take the
Empire away from his successor(his son Liu). Emperor Liu became influenced
by the advice of an unpopular palace eunuch. Soon a power struggle ensued
between different factions within the literary and noble classes that crippled
the central administration of the government. Soon the local populace began
to openly rebel against the government, with continuous insurrections throughout
the next few years.
Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD)
A revolution was started by a soldier who was facing sure execution because
he was late delivering a group of new draftees (the heavy rains and muddy
roads delayed him), named Liu Pang. He convinced his conscripts to help
him since they were also to be executed. Even though these men were duly
caught and executed, the common people sided with Liu Pang, who had managed
to escape and build up another army. Soon he was able to stave off all other
contenders and he used his army to declare himself Emperor Han Kao Tzu in
206 BC.
Thus, the Han Dynasty was established, which lasted about 400 years.
The Han (from which the predominant Chinese ethnic group is given its name)
worked to perfect the administrative model developed by the Qin and modified
the harsh Qin policies by repealing burdensome laws, sharply reducing taxes,
and adopting a laissez-faire policy to promote economic recovery. Confucianism
was adopted as the official ideology, although other points of view were
incorporated as needed, including the popular superstitions of the people.
Written examinations were adopted in order to reward by merit of being most
qualified. During the Han era, China became an efficient bureaucracy.
Because so many men had been conscripted into the military during the
Qin Dynasty, many people had a familiarity with the skills of Jiao Ti (shuai
jiao), since it was the official military fighting style. The Han also adopted
its use for the military and Jiao Ti exhibitions continued to interest the
populace during festivals and official functions. The Han Dynasty`s most
celebrated Emperor, Wu Ti, who reigned from 140 to 87 BC, was obsessed with
the art and proclaimed it the permanent royal recreation. All palace bodyguards
were required to be highly skilled in Jiao Ti. Emperor Wu Ti promoted many
Jiao Ti performances; records in the `Book of the Han Dynasty` show that
in 108 and 105 BC large-scale Jiao Ti shows were well attended. Visiting
envoys from Japan brought back with them Chinese dao and jian, as well as
the practice of Shou Bo (boxing) and Xiang Pu (grappling).
Besides these martial arts, the Taoists continued to develop Daoyin chi
gung exercises. Ancient tombs recently, excavated contained paintings dating
from the Han Dynasty. These paintings depict people of both sexes and all
ages performing more than 40 postures and movements. Some are done standing,
some sitting, some with weapons, and some without. The movements imitate
such animals as dragons, cranes, geese, small birds, monkeys, apes, and
bears, with inscriptions identifying them as health promoting and curative.
Many of these exercises shown are almost identical to those later attributed
as being Damo`s muscle/tendon changing exercises (from the much later Wei
dynasty period). By the end of the Han Dynasty, Taoists and medical doctors
widely adopted Daoyin exercises and continued to develop them. These ideas
later led to such things as: wu qin xi (five animal play), tai xi fa (art
of internal breathing), yin jin jing (muscle/tendon limbering), and the
ba duan jin (8 forms of brocade exercises).
Emperor Wu Ti continued to expand China`s borders until it reached nearly
the size that it is today. All territories and principalities were now totally
under imperial rule. Under Wu Ti, the Han fought many battles in the west
against a equestrian people called the Hsiung-nu (the Huns). The Emperor
enlarged the cavalry and improved methods of battle strategies in order
to deal with this enemy. Large-scale battles became a necessity, with the
cavalry becoming the main combat force. Broadswords (dao) with ringheads
for long range hacking replaced the sword in the cavalry forces, as did
long iron spears and swords (mao and jian).
During the later years of Emperor Wu Ti`s reign, wu shu was separated
from official learning, which soon encouraged people who were experienced
warriors and folk martial artists to specialize into professional practitioners.
Boxing became more emphasized, with Shou Bo one of the courses for testing
warriors. Palace guards were chosen by Shou Bo by standardized Shou Bo tests.
By 6 BC, the records such as the Book of the Han Dynasty show that Shou
Bo and Jiao Ti became totally separate events, with many people including
the Han Emperors enjoying their sport exhibitions. Bare handed fighting
was also called Chi Ch`iao, which meant `ability and talent`. Exhibitions
of such skills became very popular.
Unfortunately, the expansionist policies of the Han Dynasty eventually
consumed any surpluses it had created after the first few centuries. Legalist
policies were reinstated to restore state treasuries. Taxes were increased,
currency devalued, and economic government monopolies were revived. Such
hardships aggravated the peasants, who were experiencing a growth in population,
thus reducing the size of landholdings. Uprisings and banditry increased
sharply. Large land holding families refused to pay taxes and the government
began to disintegrate.
Hsin Dynasty (8 AD to 23 AD)
Many of the Han Dynasty were infant emperors. Wang Mang, a court official,
took advantage of the disordered times and deposed such an infant, establishing
the Hsin Dynasty after he was appointed Emperor during a power struggle
in the Han house. Not being of any royal bloodlines, Wang tried to alleviate
the peasants` hardships by nationalizing all land and redistributing it
among the actual cultivators. Slavery was abolished. Also, he tried to revitalize
the imperial government by strengthening imperial monopolies on salt, iron,
and coinage. He fixed state prices to protect the peasants from price gouging
and provided low interest loans to these trying to start productive businesses.
But, the powerful property holding classes provided such a strong resistance
that he was forced to repeal his land legislation. Peasants again grew disruptive
with large-scale rebellions breaking out in northern China under the instigation
of a group called the `Red Eyebrows`. The large land holding families joined
the rebels and killed Wang Mang.
Han Dynasty (25 to 220 AD)
The seat of power returned to the Han house, but again early deaths led
to infant emperors. The central government soon enough again became unstable
under the rule of incompetent maternal relatives of the infant emperors.
Court eunuchs were able to get rid of these incompetents, but at the cost
of having a strong say in government affairs. Other court bureaucrats became
offended by the power the eunuchs had and factionalism erupted. In 126 AD,
Yu Ji preached Taoism to Emperor Shun. Many Taoists felt that the troubles
that the Han Empire was undergoing was due to the Han government having
accepted Confucianism and Legalism as official philosophies. Finally, from
168 to 170 AD, open warfare broke out between the Eunuchs and the court
officials. The folk populace, who mostly followed Taoism, felt that the
factionalism was causing the governing of the empire to be sorely neglected.
By 184 AD, two great Taoists rebellions occurred that were led by various
religious groups. For over 20 years, the Yellow Turbans, led by Zhang Jiao,
rioted throughout the Shantung peninsula area. In Sichuan province, the
Five Pecks of Rice Society rebelled, who were finally pacified in 215 AD
by Han General Tsao Tsao. Only after severe military repression against
the rebels and many deaths was the empire pacified and some order restored.
During these rebellions, the imperial government grew very weak and warlords
from different regions arose and battled both each other and the imperial
government. Martial Arts became a valued skill in these troubled times and
with so many people having had served in the military, there were plenty
of people around with wu shu experience. In fact, many artifacts (such as
stone paintings, murals, carvings, etc.) found today date from this Han
period. They depict many varied scenes of wu shu skills, including long
weapons, bare hands, weapons versus bare hands, multiple opponents, and
man versus animals. Mei Ching of the Han Dynasty records a man barehandedly
fighting a tiger and bull simultaneously. Many mentions are made of the
great fighting skills that people had at the time and of the popularity
that the wu shu arts enjoyed among both the common folk and those of military
experience. Unfortunately, the exact styles of military training, strategy,
and fighting that the various armies of this time period used are hard to
infer, since losing armies were wiped out by the victor and all their belongings
burned.
During the Han times, Wu Yi was used as the term for skilled fighting
bare handed or with weapons. Around 84 AD, the historian Pan Kuo (Ban Gu)
(32 -92 AD) completed the very important Book of the Han Dynasty. In it,
he showed how important Wu Yi was during the Han Dynasty, both hand to hand
and weapons. He called the local form of martial arts Chi Chi Hsiu (`Skillful
Striking with Hands`). He categorized the art of war into tactics, features,
Yin and Yang, and techniques. Also, the book contained 38 treatises on sword
practice, 6 on Shou Bo, and some on cross-bow shooting. He describes the
various methods used and even shows outline drawings of them. Thus, by the
first century AD, books on the theory and practice of wu shu were already
in existence.
During the first century AD, merchants opened roads between China and
India in order to sell silk. Many foreign people started to enter China
and vice versa as they traveled along this silk route. Body guards and security
personnel were needed to protect the merchants from murdering highway robbers.
This made wu shu skills further develop into a profession. Eventually, Buddhist
monks from India traveled along the silk route and introduced the religious
philosophy into China. Significant numbers of Chinese uprooted by warring
became attracted to Buddhism`s message of escaping from suffering and karmic
debt and converted. Soon monks and nuns traveled to and from the silk route
and they also needed protection. Some of these Indian Buddhist monks had
knowledge of self defense methods, called Vajramukti, and taught this to
the Chinese monks. The Chinese called the methods Shih Yu Hsu Hsiu Hsing
(`Lion`s Skillful Practice`). Later it was called Tung Shih Yu Hsu Chuan
(`Eastern Lion`s Art of Closed Hand Fighting`) to differentiate the skill
from skills of Chinese origin. Another technique introduced into China was
called Po Fu or Po Hu (`Tiger Striking`) and involved striking the vital
points of the body to cause physical changes in the opponent.
Chang Shou Style Of Martial Arts
Around the same time that Buddhism was introduced to China from India,
during the first century, one of the earliest non-military Chinese marital
arts styles was developed that was said to be similar to Po Fu. A famous
commoner fighting master named Kuo I (or Kuao Chi Yee) lived during the
Hou Han Dynasty period (25 to 220 AD). Over time, his ideas and techniques
were collected and incorporated into a style that was called `Chang Shou`
(long or extended hands) or `Chang Shou Men`. The term `extended hands`
referred to Kuo I`s ability to defend himself from opponents while standing
a long distance away; up to this time most hand fighting was done under
very close quarters fighting conditions. Using his techniques, enemies could
be disarmed long before they could close in on him.
Chang Shou was practiced mostly in the Shantung region and was popular
to many. The style is considered, based on its descriptions, as the root
to the Long Fist styles seen today in northern China, especially in the
Shaolin Temple based styles. Many of the techniques that are seen today
in Northern long fist styles (such as Tai Tzu Chang Quan, Hung Quan (red
fist)), exhibit the same techniques as those that were developed almost
1,800 years ago in Chang Shou. In the tenth century, the famous Sung Dynasty
Emperor, Tai Tzu, was said to have mastered Kuo Chi Yi`s Chang Shou and
recommended that the Imperial Army learn it as well. He was said to have
learned the art to help defend his people against the invading tribes from
the north. (Thus, Kuo Chi Yi`s Chang Shou influenced Sung Tai Tzu`s Chang
Quan, which influenced Chen Tai Chi`s Chang Quan form. Shantung province
General Chi Chi Juang`s famous martial arts book, published during the Ming
dyansty, illustrates a 32 Move Long Fist form. This form may give a clue
as to what the Chang Shou style may have been like. This same form in the
book is said to be the source of the Chen tai chi quan style`s long fist
form. Thus, the Chang Chou style maybe Chen`s original root, via it being
the base for Sung Tai Tzu`s Chang Quan. Especially since the founder of
Chen was a general stationed in Shantung province.).
Three Kingdoms Period (220 to 265 AD)
During the early part of the second century AD, a physician named Hua
To developed the Five Animals Play chi gung exercises, basing his health
enhancing movements on those of animals such as the deer, tiger, bear, monkey,
and bird. He developed these exercises in order to prevent or curtail illnesses.
The physical movements were designed to strengthen the muscles, increase
a cleansing perspiration, lighten the body, and promote the appetite.
The Han Empire by 220 AD began to weaken in power due to nonsupport of
the general populace, with the Empire blaming the quick rise of Buddhism
and calling for the burning of many temples. Buddhism was swiftly eclipsing
Confucianism and open rivalry even erupted between Taoist and Buddhist supporting
factions. Eventually, Chinese Buddhism incorporated many of the ideas of
Taoism to create a distinctly Chinese brand of Buddhism and tensions lessened
between the two.
Barbarian tribes began raiding the northern Yellow River lands of China
to such a degree that most of the original Chinese population left the area
to them and made large-scale migrations to the southern Yangzi River, causing
the Han treasury to become dissolute. Large land holding families took advantage
of this situation and established their own private armies in the provinces,
decentralizing the Empire. The Han Emperor soon abdicated. General Tsao
Tsao helped his son to overcome the Han and seize the throne, establishing
the Wei Dynasty (220 to 265 AD). In other areas, people saw this and used
their armies to establish rival kingdoms. Southwestern China had the Shu
Han Dynasty (221 to 263 AD) and the Southeast of China had the Wu Dynasty
(222 to 280 AD). These three kingdoms kept China separate and in a constant
state of war against each other. This situation would remain so for the
next 350 years.
During the turbulent Three Kingdoms era, Chinese society went deep into
feudalism. The social conditions of the times demanded strong wu shu skills
and much study went into the further development of martial arts and a means
to teach it a better way. Until this time, most martial arts masters perfected
one technique by refining all they knew into one representative, efficient,
and effective move. Ancient Martial Art styles consisted of chains of loose
techniques. But, after much study was made of offensive and defensive techniques
during the Three Kingdoms period, prearranged forms for fitness and practice
came into existence. Practicing such forms became a pastime, to keep oneself
fit and ready. Boxing and sword fighting forms reached a high level for
many. Technical books exclusively devoted to practicing these martial arts
began to be published. One well known book, the `Han Shu: Yi Nu Zhi` discussed
13 types of martial arts, mentioning at least 100 different fighting techniques.
Since all three kingdoms placed much importance on preparing for war,
their leaders equally promoted wu shu among the common people and their
military troops. Forms were developed that featured bare hands against the
spear, broad sword, and other weapons. Many sword fighters were famous to
the people, such as Wang Shue and Shi A. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) of the Wei
Dynasty was so good at sword fighting that he could overcome a long sword
with a short one. In the Wu kingdom, imperial court attendants were required
to learn boxing forms, called Xiang Pu, as recorded in the Jiang Biao Zhuan
of Yu Pu. Many different types of long weapons were developed during these
times as well. Great use was made of many types of staffs.
(Next: Part 4: Jin to Tang Dynasties)
Salvatore Canzonieri is a free-lance artist & writer for various
publications (Wushu Kungfu, Han Wei's Wushu, Seconds, EXIT, and others),
with experience in Wu Style Taiji, Southern Shaolin, Northern Shaolin, Qigong
and various other Traditional Chinese Kungfu styles.
Wu Tang Martial Arts Association of Ohio`s Open Invitational
Traditional / Wushu Chinese Martial Arts Tournament of Canton
In Canton, Ohio on November 22, 1997, there will be a landmark event taking
place at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. The first ever martial arts tournament
hosted by the Wu Tang Martial Arts Association of Canton, Ohio under Master
Yang Shu Ton. This is the only tournament ever hosted by the Wu Tang Martial
Arts Association in its history since being founded by the late Grandmaster
Liu Yun Chiao in 1971.
Grandmaster Liu was born in 1909 in Hebei Province, China. He began his
martial arts training under Zhang Yiao Ting from whom he learned Mi Tsung
Chuan. He then became a closed door disciple of the great Li Shu Wen. Under
Li he studied Ba Ji Chuan and Pi Qua Zhang. After many years of study, he
traveled around the countryside with Li testing himself and his art. It
was at this time he became known as `the little Titan of Shandong`
Province. He then continued his studies learning Yang`s Tai Chi Chuan
under General Zhang Xiang Wu. A few years later he began studying Bagua
Zhang under Gong Bao Tien. He moved to Taiwan in 1949 with Chiang Kai Shek`s
Chinese Nationalist Party. Here he instructed Presidential Palace Guards.
It was many years before he founded WuTang Martial Arts Magazine and Promotional
Center in 1971. He then instructed hundreds, if not thousands of students
during these years in Taiwan. Notable names include Liang Chi Chang, Adam
Hsu, Su Yu Chang, Tai She Che, Huang Xi Ming, Wu Song Fa, Chen Guo Chin,
and Yang Shu Ton. Grandmaster Liu died 1-21-92.
Master Yang Shu-Ton is of Chinese descent, born in Taiwan. He has been
studying martial arts for over 40 years. He began studying at age
6 under the instruction of his uncle, a martial arts master. Later, he moved
to Taipei and became a student of Grandmaster Su Yu Chang, of the Praying
Mantis system. It was Grandmaster Su who introduced Master Yang to Grandmaster
Liu Yun Chiao. For two years, he studied under both teachers and then became
solely a student of Grandmaster Liu. He then became Grandmaster Liu`s disciple
and trained with him on a daily basis for over eight years. During this
time he practiced Tai Chi, Ba ji, Praying Mantis, and various weapons. He
also received personal instruction from Grandmaster Liu in Ba qua, Pi qua,
Mi Tsung, Ba ji and numerous weapons. In addition, he helped train the presidential
body guards of Taiwan. In May 1980, Master Yang came to the United States
and settled in Canton, Ohio. He opened his own martial arts school and continues
to teach there.
David Schenk has been studying Chinese martial arts since 1972. Initially
he learned Shaolin Long Fist as a student of Master Femon Ong. He then began
studying under Master Yang Shu-ton, from whom he has received instruction
since 1982. He has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He
then became a senior disciple of Master Yang`s in a closed door ceremony
in 1989. At this time he is the owner of The Center for Body-Mind Harmony,
where he has been teaching for 18 years. The Center houses an official Ohio
branch of WuTang Martial Arts, as well as Dave`s Naturals, a health food
store which also sells martial arts related supplies, including T-shirts
and clothing. The Center is located in Tallmadge, Ohio at 290 West Ave.
in Rocco Plaza.
Wu Tang Martial Arts Assoc. of Ohio presents their first tournament,
an OPEN INVITATIONAL TRADITIONAL / WUSHU CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT
in honor of the late Grandmaster Liu Yun-Chiao on Saturday November 22,
1997 at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. The Civic Center is located at
1101 Market Ave. North (SR. 43) Canton, Ohio. Their phone number is (330)
489-3090. The tournament schedule is as follows:
Registration 8:00 am - 10:00am
Master`s Demonstration 11 am
Tournament begins 12 pm
School Competition 7 pm
The cost is:
Spectator fee $7, Children under 10 are free
Participant registration $30 in advance for the first event and $5
for each additional event.
Late registration is $40 at the door for the first event and $5 for
each additional event.
The tournament will feature 112 divisions including: traditional Northern
and Southern Chinese Kung Fu, Wushu, seniors (over 40), weapons, Tai Chi
(Liu's 32, other Yang, Chen, push hands) Bagua, youth, light contact fighting,
2 person sets, and team competition.
Other notable details of interest include lion dances by Chan Pui`s students
and Master Henry Chung`s school, Nick Gracenin`s Wushu Team, Brendon Lai,
and a demonstration by Shawn Liu of San Shou. Brendon Lai will be hosting
a seminar on Sunday covering praying mantis applications and Shawn Liu will
also host a seminar Sunday on qigong and San Shou.
For further details contact:
Dave Schenk (330) 633-1914, Dave Parks (330) 874-2695 or Shu-Ton (Tony)
Yang (330) 493-8023.
Our fax number is (330) 874-4270 or email Dave Parks at: DPPARKS@JUNO.COM
More information can be found on our website: http://www.bodymindharmony.com
Hope to see you there!
Samson's Powerhouse
2908 Pearl Avenue w Lorain w Ohio 44055
(216) 240-1115
We are currently offering Pro-wrestling and Boxing
Wu Song Breaks Manacles
A unique style of Chinese boxing featuring movements of both attack and
defense, Wu Song Breaks Manacles recalls the chapter `Wu Song Goes Wild
at Flying-Cloud Pools` from one of the best-known and best-loved of the
ancient Chinese novels Outlaws of the Marsh. (or it is also known as
the novel All Men are Brothers)
This exercise is practiced in the form of pre-arranged routines, either
by a single person fighting an imaginary foe, or by three or five partners
in a simulated combat.
In the one-on-two exercise, the one who plays Wu Song, a prisoner travelling
under police escort, fights barehanded with the right hand clenched into
a fist and the left gripping the right wrist as if his hands were manacled,
while the other two who play the guards wield a cudgel and double swords
respectively. This exercise is characterized by quick movements such as
leaps and falls, attacks and dodges, all done with immense vigour and precision.
In the one-on-four exercise, the one playing Wu Song wears around his
wrists a pair of wooden manacles with a long chain attached to it and his
opponents are each armed with a cudgel. Without the vigorous leaps and falls
of the one-on-two exercise, this exercise features attack and defense movements
accentuated from time to time by the graceful wielding of the chain and
the cudgel.
Since the one-on-two and one-on-four sparring exercise are now known
only to a few masters, the most popular form of Wu Song Breaks Manacles
involves only one person.
The best-known practitioner of this form is Hu Hanping, a famous wushu
master from Shanghai and five-time first prize winner at the National Wushu
Meet since 1953. His hand techniques include elbowing, bumping, pounding,
punching, catching, holding, gripping, seizing, pushing, cutting, sweeping,
fending, crushing, pressing, gouging and thrusting and his foot and leg
techniques range from kicking, leaping, treading, sweeping, tripping to
stamping. In Hu`s style of Wu Song Break Manacles, the boxer uses the shoulder,
elbows, legs and hips more frequently than the hands. Hu`s exercise, arranged
in seven continuous sections, is marked by an easy flowing style of its
own.
Starting Position
Movements:
Stand upright to face south at the western end of the court with both
legs straightened, feet closed together, arms hanging at the sides of body,
and fingers together and closed to thighs. (Fig 1).
Points to remember:
Keep head erect, chin tucked in, and eyes looking straight ahead; hold
chest thrown out, back erect, shoulders relaxed and arms naturally hanging
down; be relaxed but alert and concentrating.
1. Bend Arms and Place Fists on Hips
Movements:
Clench hands, bend arms, and place fists on hips with knuckles facing
downward and forefists facing forward. (Fig 2).
Points to remember:
Extend shoulders slightly to the back with chest thrown out and abdomen
pulled in. Clench fists tightly. Keep body erect.
2. Hold Right Fist with Left Hand in Empty Step
Movements:
1. Right foot takes a side-step to the left, brushing past the front
of left leg. (Fig 3)
2. Without any pause, left leg takes a forward step to the left from
behind right leg with its ball landing on ground; bend both legs at knee
to drop to a half squat with body weight shifted onto right leg, thus forming
an empty step. At the same time, open left fist. Then left palm and right
fist, with both arms straightened, make an arc backward, sideways, and forward
until they meet in front of right fist, the thumb side of fist facing downward,
and the palm side outward. Look straight ahead obliquely to the left. (Fig
4).
Points to remember:
The forward sidesteps and the rounding of arms should be done as a continuous
whole without any break. In the empty step, weight should rest on right
leg while the ball of left foot lands on ground. Round arms in a circle,
rotate forearm a bit internally and keep both shoulders dropped.
3. Stand with Feet together and hold Right Fist with Left Hand
Movements:
1. Turn toes of right foot inward, take a backward step obliquely to
the left with left foot and stretch left leg but keep right leg bent; meanwhile,
turn torso leftward to face due east. (Fig 5)
2. Without any pause, move righ tfoot backward, place it beside left
foot and straighten up both legs; move
left palm and right fist together downward, inward, and upward with arms
bent until they come to the front of the left side of chest. Look straight
ahead to the due east. (Fig 6 front view and side view).
Points to remember:
The circular movement of left palm and right fist shoudl go hand in hand
with the backward steps and the placing of right foot beside left foot,
the movements of upper limbs should be coordinated with those of lower limbs.
The 1998 Han Wei National Martial Arts Championship!
Open to All Styles, Schools & Individuals
Histories of Three Kingdom Period and the Wei and Chin Dynasties
The Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove
`The Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove` is the collective designation
for the seven well-known scholars active during the Wei and Chin periods:
Juan Chi, Hsi K`ang, Shan T`ao, Hsiang Hsiu, Juan Hsien, Wang Jung, and
Liu Ling. They were important writers of the Cheng-shih era. It is said
that these seven learned, prestigious men were all good friends and that
they often joined one anohter strolling through the bamboo grove. Thus they
received the laudatory title `Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove.`
Cheng-Shih was a reign title of King Fei-Ch`i of Wei, Ts`ao Fang, and
lasted for eight years (240-248 A.D.) The society of that time produced
a general mood which exalted `abstruse talk`; the intellectuals were fond
of the thought of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, and they often got together to
discuss their opinions. They were little concerned with matters of state.
Later scholars have called their conversation `pure talk`.
Actually `pure talk` originally simply meant `cultivated talk` and was
chiefly used in evaluating the worthiness of people. Only later did it come
to be concerned with Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. This phenomenon continued down
to the Chin dynasty and the `Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove` are merely
representative of these sort of people. They gave expression to their feelings
in writing midst the landscape of the bamboo grove, were most informal in
their relations with each other, unfettered by social customs or institutions,
and they brought about great change in Chinese thought.
The influence of `pure talk` was extremely far reaching, touching not
only politics and daily life, but even literary composition. Most of the
literature of that time - both in content and style - had been permeated
with the vacuous `abstruse talk.` Literary methods of presentation also
generally changed from realistic to symbolic or allusive. The works of the
Seven Worthies refelct this literary trend. But aside from Hsi K`ang and
Juan Chi`s works are profoundly allergorical, and not only address Absturse.
Thought, but often touch on then current political events, revealing the
agitation, anguish and frustration of their authors.
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help you!
`Why are you so depressed and neglectful of your work, my young neighbor?`
asked an old man when he saw his friend sobbing.
`I have just lost my horse, my good neighbor. Without my horse, it is
hard for me to make a living,` replied the dejected young man.
`Be cheerful, my neighbor. I have lived long enough to know that seemingly
bad luck may actually prove a blessing in time,` consoled the old man.
A few days later, the lost horse returned home with a group of mustangs.
The young man was elated and came to thank his neighbor. But the old man
cautioned him, `Don`t be overjoyed, my neighbor. It might prove to be bad
luck in time.`
The young man, though puzzled, was too busy dealing with his new fortune
to think about his neighbor`s warning. Soon he fell from one of his new
horses as he was trying to tame it and broke his leg. The young man again
became dejected.
`Don`t be sad, my young neighbor. Your broken leg may prove to be a blessing
in time,` the old man comforted his friend.
True to his neighbor`s words, the young man was spared from being drafted
into a doomed military compaign because of his broken leg.
Hard times come and go and so does fortune. Life is like a game where
sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, and players don`t count their
earnings until the game is over. So don`t sum up your life`s worth while
you are still in the game of life. Colonel Sanders didn`t become a millionaire
until the age of sixty-five!
­J ¤ó ¤º ®a ®±
Hu`s Chinese Internal Martial Arts
Enroll Taiji-Bagua students for Taiji Stylists
Taiji-Bagua is a new style of the Chinese martial arts. It won the first
place at 1997 U.S. Championship Tournament as performed by Master Hu`s student
Richard Mayr on July 27 in Baltimore, MD.
For Taiji stylists, it is easy to learn and increase their skill
by leaps and bounds.
This new course totals 16 hours of instruction. The student will
learn 10 palms (zhang).
Class starts on Sunday from 4pm to 5:30pm. The cost is $12/hr.
20% discount for those who pay the full tuition fee ($150) at their first
class. Advance registration required.
Call Master Hu @ 216-391-5328
Self-Defense Methods for Women
Exercise 3
Turn torso to the left, slightly drop left arm and swiftly butt left
elbow backward. Simultaneously draw right arm forward to front of chest,
with elbow pointing forward. Look back to the left as torso turns. Hands
are still clenched in fists. (Fig 5)
Essentials: Same as in Exercise 2. Keep center of gravity stable
when torso turns and do not lift up heel. Left fist-palm faces upward and
right fist-palm outward.
Exercise 4
Turn torso to the right, slightly drop right arm and butt right elbow
swfitly backward. Simultaneously draw left arm forward to front of chest,
with elbow pointing forward. Look back to the right as torso turns. Hands
are still clenched in fist (Fig 6)
Essentials: Same as in Exercise 2, except backward butting is
more forceful because of waist turning. Other essentials are similar to
those of the above two exercise.
Exercise 5
Turn torso back to frontal position. Relax elbows and drop forarms to
sides of body and then draw them up quickly again to front of chest with
fists facing each other and fist-palms facing downward. Keep knees slightly
bent in half-way crouching position. Keep torso erect. (Fig 7)
Essentials: Finished posture of this exercise is exactly the same
as that of exercise 1. Movements should be swift and correct. Keep center
of gravity stable.
Exercise 6
Exactly the same as Exercise 3 (Fig 8)
Exercise 7
Exactly the same as Exercise 4 (Fig 9)
Exercise 8
Exactly the same as Exercise 3 (Fig 10)
Exercise 9
Exactly the same as Exercise 2 (Fig 11)
Series II: Back Hitting and Forward Tumbling
This series of movements combine elbow-butting with a movement to tumble
assaulter forward over your body in order to capture him. The latter movement
is a simple and effective continuation of the former.
Exercise 1
Exactly the same as Exercise 1, Series I (Fig 12)
Exercise 2
Exactly the same as Exercise 3, Series I (Fig 13)
Exercise 3
Sraighten right arm, change right fist into palm and swing right arm
in a circle by moving first downward and then backward, upward, forward
and downward again with palm facing downward. Further bend left knee to
make a left `bow step` and look forward, with center of gravity slightly
lowered and torso erect (Fig 14).
Essentials: In an actual situation, right arm circle is used to
rub-clutch at assaulter`s hand. Circle movement should be smooth and coordinated
and downward pressing of palm swift and forceful. Lower body when left `bow
step` is made and keep feet steady and unmoved.
Exercise 4
With above movement still in motion, quickly bow torso and straighten
up knees to bring up buttocks and swing down head, right palm fiercely pressing
down. Soles slide backward as knees straighten, buttocks move up and torso
bows (Fig 15)
Essentials: As a major technique in tumbling the assaulter, this
is the most difficult of all the movements in the Simplified Self-Defense
Exercises. If the practitioner learns how to do this exericse, she will
find the rest of the exercises easy to learn. Repeated practice is key to
the mastery of this exercise. When tumbling movement is made, head is lower
than buttocks. The entire movements of this exercise should be quick, continuous
and coordinated. Keep center of gravity stable and avoid stumbling forward
when straightening up knees and lifting up buttocks. Move center of gravity
from a lower to a higher position as feet slide backward.
Exercise 5
Exactly the same as Exercise 1, Series I (Fig 16).
Exercise 6
Exactly the same as Exercise 1, Series I (Fig 17).
Exercise 7
Straighten left arm, change left fist into palm and swing left arm in
a circle by moving first downward and then backward, upward, forward, and
downward again with palm facing downward. Further bend right knee to make
a right `bow step` and look forward, with center of gravity slightly lowered
and torso erect. Movements are the same as those of Exercise 3, Series II
except for the use of a different arm and `bow step` (Fig 18)
Essentials: Same as Exercise 3, Series II
Exercise 8
With above movement still in motion, quickly bow torso and straighten
up knees to bring up buttocks and swing down head, left palm fiercely pressing
down. Soles slide backward as knees straighten, buttocks move up and torso
bows. Movements are the same as those of Exercise 4, Series II, except for
the use of a different palm (Fig 19)
While it is not entirely martial arts, it surely addresses many of the
principles of internal power.
Thanking you in advance,
Steve Rhodes
Qi Journal
Hey guys/gals, go and check it out!
From: horacio.direnzo@smtp.alem.startel.com.ar
Dear Editor:
Congratulations! I have spent some time reading and enjoying your magazine.
It is very refreshing to read so many news about kung fu people all around
the world, by the internet. It is a wise way to use telecommunications for
developing and spreading chinese martial arts. By reading your magazine
one feels closer to those brothers who are working hard to make the kung
fu world a nice place to live. I have linked your magazine to my website
so all my students can access the big amount of good info you provide in
those so well written articles. My sincere thanks for the effort you are
making.
Yours
Horacio Di Renzo
Kai Men Kung Fu Association
Chan Kowk Wai International Association
Federacion Argentina de Kung Fu Tradicional
Northern Shaolin - Choi Li fat - Hsing I - Tai Chi -
Di Renzo, thanks for the wonderful email, will continue chatting with
you on the Kung Fu Mailing List, make sure you also drop some articles in!
Wu Gong Journal's November-December issue will have the first of three
articles about Chen Pan-ling's life. The website has some additions, including
lineage charts:
27K through Han Wei Website! Call 216-579-9707 or email hanwei@hanwei.com
for details!
Han Wei Wushu! Newsletter can be found @ Martial Arts Newsgroup,
Han Wei Email List, Cleveland Freenet, CompuServe, America
Online, Kung Fu Mailing List, Lion Dance Mailing List, Neijia Mailing List,
Han Wei Webpage
NewsBits...
Upcoming events for 1998 organized by A Taste of China (Tentative
Dates)
April 18 to 25 - Spring Sword Seminar Weekend
May 9, 16 - Judges Training, Internal Styles and second levels.
June 30 - Teachers Conference
July 1-3 - Taiji for Health, Self Defense, and Art: Seminars by various
teachers
July 4-5 - USA All Taijiquan Championships
July 6-11 - Special Event: Master Yang Zhen-duo, Traditional Yang Family
Style
October 9-11 - Autumn Qigong Retreat
For more information on any of the above scheduled events, please contact
Pat Rice, Director of A Taste of China at 111 Shirley Street, WInchester,
VA 22601, Tel/Fax: 540-667-7595, email: atocrice@mnsinc.com
The Ogranization of Chinese Americans of Greater Cleveland and their
president Ray Chan invites you to the celebration of the OCAGA
Chrismast Gala on Saturday, December 6, 1997 from 6pm
at Holiday Inn Lakeside City Center, 1111 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland,
Ohio. The cost is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Celebration include
food, music by DJs GiGo (David Bohm) and PanaManiac (Johnny Wu). If you
have missed the succesful event held on September 26 for the OCAGC Chinese
Moon Festival Celebration, then you shouldn`t miss this: The DJs will be
playing music varieties from Classic Rock, Rock, House, Pop, Dance, Techno
and Trance. For tickets information, please call Shan Chan at 216-846-0113,
Lana Dan at 216-974-3595, or World Journal/WJ Bookstore at 216-621-9266.
Tony Brown`s new school address:
Tony Brown`s Kung Fu School
Hung Kuen Mo Kuen
195 M West Olentangy Street
PO Box 1273
Powell, OH 43065
Phone (614) 793-0144
Workshop on the Chen Village Taijiquan Spear with Ren Guangyi
Dates: November 22, 23 (Saturday, Sunday)
Time: Saturday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $150 ($30 deposit will hold your place)
Place: Sho Shin Karate do
1115 E. Main St.
Rochester NY
This workshop provides an in-depth introduction to the Chen Village Taijiquan
Spear. Traditionally, the spear is one of the most advanced weapons in taijiquan
(tai chi chuan). Spear practice is known to greatly aid the practitioner
of any martial art in developing a strong body, strong stances, flexibility
and fajing, the relaxed, explosive release of force typical to Chen Tajiquan.
Ren Guangyi will teach spear techniques out of the Chen spear form as drills
that may be practiced independent of any complex choreography. Ren Guangyi
will return to Rochester in 1998 to teach the entire spear form.
Ren Guangyi is a ten-year disciple of Chen Xiaowang, the nineteenth
generation standard bearer of the Chen Family. Ren Guangyi teaches the traditional
style of Chen Family Taijiquan that has been passed down from generation
to generation in Chenjiagou Village. He holds classes in New York City and
Philadelphia, conducts seminars across the country, and has made available
videos of several Chen Village forms, including the spear form (which, I
believe, is also known as Plum Flower Spear and Yang Secret Spear).
Spears and video tapes may be ordered in advance of the seminar. For
more information contact Bob Loce at 716-671-2653 or email
at Bobloce@aol.com
Advance Notice: Battle of Columbus, March 28, 1998. The 23rd U.S.
Open International Martial Arts Expo at Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Taekwando, Karate, Jujutsu and others. For more information,
contact Oriental Martial Arts College at 614-864-4000.
Cleveland Karate Championship is going to be held 2 more months before
the end of the year. November 16 and December 21. Open to
all styles & systems. Sponsored by the International Karate &
Kickboxing Hall of Fame. The Championship will be held at 10318 Lorain
Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. For more information, call 216-252-2302.
On November 8, 1997, the North Coast National Karate Championship
will be held at Solon Middle School, 6800 SOM Center Road & Rte
43. Over 124 Divisions with large thropies, SKI A Rated, PKC National/Ohio
State Series. For more information, contact Dennis Janes at 440-951-0463
or Ron Balas at 216-229-8010 or email at wayned@mailbag.net.
Open Invitational Traditional / Wushu Chinese Martial Arts Tournament
of Canton in honor of the late grandmaster Liu Yun-Chiao of the
Wu Tang Martial Arts Association of Ohio, will be held on Saturday, November
22, 1997 at Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Avenue North,
Canton, Ohio. Many local and national sifus, masters and grandmasters will
be attending. For detailed information, please contact David Schenk at 330-633-1914,
Dave Parks at 330-874-2695 or Shu-Ton (Tony) Yang at 330-493-8023
or you can email at dpparks@juno.com. Check out more information
at their website at http://www.bodymindharmony.com
December 6, 1997, National & International Championship in Baltimore,
MD, contact USAWKF Headquarters for information at 410-444-6666.
Grandmaster Wai Hong in New York City will be presenting a seminar
on Fu Jow Pai Tiger Claw Kung Fu on March 14 and 15, 1998.
Covered topic including The Physical & Non-Physical Aspects of Kung
Fu, 1 Tiger Hand Claw Form and Two Weapon Forms. Contact Fu Jow Pai Federation
at 212-267-3770 or 212-619-8234.
Congratulations to Sifu John Ervin and his school for being selected
to participate as members of the US Team to compete at the International
Shuay Chiao Championships held in Peking, China! Good Luck Sifu Ervin!
Sifu Manuel Taningco and the TAMA Martial Artsschool in
Dayton, OH has the following events planned for November:
November 13 @ 5:30pm, Live Your Dream Now with Undefeated World
Karate Champion Mike Stone, Children from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Adults from
6:45pm to 8:30pm.
November 15 & 16, Kali-Arnis-Esckrima Seminar with Punong-Guro
Manuel Taningco, starting at 9:30am. Cost: $75 each day or $130 for both
days.
November 23, Kumite Seminar. Starting at 2pm to 5pm. Cost $20/person.
For more information, contact TAMA Martial Arts School, 1753 Woodman
Dr., Tel: 937-254-7035.
years. He began studying at age
6 under the instruction of his uncle, a martial arts master. Later, he moved
to Taipei and became a student of Grandmaster Su Yu Chang, of the Praying
Mantis system. It was Grandmaster Su who introduced Master Yang to Grandmaster
Liu Yun Chiao. For two years, he studied under both teachers and then became
solely a student of Grandmaster Liu. He then became Grandmaster Liu`s disciple
and trained with him on a daily basis for over eight years. During this
time he practiced Tai Chi, Ba ji, Praying Mantis, and various weapons. He
also received personal instruction from Grandmaster Liu in Ba qua, Pi qua,
Mi Tsung, Ba ji and numerous weapons. In addition, he helped train the presidential
body guards of Taiwan. In May 1980, Master Yang came to the United States
and settled in Canton, Ohio. He opened his own martial arts school and continues
to teach there.
David Schenk has been studying Chinese martial arts since 1972. Initially
he learned Shaolin Long Fist as a student of Master Femon Ong. He then began
studying under Master Yang Shu-ton, from whom he has received instruction
since 1982. He has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He
then became a senior disciple of Master Yang`s in a closed door ceremony
in 1989. At this time he is the owner of The Center for Body-Mind Harmony,
where he has been teaching for 18 years. The Center houses an official Ohio
branch of WuTang Martial Arts, as well as Dave`s Naturals, a health food
store which also sells martial arts related supplies, including T-shirts
and clothing. The Center is located in Tallmadge, Ohio at 290 West Ave.
in Rocco Plaza.
Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4-5
Fig 6a-6b
Actually `pure talk` originally simply meant `cultivated talk` and was
chiefly used in evaluating the worthiness of people. Only later did it come
to be concerned with Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. This phenomenon continued down
to the Chin dynasty and the `Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove` are merely
representative of these sort of people. They gave expression to their feelings
in writing midst the landscape of the bamboo grove, were most informal in
their relations with each other, unfettered by social customs or institutions,
and they brought about great change in Chinese thought.
Fig 8-9
Fig 10-11
Fig 12-14
Fig 15-17
Fig
18
Fig 19, 20a, 20b
