A Martial Arts Community Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue #9, February - March, 1998
Content:
The Roots of Chinese MA.
NotToo Famous...
Wu Song Breaks Manacles
Women Self-Defense
101 Lessons of Tao
1997 International Shuai Chiao Tournament
Newsbits
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those of the publisher.
History of Chinese Martial Arts
Jin Dynasty to the Period of Disunity
By Salvatore Canzonieri, Boonton, New Jersey
Unity for the Chinese Empire was restored briefly in the early
years of the Jin dynasty (A.D. 265-420), but the Jin could not long contain
the constant invasions of the various nomadic peoples. In A.D. 317, the
Jin court was forced to flee from Luoyang and reestablished itself at Nanjing
to the south. The transfer of the apital coincided with China`s political
fragmentation into a succession of dynasties that was to last from A.D.
304 to 589. During this period the process of sinicization accelerated among
the non-Chinese arrivals in the north and among the aboriginal tribesmen
in the south. This process was also accompanied by the increasing popularity
of Buddhism (introduced into China in the first century A.D.) in both north
and south China. Despite the political disunity of the times, there were
notable technological advances. The invention of gunpowder (at that time
for use only in fireworks) and the wheelbarrow is believed to date from
the sixth or seventh century. Advances in medicine, astronomy, and cartography
are also noted by historians.
Before the Jin Dynasty, warlords from the different regions took advantage
of the turbulent times and used their military might to grab as much power
as they could. Martial Arts became a very important survival tool and many
ideas were well developed by this time. Unfortunately, the victors often
destroyed their opponents without a trace and many military martial arts
methods were lost for good. For the next four hundred years, various ancient
martial arts were lost and rediscovered many, many times. Many hundreds
of thousands of people lost their lives in warfare. Ancient styles became
popular in certain regions and then were lost as people were killed or people
moved out of a vanquished area. Often, only a few people remained that passed
on what they knew to their closest family members or friends. Thus, family
styles began to separate themselves from the main body of wu shu (civil
and martial) and became more secretive. Ideas developed in isolation and
refined or elaborated the military martial arts methods and techniques that
had served as their foundation.
Every thirty to fifty years there was a turnover in knowledge of wu shu
methods. Even the military troops of the various competing emperors went
through periods when wu shu was not taught to them and the troops were expected
to attack and defend with rudimentary knowledge of weapons. Eventually some
people would be found who had been maintaining a body of martial arts knowledge
and they were pressed to pass on their knowledge to teach an emperor`s,
nobleman`s, or warlord`s troops. One such martial arts expert of the times
was the great General Kuan Yu or Kuan Kung, who developed a long handled
hooked blade weapon called the Kuan Dao that was to be used to cleave the
legs of horses when fighting on horseback. He became so famous and legendary
that over time he has become deified as a god of war, protection, and commerce
and many temples were build in his honor all over China.
The few wu shu records and accounts that survived these times speak mostly
of professional martial artists. These professional martial artists fell
under three categories: 1) people who did exhibitions of Grappling and Boxing
and thus were highly skilled in throwing and San Shou methods that used
Chin Na and boxing techniques; 2) people that were palace body guards and
Shuai Jiao experts that were highly skilled in throwing and self defense
that did not use Chin Na and boxing, since they might injure a noblemen
when teaching or practicing with them, and thus they were forced to develop
more sophisticated ways to overcome an opponent without applying joint locks
and bone breaks; 3) people who were considered as chivalrous paid body guards,
who were highly skilled in military wu shu and that made much use of sword
play and other weapons along with using more devastating and basic fighting
techniques. (A famous popular novel that describes and glorifies the chivalrous
people and times is The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, although it is fiction,
it is based on actual events.) The techniques of Shuai Jiao and Chin Na
were the most widely known methods among people who practiced wu shu during
this time period and it is these surviving ideas that went on to influence
the wu shu of later time periods, both civil, military, and imperial.
By these times, the art of imperial Shuai Jiao had developed many important
wu shu ideas. One was a clamp-like hand grip (as later used in the Eagle
Claw style) that was best used for grabbing a fast moving opponent. Another
was the strong concentration on the dan tien, which was good for keeping
the body`s center of gravity low and which also made much use of the waist
area to initiate very strong movements that had great leverage and required
little use of one`s own energy or power. Shaui Jiao experts used transitional
moving stances (now called horse stance, bow and arrow or front stance,
60/40 or L stance, etc.) when moving against an opponent in such a way that
the act of stepping into the stance locked an opponent`s leg and knee joints
and caused them to be immobilized or to fall. Some transitional stances
were also used for stomping an opponent`s feet. What looked like kicks were
really extensions of the leg that resulted in trips and throws. Often, the
legs were used to hook around the opponents and uproot them, causing them
to lose their balance and fall, further aided by a push to the chest. What
looked like hand strikes were really extensions of the arms to connect to
an incoming strike and redirect the force and unbalance the opponents again.
What looked like joint locks were really hand immobilizing methods that
stuck to the moving force of the opponents incoming attack and accelerate
this moving inertial force to cause their downfall. Retreats were never
done, Shuai Jiao practitioners went beyond an incoming attack at an angle,
avoiding the attack evasively without being backed up into a wall. There
are no double weighted stance, all stepping is done so as to be always single
weighted.
Also, by this time, most martial artists had discovered the technique
of dropping the elbow to escape a joint lock and using the great leverage
this technique provided to overcome another`s force. Other important wu
shu ideas (vitally necessary to modern martial arts) such as evasive actions,
the centerline theory, circular fighting, redirecting incoming attacks,
and simultaneous offense and defense were long known already to the wu shu
practitioners of this period for hundreds of years already, without of which
traditional Chinese martial arts would be impossible to do efficiently and
effectively.
The use of iron and steel battle armor began to grow more popular during
this time period and it changed many things in wu shu. The Ji (halberd)
began to go into disuse and the long weapons began to change into the spear,
to better pierce the armor. Also, fighting methods began to be adjusted
for use with and against armor. Many previous battle techniques did little
good against it. The spear became a very important weapon, as it was very
good for piercing armor. Spearing used much the same movements as a farmer
used in handling a pitch fork or shovel. It was easier to teach soldiers,
who now mostly came from among the peasantry - instead of the nobility,
with movements that they were already familiar with and which were already
known to be efficient and effective. During this time period, the spear
was used as a straight thrusting weapon. Soldiers needed to march in a specific
way that made spear thrusting more efficient and effective. By holding the
spear straight out and from the centerline of the body, with the lower end
at the belly region and the pointed end angled up, as the soldiers stepped
left and right in half steps, the spear could parry an attacking weapon
with little excess movement needed. When the time came to pierce, the soldier
would make a quick half step followed quickly by a half step shuffle, putting
more thrust behind the spearing action. The continuous, single-weighted,
half step shuffle became an important part of martial arts (as seen later
in Hsing I). Also, soldiers would step with their front foot pointed in
to protect their lower body and to help in parrying (as seen later in Ba
Qua). The long spear was also used to fight against cavalry attacks. Soldiers
would dig the end of their spear into the ground at a 45 degree angle, hold
its middle, and the spear tip would then impale the horses of the fast charging
opponent.
Western Jin Dynasty (265- 317 AD)
The three kingdoms of Wu, Wei, and Shu waged incessant war on each other
and eventually all weakened at great cost of people and resources. In the
year 265 AD, a powerful Wei general named Ssu Ma Yen usurped the Wei throne
in Luoyang and with his troops established the Western Jin (or Chin) Dynasty
in North China. By 280 AD, he was able to reunite his areas with the other
kingdoms in the south and under one rule. Stability was short, for soon
after his death in 290 AD, the empire again weakened and started to break
apart. Once again, principle land holding families held much power and were
able to appoint and rank government officials , under a nine-grade controller
system that was instituted. Thus, the wishes of the leading families in
the area were more apt to be reflected.
One of the most accurate records of the times is the Book of the Jin
Dynasty, in it is described all the historical events and interesting affairs
of the time. Many references are made concerning the martial arts. The book
mentions that in the cities of Ying Chuan and Xiang Cheng, contests of Xiang
Pu (a type of San Shou boxing) were regularly held and the cities were rivals
with each other. The Book of the Jin Dynasty also tells how the intellectuals
of the Jin court began to disfavor the carrying of real swords as being
uncouth and so instead began carrying symbolic wooden swords as part of
their official dress. Overtime, the wearing sword lost its defense value
among the scholarly members of the government. Also dating from the Jin
period, stone relics from tombs have been found that depict fighters engaging
in Shou Bo (Grappling). Some Xiang Pu and Shou Bo fights were held against
Hu nationals from the non-Chinese northern tribes.
Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420 AD)
Non-Chinese tribes from the north again began to invade the bordering
regions, after being long held back by the previous Han Dynasty forces,
around 304 AD. They were searching pastoral lands in the fertile northern
regions and their invasions and raids made much of the Chinese people from
the northern lands migrate to the south. By 317 AD, the tribes had managed
to wrest the area away from the Jin Empire. The Jin Dynasty lost its seat
in Luoyang and had to reestablish the capitol in the south at Nanjing (Nanking).
It did little to regain the northern lands and was able to successfully
keep the northern tribes from invading the south.
Sixteen Kingdoms or the Era of Disunity (317 - 589 AD)
After the capital was moved, the empire fragmented politically into many
separate kingdoms with the north being overrun by various non-Chinese tribes
and governed by a succession of non-Chinese dynasties and the south by a
sequence of four major Chinese dynasties, all of which used Nanjing as their
capitol. Each of these southern dynasties was overthrown by their own generals.
The Northern Dynasties included the Northern Wei, the Eastern Wei, the Western
Wei, and the Northern Zhou. These were set up as semi-Chinese states, containing
the nucleus of their armed forces run by non-Chinese military aristocracies.
The Southern Dynasties included the Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen dynasties.
These all occupied the former territory of Wu, but they were rather weak
politically and militarily as they were plagued by internal feuds and revolts.
For 350 years, the previous Han Empire remained divided.
Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 534 AD)
By the year 420 AD, the Toba tribe was able to unite all of North China
under the Northern Wei Dynasty, but factionalism caused it to last only
fifty years. As the northern invaders mixed with the Chinese and the fleeing
Chinese mixed with the southern aborigines, these two groups, with the official
push of the Wei government, slowly began to accept the Han Chinese ways
over their own and soon adopted Han names, customs, dress, language, etc.
The northern tribes took greatly to Chinese wu shu and they eagerly learned
them and developed great martial artists among them. Chinese martial arts
became very popular amongst their rules as well. The Book of the Jin Dynasty
tells of many tribal leaders who were expert in the Chinese ways of horseback
riding, bow and arrow shooting, broadsword, Shou Bu, Xiang Pu, etc. In turn,
the weapons of these northern peoples were introduced to the Chinese peoples,
such as the whip, mace, various cudgel, iron hammer, and others.
The training of wu shu became better systematized to allow for many new
types of peoples to learn it more efficiently and effectively. This was
done by the use of concise rhyming formulas (martial arts `songs`) to aid
in the learning of weapons and bare hand fighting. Thus, true standardized
`forms` (Da Lu) came into use for the various styles of wu shu. Forms were
made (and still are) so that the first move was the most versatile and most
useful against the average opponent. Each additional move was a variation
of the first and was used to counter a more experienced opponent. By the
end of a form, the moves were for dealing with only the most experienced
opponent. This is the reason the beginning moves are the most emphasized
when learning a form. Since the first move is done the most in learning
a form, it is expected that his moves is the most ingrained in memory and
is thus chosen to be the move that can best deal with the most situations.
The book Bao Pu Zi, written by the Taoist Ge Hung (283 - 363 AD), described
how he learned how to master long weapons via these formulas or forms. Many
Taoists of these times were interested in the use of the rattan shield straight
and broad swords, the cudgel, and the Ji, and were renowned as experts in
their use. The use of double weapons came into vogue during this time period
as well.
Throughout this whole period, Buddhism grew much in popularity, although
Taoism maintained itself. Confucianism became marginalized and soon degraded
to ritual keeping. Many intellectuals became seriously interested in Buddhism
and explored its possible connections to religious Taoism. Amongst the common
people, Buddhism grew to the point that it almost eclipsed all the other
Chinese religions and philosophies. Previous Chinese philosophies subtly
blended with Indian Buddhism to form a unique brand of Chinese Buddhism
that shared some ideas with Taoism.
In 452 AD, Northern Wei emperor Wen Cheng also converted to Buddhism.
The records of Xu Gao Seng Zhuan state that in the palace, the monks were
prepared vegetarian meals. The Emperor and Empress did the same and after
the meals, they would practice Wu Yi. Thus, they practiced wu shu as a health
enhancing exercise (before the existence of Shaolin). In 495 AD, Emperor
Xiao Wen built a Buddhist temple in the Song Shan Mountains for Buddhist
monk Ba Tuo. Records from Shaolin state that Ba Tuo had two disciples that
were martial arts experts (30 years before the arrival of Buddhidharma),
named Hui Chang and Seng Chou. The book Tai Ping Guang Ji, from the time
period, states that the young monks there liked to exercise, especially
with Shou Bu and Jiao Li (an early name for Shuai Jiao): `Many monks in
their spare time like to do Jiao Li as entertainment`. (These records prove
that wu shu, especially San Shou and Shuai Jiao, were already known and
practiced at Shaolin for many years before the arrival of the legendary
Damo/Buddhidharma here in 520 AD.)
Damo was said to have lived at Shaolin until his death in 528 AD, although
there are no records that conclusively can prove this. He is considered
the founder of the Chan or Zen Buddhist sect there. Chan Buddhism has had
an enormous influence on the further development of traditional Chinese
martial arts (and of Japanese Karate). Its nonviolent philosophical ideas
and tenets have become incorporated into those of Wu Shu, making it less
aligned to military warfare and more aligned to self enrichment and balance
via the integration of the body, mind, and spirit. From him, also are attributed
the three health enhancing methods that Shaolin became famous for: the Muscle
Tendon Changing (I Chin Ching) chi gung exercises, the Brain/Bone Marrow
Cleansing (Hsi Sui Ching) chi gung exercises, and the 18 Lohan Quan (fist)
technique exercises. The purpose of these exercises was to invigorate the
body by uniting physical movements with deep breathing methods, generating
more energy.
The earliest recorded complete martial arts system that is known to have
been developed at Shaolin is the Lohan Quan (named after the legendary disciples
of Buddha). While the existence of Damo has yet to be satisfactorily proven,
it is known that some time during the sixth century AD, the monks at Shaolin
developed their own style of martial arts that was wedded to chi gung movements.
The origin of these chi gung exercises is also unclear. When compared, the
I Chin Ching and the Hsi Sui Ching turn out to be very similar to the Doyan
chi gung exercises that the Taoists had been practicing since before the
Han Dynasty period. Books have been found in ancient Taoist temple libraries
that describe and explain the I Chi Ching exercises to great length. Also,
artifacts found in excavations that date from the Han Dynasty show exercises
that are very similar to those of the I Chin Ching. The chi gung exercises
at Shaolin follow the Taoist Jing Lou theory of traditional Chinese medicine
(which led to accupuncture), which sees the human body as being covered
by a network of internal passages that travel throughout the body, known
as the main and collateral channels, through which `vital` energy circulates.
But, by far, the coupling of these two chi gung exercises with martial movements
was one of the most important developments in martial arts. Whether the
Shaolin Buddhists originated it (Indian Buddhists had similar exercises
of their own and their own martial arts) or they adapted it from Taoist
ideas, people came to associate them with Shaolin and traveled there to
specifically learn about this method, because of their great invigorating
effects and promise of longevity and good health.
As far as the fist art goes, retired military officials, rebels, and
malcontents sometimes deemed to spend their last days in the peaceful surroundings
of Shaolin. The Chan sect espoused tolerance, and thus many people from
all walks of life were allowed to stay there. These people may have taught
the monks various self defense techniques to pass the time and to maintain
the physique. Any martial arts they may have learned were especially necessary
to help guard the temple from raiding thieves and also to protect the monks
from highway robbers when they traveled on the long pilgrimage road to and
from India and elsewhere. Plus, so many wars had been fought for so long
all over China, that the average male at some time in his life had been
conscripted, making at least rudimentary self defense techniques common
knowledge amongst a broad cross section of the population. Few people entering
the monasteries would have been ignorant of at least some fighting methods
during this time period.
Since records have shown that Shou Bu and Jiao Li had been practiced
at Shaolin since its earliest days (495 AD), it follows that in the seclusion
of the temple, the people at Shaolin had the time to develop their own style
of martial arts. The monks at Shaolin also created a method of defending
themselves against the attacks of wild animals, called Xin Yi (heart and
mind), which mimicked the actions of animals and human labor. The techniques
of Xin Yi come from the movements of farming that the monks did daily in
their chores, such as pitching hay, shoveling, hoeing, stepping on a spade,
etc. These moves served as the base for variations and combinations of these
movements that they described in terms of animals, such as dragon, cat,
tiger, horse, lizard, birds, etc. But, Xin Yi at this time was a rudimentary
practice that was not yet a complete system of boxing/self defense routines.
By combining and consolidating the best techniques from the various martial
arts known at the time, the monks developed Lohan Quan out of the Shou Bu
and Jiao Li they practiced for fun and exercise.
Lohan Quan is considered both the nucleus and the origin of all the various
boxing routines that have come from Shaolin. The original version of Lohan
Quan was composed of 18 main techniques that combined grappling, throwing,
joint locks, hand strikes, as well as kicks, knee and elbow strikes. Its
self defense methods emphasized unpredictable, circular, hard and soft actions
with simultaneous defense and offense, all done with continuous, connected
movements. These movements are simple, practical, and very powerful, while
requiring little room to execute them. Strikes are done at an angle to the
opponent and the body maintains itself in a springy, flexible state, even
while striking. While moving, one was to be as swift as the wind; when striking,
stop with the impact of a rock. Also, one was to have loose agility, like
the relaxed state of a drunk. Stepping movements proceed in a straight line
direction, even while the body moves up or down, forward or backward, withdrawing
or advancing, and sidestepping. The extended hand, the eye, the body, and
the foot are all kept in alignment.
Furthermore, Lohan techniques were combined with chi gung breathing techniques,
which the monks incorporated from the Taoist Jingluo theory of Chinese medicine
(where the human body is seen as being covered by a network of internal
passages through which vital energy circulates). Postures and movements
from the muscle/tendon stretching exercises (I Chin Ching) were embedded
into the framework of the Lohan Quan techniques as well. The muscles, tendons,
and joints, especially those of the waist (Kua), are compressed and expanded
during various types of powerful movements (jings), generating much energy.
Also, most importantly, because the monks were Buddhists, they developed
a martial art that was more sophisticated than mere kicking and punching.
Instead, borrowing from Jiao Li, it was centered on takedowns. The idea
was to evade, redirect, overcome, and takedown the opponent with swiftness
and vigor, without struggling or fighting. It was meant to be a non-confrontational
martial art that could be used both for exercise and self defense.
On the surface, at its crudest level, Lohan Quan seemed to a set of striking
movements. But, at its highest levels, Lohan Quan, at this time in history,
was very much both an internal and external martial art, with elements of
wu shu (joint locks, pressure point strikes, takedowns, etc.) much like
those later seen in Tai Chi Quan, Hsing I, and Ba Qua. Over time, centuries
later, as low level practitioners increased and the higher skills died out,
Lohan Quan degenerated into Shaolin Quan, a general name for a very external
type of hard training and long range boxing. Never the less, over the coming
centuries, Lohan Quan`s original 18 techniques went on to influence most
of the martial arts styles seen today, including the Okinawan, Korean, and
Japanese ones.
The 18 combating skills and techniques of the 24 move `18 Lohan Quan
Hands` form collected the best wu shu techniques of the times (in order
of performance in the form):
1. Eagle Seizes the Gullet - is the most ancient `dragon/phoenix` or
`mother and sons` or `yin/yang` hand technique. One hand intercepts and
redirects an incoming strike, while the other hand protects the centerline
while extending and `striking` (the hands are kept in an eagle claw manner).
The technique is used for redirecting the incoming attacking arm and: overturning
it and applying a joint lock; for redirecting it and applying a choke; for
dragging it down and pushing the opponent away, etc. Body is on a bow stance.
2. Empty Step, Push Hand - Next, there is a transitional move in the
form here that works much like Play the Guitar in Tai Chi Quan. Body is
in a cat or empty stance.
3. Carry Basket on the Arm- one hand hooks around an incoming attack
and the other applies a joint lock, while the body turns 180 degrees and
locks around the opponent`s leg, from the horse stance postition.
4. Draw the Bow -as the body turns 180 degrees to a locking horse stance,
one arm protects the head as the other extends out.
5. Cannon Mounted on Beam - The opposite side protects the head as the
other arms extends out, shifting from horse to bow stance.
6. Subdue Dragon Hand - if one hand is grabbed by an opponent, then a
joint lock to the elbow is applied as one steps forward to another bow stance.
7. Monk Strikes Bell -the body turns around 180 degrees, with one hand
protecting the face and the other raising from under the block to strike.
8. Deft Sewing Needle - one hand grabs the opponent's elbow, and the
other shoots out to strike.
9. Single Rafter left (tree beam) - body shift direction to bow stance
as one arm drops the elbow and performs a tan sao and the other strikes.
10. Single Rafter right - (repeats on the opposite side)
11. Hanging Golden Hook - hands cross in front and opens up as one leg
trips the opponent.
12. Twist the Silk Strand - joint lock to opponent's wrist.
13. Backward Leg Sweep - (self explanatory)
14. Swing Hammer - body twists in place 18- degrees, as the arms swing
over head in succession.
15. Ball Kick - classic spring kick, as in tan toi.
16. Yin/Yang (Mandarin Duck) Kick - double spring kick, except performed
while jumping.
17. Chop Log - step back into very low "subdue tiger" stance,
like Snake Creeps Down.
18. Monk Robes Tiger - joint lock to hand as one cross steps behind,
`stealing step`.
19. Draw the Bow- (repeat)
20. Twisted Phoenix Elbow - while in bow stance body twists around with
horizontal elbow leading the way.
21. Monk Strikes Bell - (repeat)
22. Deft Sewing Needle - (repeat)
23. Monks Opens Door - both hands raise to cover ears and then push out
together to front.
24. Empty Step, Twin Shielding Palms - both open palms swing around to
side of body while going from previous stance to empty stance.
The opening move is exactly the same as the opening move of Shuai Jiao
(and also is very similar to the opening move later seen in Hsing I and
in other northern styles.). Furthermore, the first five moves of this form
contains all the movements of the Five Elements (as seen in Hsing I, Tung
Bei, Tai Chi, and other styles).
At high level execution, Lohan Quan techniques can be specifically compared
and correlated to the free-flowing, internal/external takedown techniques
that are done in the art of Shuai Jiao (or Jiao Li as it was called in ancient
days). The combination of many of these Lohan techniques can be combined
and executed in quick succession to form a throw or takedown. During the
Northern Wei time period, Shuai Jiao was said to contain 72 individual postures,
and endless combinations of these, to form many takedown techniques.
Lohan shares the same evasive tactics of Shaui Jiao, emphasizing circular
and redirective actions, emanating from the center of the body, while moving
the body so as a coherent unit. Likewise, Lohan Quan contains the waist
directed movements, low dan tien emphasis, takedowns, eagle claw
handed grab, the leg locking transitional stances (shifting from horse to
bow and arrow as leg locks), backwards cross stepping, trips, hooks, and
other characteristics of Shuai Jiao.
At low level execution, to a lesser extent, Lohan Quan compares to the
ancient boxing art of San Shou (or Shou Bu as it was once called), sharing
its feinting actions, joint locks, body strikes, and kneeing/elbowing. Over
time, the 18 Lohan form expanded to a 27, a 54, and an 108 postures form.
Essentially, the higher level Shaolin takedowns became secret `closed door`
teachings.
Unfortunately, the wars between north and south that ensued as the Wei
Dynasty lost ground caused much turmoil in the Honan region. The result
was that the monastery at Shaolin accidentally burned down around 535 AD,
either from looters or enemy soldiers, and caused the monks to scatter in
the area. Attempts were made to rebuild and repopulate the area. But, the
Northern Zhou Dynasty attacked the area and under Emperor Wu (who reigned
from 561 to 566 AD), Shaolin was totally ransacked and emptied out. After
the Zhou Emperor died, people returned to rebuild Shaolin again. Also, more
attention was paid to protecting the grounds from attack and efforts were
made to fortify the temple and emphasis was given to making the monks physically
strong and powerful.
By the end of the next two centuries, the high level (takedowns) version
of the form was forgotten, except among those few that had passed it down
amongst their family after leaving Shaolin, and the form degenerated into
the hard, external San Shou version of the form. This was the reason why
people later sought to develop the `soft` arts from Shaolin (such as Tai
Chi Quan), because they were attempting to rectify the low level crude `hard`
execution of the forms. Since the high level version was mostly forgotten,
people worked on their own to develop a softer, internal, version of wushu
that again made excellent use of chin na and takedowns instead of just punching
and kicking.
As a result, over the next 1,000 years, internal and semi-internal martial
arts such as Sung Tai Tzu Long Fist, Wu Tang Long Fist, Hsing I, Northern
Praying Mantis, Da & Xiao Hung Quan, Five Animals Shaolin, Chen &
Yang Tai Chi, and Ba Qua Chang, among others, exhibit many techniques that
can be traced to the original Lohan Shaolin form. Also, each of these styles
continued to maintain the Muscle Tendon Changing (I Chin Ching) and the
Brain/Bone Marrow Cleansing (Hsi Sui Ching) chi gung exercises at their
core. Lohan was the style that the founders of these internal-type of styles
used as a foundation to develop their more sophisticated ideas from. (Additional
research information on the correlation and integration of Shuai Jiao techniques
embedded within the 18 Hands of the Lohan Form Shaolin techniques was provided
by Master David Shih Young Lin) (check table below)
Liang Dynasty (502 - 557 AD)
In the south, in the area of Anhui Province, under Emperor Wu, Buddhism
thrived here as well, as did literature, art, and philosophy. The Book of
Sui recorded that books called Ma Shou Pu compiled teaching materials about
Wu Yi, one being written by Emperor Wen of Liang. Around 520 AD, the dhyana
sect Buddhist Monk Damo or Buddhidharma was said to have arrived in Liang
from Persia or India and spoken to the Emperor. Damo was displeased how
Buddhism was now being followed as a ritualistic religion rather than for
its spiritual intent and he left for the Shaolin monestary in the Wei kingdom,
as described previously. Liang Emperor Ni Wan Ti (535 - 551 AD) was recorded
as being able to defend himself against any attacker while empty handed.
The Western Wei defeated the Eastern Wei in battle in 577 AD. Soon after,
in 581 AD, one of its generals took over the seat of power and established
the Sui Dynasty. Soon it was able to reunite all of China under one empire
again.
(Continued on next issue)
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.
Not Too Famous, But With More Special Classification!
Achieving great success in his martial arts and his teaching
Hu, Wei-yue was an associate professor of Shanghai Agricultural Collage,
and came from Shanghai, China in 1985.
He learned Ba Duan Jin (Eight-section Brocade) at a young age before
he was bed ridden for about one year.
He learned Taiji when he was 25 years of age in 1950 from a book, it
was written by Master Yang Cheng-fu. Then, he thought that he should find
a good teacher to advance and improve on his self taught proficiency. He
studied under Masters Hua Chun-ron, Bai Bing-ru and Liu Jin-ru.
Master Hua Chun-ron was a disciple of Yang style Taiji, Sun style Xingyi
and Bagua. He learned Taiji from Zheng Man-qing at Hangzhou, Zhejian Province
and learned Sun style Xingyi and Bagua from Sun Lu-tang`s son, Sun Chu-zhou
at Shanghai. He was a chieftain of the governor`s guards before 1949. Master
Hu said he learned Yang style Taiji and Sun style Xingyi, Bagua from his
teacher, Hua Chun-ron, and
also checked the original books. He also learned the Yang style Taiji from
Bai Bing-ru, she had learned Yang style Taiji from Master Ye Da-mi and Yang
Cheng-fu at a young age of ten.
In 1985, Master Hu came to the U.S. He held Taiji classes on weekends
at the Chinese Academy of Cleveland for eight years. He joined the Eastern
U.S.A. Martial Arts Association, with his name in the `Hall of Fame` and
holding the Master rank 1991. He is a member of the U.S.C.K.F. (United States
Chinese Kuoshu Federation) with the certification of Senior Instructor of
the Assocation. As a judge, he joined the Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua divisions
in tournaments held in Ohio area and Maryland, for the last five years.
Master Hu has a Chinese Internal Martial Arts school at the Cleveland
Martial Arts Association located at 2227 Payne Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio across
from Cleveland State University.
Master Hu has published a Chinese Martial Arts book and many additional
teaching units with Taijiquan, Xingyi, Bagua and Qigong. Students study
the forms and routines at school, they also had the teaching materials to
review at home. Most teaching materials are free to students to help their
studies.
He has 32 video tapes for different courses or routines. Students can
use the tapes for correcting forms and reviewing the routines.
With these tools, students can learn faster and save money and time.
Such as: Simplified Taijiquan 15 hours, Yang style Chang Quan, in 88 forms,
in 24 hours.
His idea is that, he should keep the original style with the forms and
routines that was taught by the original Master Yang Cheng-fu, Sun Lu-tang
and the note book of Cheng Ting-hua. For these original contents, he set:
Taijiquan to 3 levels, 3 routines, 24 hours, 88 hours and push hands; Xingyi
to 3 levels, 4 routines, Wu-xing, Wu-xing linking forms and two men`s forms,
12 animal routines; Bagua to 3 levels, 3 units, Sun style, Cheng style and
the Bagua linking forms.
These are basic traning for students to build and further their martial
arts knowledge and skills.
Due to his special knowledge and experience, he was able to architect
a comprehensive course of study. He thought that martial arts must develop
and serve the people. He designed 6 4-9 minute routines for demonstrations,
12 2-3 minute routines for competition, 6 routines for seminar classes to
analize forms, 3 sword routines and 14 units for Qigong exercises.
Among the 51 routines and teaching units, there are 9 Taiji routines
and 8 routines combined with Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua.
Master Hu said that he was a great success as a martial arts teacher
last year, mainly because of these reasons:
1. He set his martial arts techning plan with short courses and units.
He had his own teaching materials and video tapes which were good for students
studying with 3-4 years of experience.
2. He designed many routines very successfully from 1995 to 1997. His
students joined the North America and US National Championship Tournaments
in the Ohio area and Baltimore, MD. They joined 15 events in competition
and won 15 places. 13 were first and second places, there were only 2 third
places. The short routines included Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua.
3. Taiji-Bagua as a new style first joined competition at the Bagua
division by Rick Mayr Jr. and won the first place at Baltimroe, MD on July
27, 1997. Master Hu said that when he was learning the Chinese Martial
Arts at his age, he could not find this teacher. Because of the original
Bagua they all called Xingyi Bagua. Until now, after 40 years, he found
the key and put Taiji forms on Bagua circle. For many Taji players, they
can easily obtain a different level of knowledge and raise their Taiji
skills.
4. It was very hard work to combine the three different categories
Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua in selecting the forms and linking all into one
routine. But Master Hu
succeeded. Master Hu said he had 8 combination routines. These could become
a new category or style in the future.`
5. He had two Taiji routines, each form performed from both sides.
People can improve their health and also raise their skills.
6. Taijiquan is good for health and fitness. Move the Taiji exercises
to Qigong to exert dynamic and static Qigong better for human health and
also raise the Taiji reputation. Master Hu set 4-5 Taiji routines for different
people, such as the forms by stepping, sitting, standing, and small place.
He had an idea and named it `life construction`. Now he is 72 years old,
still like a young man bending his legs and twisting his body. He said
that human life is like a building or road and we use Qigong and exercise
to increase the health and longevity.
Right now, his teaching contains first is the original Yang style Taijiquan,
Sun style Xingyi, and Bagua, then he wants to teach the following special
new elements:
1. Taiji 24 forms: with left and right style (home style)
2. Special 40 forms with Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua
3. Tiaji-Bagua with linking form, 10 sections, 3 levels.
4. Chung-yang sword and Bagua sword with linking routine. The Bagua
sword has 16 sections
5. Qigong with Taiji Qigong, Xiangong (fragance) , and changing tendons,
Zhong gong and exercise for healthcare and medical treatment.
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4. Press both palms downward
Movements:
1. Open right fist into palm, raise it together with left palm from the
front of the left side of chest to the front of left shoulder, rotate both
forearms externally so that palms face upward with right palm on top of
the left palm and then extend both palms forward. (Fig 7 front view and
side view)
2. Without any pause, separate palms and move them downward in curves
with arms straightened from the front of body to the sides of hips. (Fig.
8 front view and side view)
3. Without any pause, raise both arms shoulder-high sideways and swing
forearms upward and inward past shoulders with elbows bent until they are
level with palms facing downward. (Fig 9 front view and side view)
4. Press palms downward along the sides of body with fingers pointing
to the front and palms facing downward. (Fig 10).
Points to remember:
1. The raising of palms to the front of left shoulder, the extending
of them forward, the moving of them downward with straightened arms, the
raising of arms shoulder-high sideways, and the swinging of forearms upward
and inward past shoulders constitute a continuous circular movement of both
arms and shoudl be executed without any breaks.
2. When swing forearms inward past shoulders, keep elbows at shoulder
level. Palms should be placed close to shoulders.
3. When pressing palms downward, tighten arm muscles and press quickly
with force.
5. Cross Palms
Movements:
Raise palms from the sides up to the front at shoulder level in arcs
and then twist both wrists to straighten palms up and cross them at wrist
with elbows slightly bent, right palm outside and left palm inside, and
both palms facing outward. (Fig. 11 front view and side view).
Points to remember:
Keep fingertips at eye level and torso erect.
6. Catch with Bent Fingers and Form Hooked Hands at the Back
Movements:
1. Unbend wrists and separate hands in front of body with palms facing
downward; bend phalanges into hooks and look at hands. (Fig. 12).
2. Without any pause, move hands horizontally toward shoulders with elbows
bent and palms facing downward. (Fig. 13)
3. Unbend fingers and move hands downward and backward past the sides
in curves from the front of shoulders. Bunch fingers to form hooked hands
and uphold them obliquenly behind the back with fingers pointing upward.
(Fig. 14)
Points to remember:
1. Tighten arm and finger muscles while quickly moving hands horizontally
toward shoulders with elbows bent.
2. Relax arm and finger muscles when swinging hands downward and backward
but tighten them again when forming hooked hands with wrists bent at the
back.
3. After bunching fingers into hooked hands at the back, extend both
shoulders slightly to the back and keep torso erect.
Fig 7 Fig 8Fig 9Fig 10Fig
11
Fig 12-14
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Taiji-Bagua is a new style of the Chinese martial arts. It won first place
in the 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
Saturday, October 3rd, 1998
1998 Han Wei National Martial Arts Championship!
San Da Grand Chamipion Prize: Round-Trip Ticket destinationof
choice within continental USA!
3216 Payne Avenue w Cleveland w Ohio 44114
w Tel: 216-579-9707
For Travel Arrangements Call ITS, 1-800-633-ASIA (5%
discount)
Self-Defense Methods for Women
Series III: Backward Butting and Hitting
This series of movements are used to attack an assailant who comes up
sideways from the rear, and is trying to grab your shoulder. The movements
are smple, effective and easy to learn.
Exercise 1
Change palms into fists, pull up arms from sides of body, bend elbows
and place fists besides waist with fist-palms facing upward (Fig. 21)
Exercise 2
Change left fist into palm and reach out to forward right with palm facing
upward and body slightly turning right. Look at left palm which is at eyebrow
level. Righ tfist remains at waist side. Feet, center of gravity and torso
remains unchanged. (Fig 22)
Essentials: Reaching out of palm should be natural and coordinated.
Exercise 3
Turn torso to the left and simultaneously withdraw upper left arm, change
palm into fist and bend elbow to butt backward with fist-palm facing upward.
Look at elbow as butting is made. Right fist remains at waist side. Simultaneously
slightly bend knees to lower body with center of gravity still int he middle
(Fig. 23)
Essentials: Change left fist first to palm and then back to fist
in order to make backward butting. Movements should be succinct, continuous
and rhythmic. Butting should be swift and strenghtened by turning potential
of torso.
Exercise 4
Turn torso further to backward left. Pivot on both heels to make a 90
degree turn to backward left and then form a left `bow step` by moving half
a step forward. Left arm is bent by side of body with fist-palm facing upward.
Hit out right fist from waist up to eye level, with fist-palm facing downward
(Fig 24).
Essentials: In this first body-turning exercise, coordination
should be realized between body turning, fist punching and forward stepping.
As fist punching is made, relax shoulders, slightly stick out chest and
waist and straighten right leg in order to make the attack effective and
forceful. Keep center of gravity stable when body turns.
Exercise 5
Turn right and withdraw right fist to waist side with fist-palm facing
upward. Withdraw left leg for half a step and then pivot on both heels to
make a 90 degree turn to the right. Restore to posture of Exercise 1, Series
III (Fig. 25).
Essentials: Body turning should be swift and coordinated, with
torso erect and center of gravity
stable.
Exercise 6
Change right fist into palm and reach out to forward left with palm facing
upward and body slightly turning elft. Look at right palm which is at eyebrow
level. Left fist remains at waist side. Feet, center of gravity and torso
remain unchanged. Movements are the same as those of Exercise 2, Series
III, only having a different direction (Fig. 26)
Essentials: Reaching out of palm should be natural and coordinated.
Exercise 7
Turn torso to the right and simultaneously withdraw upper right arm,
change palm into fist and then bend elbow to butt backward with fist-palm
facing upward. Look at elbow as butting is made. Left fist remains at waist
side. Simultaneously, slightly bend knees to lower body with center of gravity
still in the middle. Movements are the same as those of Exercise 3, Series
III, only having a different direction (Fig 27)
Essentials: Movements should be swift, succinct, forceful, rhythmic,
and coordinated as body turns.
Exericse 8
Turn torso further to backward right. Pivot on both heels to make a 90
degree turn to backward right and then form a right `bow step` by moving
half a step forward. Right arm is bent by side of body with fist-palm facing
upward. Hit out left fist from waist up to eye level with fist-palm facing
downward. (Fig 28).
Essentials: Body turning, fist punching and forward stepping should
be in coordination. As fist punching is made, relax shoulders, slightly
stick out chest and wasit and straighten left leg in order to make the attack
effective and forceful. Keep center of gravity stable when body turns.
Stop
Turn torso to the left and restore to Preparatory Form 2. (Fig 29)
Fig 21-23Fig 24-26Fig 27-29
101 Lessons of Tao...
Mastery
By Master Luke Chan, Cincinnatti, Ohio
A master was teaching his student archery in an open field. After the student
had almost hit his target with his arrows, he asked, `Master, have I mastered
the art of archery?`
`How could you have mastered the art if you can`t even hit the target?`
the teacher asked. The student realized he had a long way to go before becoming
a master.
Two years later, again the student asked his teacher if he had attained
the art of archery. This time he actually had hit the target with his arrows.
`Do you know how you hit the target?` asked the master.
`I don`t know, I just did it.` the student replied.
`Then you haven`t mastered your skill. Go home and train more!`
Three years later, the student as his teacher watched, again raised his
bow and hit the target easily. He then asked, `Master, now do you think
I have mastered the skill of archery?`
`Do you know how you hit the target?`
`Yes, I do, Master!` the student replied proudly.
The teacher nodded with approval.
Merely being able to do a certain thing is not enough to quailify
someone as a master. Without knowing the underlying principles of how a
something is done, we cannot accomplish the same thing in a consistent manner.
In other words, tru masters employ nt just their bodies, but also their
minds.
Once a teacher corrected the grammatical mistake of her student, Michael,
by asking him to write one hundred times the sentence `I have gone`. When
Michael had dutifully finished his sentences he left the classroom, writing
on the blackboard `I have went, Michael.`
The 1997 Beijing International Shuai Chiao Tournament
by Sifu John H. Ervin, Jr.
On December 23, 1997, a delegation representing the United States arrived
in Beijing, China to compete in the Beijing International Shuai-Chiao Tournament.
This was the first ever international shuai-chiao tournament sponsored by
the Chinese government and the Chinese Shuai-Chiao Association.
The United States team consisted of 14 team members, one tem leader/coach,
one team judge as a six member support staff. Other teams invited were:
France, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Singapore, Poland, Japan, Korea, Switzerland,
Taiwan, Great Britain, Macau, Finland, Algeria, Chile, Brazil and Norway.
As expected, competition was fierce as most of the competitors had to
compete two or three times daily. The tournament took place over the course
of three days and proved to be a very grueling affair. China, France and
Taiwan entered two teams and proved to be very formidable opponents. However,
when the tournament was finished the United States team managed a third
place finish in the team standing behind China`s number 1 and number 2 teams.
The United States team had many individual medal and place winners including
local area talent Sifu John H. Ervin, Jr. of Wing Lamg Kung
Fu School won the bronze medal. Additionally, his students finished
well - Kelly Crocker, gold metal; Gino Belfiore, 4th place; and Robert
Fleming, 4th place. The United States Shuai-Chiao team rosted included:
Dr. Chi-Hsiun D. Weng - Team Leader/Coach; Mark J. Wong - Team Judge;
Alan Lee - 48kg (silver); Justin Tan - 52kg (4th); Jimmy Yang - 52kg (5th);
Leo Wong - 57kg (4th); Chi-Hwa Ting - 57kg (4th); Gino Belfiore - 62kg (4th);
Robert Fleming - 68kg (4th); Jan-yu Weng - 74kg (5th); She-Peng Weng - 82kg;
Eric Brooks - 82kg (4th); Mathew Furey - 90kg (gold); Nicholas Osborne -
100kg (4th); Jack Cheung - 100kg; John H. Ervin Jr. - 100+kg (bronze); Kelly
Crocker - women open (gold)
Overal, the United States gave a stellar performance and must now prepare
for the Paris Cup to be held in Paris, France in December, 1998.
John Ervin competing with first place winner
John Ervin with students Rob Fleming &
Gino Belfiore on the Great Wall of China
Sifu John Ervin with Boke (Mongolian Style Shuai Chiao)
and US Coach
US Team at US Embassy
NewsBits...
- A very good "Martial Artist's Guide to Hong Kong Films" can
be found on http://www.ronlim.com/martial.html
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- In April and May, Sifu Jon Funk will be conducting some northern
(seven star) praying mantis worshops. The first one will be in Cleveland
OH on Sunday April 26th, 1998 as a part of the Great Lake Kung
Fu Championships. The second will be, Peoria IL May 16 17, 1998. Anyone
wishing more details should e-mail him at jfunk@smartt.com or check
his website at http://www.mantiskungfu.com
- Seminar Topic: Hun Yuan Qigong and 8 Energies of Taijiquan with Instructor:
Zhang Xue Xin on March 28, 29 at Sho Shin Martial Arts, Rochester
NY. Starting Saturday 12:00 am - 8:00 pm and Sunday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The
cost for the seminar is $150 ($30 deposit will hold your place)
Hun Yuan qigong exercises mix the prenatel and postnatel qi and cultivates
the 3 treasures: jing, the life essence; qi, the vital energy, and shen,
the spirit or awareness. These exercises also help bring in the yang energy
from the heaven above and yin energy from the earth below to combine with
the human vital energy. The cultivation of these energies within the body
can improve the health and martial abilities of the practitioner. The external
movements throughout the exercises are used to guide the yi (intent) of
the internal energy. Master Zhang will also teach the 8 energies walking
drills of taijiquan (peng lu ji ahn ts'ai lieh jou kao). For more information
contact Bob Loce at Bobloce@aol.com or 716-671-2653
- Presenting the First Annual WING CHUN FRIENDSHIP SEMINAR! Featuring:
Ray Van Raamsdonk (Wang Kiu), Rene Ritchie (Yuen Kay San and noted author),
Marty Goldberg (William Cheung).
Two eight hour days!! For the first time ever, instructors from three
completely different lineages and styles of wing chun will present a comparison
of the key differences between their systems in hopes of improving understanding
and tolerance between all. You will be taught ideas and techniques NOT normally
taught to people outside of the lineage and will appreciate the differences,
friendliness and willingness to share by the seminar hosts. ALL questions
will be answered! This seminar is sure to teach you new things that will
enhance your own training and understanding.
Date: May 16th and 17th, location:University of Victoria, Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada. Contact: Ray Van Raamdonk H:(250) 380-3018,
W:(250) 387-8035. E-mail: ray.van.raamsdonk@gems5.gov.bc.ca. Cost:
Pre-registration: $120 for two days, $65 for one. At the door: $160 for
two days, $75 for one.
This seminar is a charity event! The money will be going towards helping
Ray with his wife's medical bills from the cancer treatments as well as
paying the costs of holding it of course.
- Congratulation to Mr. Thomas Tse Kwai Zung, from Cleveland,
of recently appointed by Governor George V. Voinovich to the Ohio
Advisory Council for the Aging for a term ending November 22, 1998.
The 12 member Ohio Advisory Council for the Aging serves in an advisory
capacity for the Department of Aging and its director on issues as they
relate to Ohio`s senior and elderly citizens.
Fig 8
Fig 9
Fig 10
Fig
11
Fig 24-26
Fig 27-29
