Changquan

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Chángquán (Traditional Chinese: 長拳; Simplified Chinese: 长拳; literally "long fist") is a general term for external (as opposed to internal) Northern Chinese martial arts (like the term Northern Shaolin in some cases).

This includes:

A man doing cekongfan (侧空翻; "side somersault"), a common move in Changquan.
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A man doing cekongfan (侧空翻; "side somersault"), a common move in Changquan.

The core of Long Fist was developed in the 10th century by Zhao Kuangyin, founding Emperor of the Song Dynasty (960–1279). His style was called Tàizǔ Chángquán, which means the Long Fist style of Emperor Taizu.

In some Long Fist styles 'the best defence is a strong offence', and in this case the practitioner launches a pre-emptive attack so aggressive that the opponent doesn't have the opportunity to attack. The Long Fist fighter likes to keep the opponent at middle-to-long range distance.

The Changquan of contemporary wǔshù draws on Chāquán, "flower fist" Huāquán, Pào Chuí, and "red fist" (Hóngquán). Of contemporary wǔshù events, Chángquán, with its whirling, running, leaping, and acrobatics, is the most widely-seen. Chángquán is difficult to perform, requiring great flexibility and athleticism, and is often practiced from a young age.

In semi-legendary "classic" writings transmitted by Tàijíquán's Yang family, their martial art is referred to by the name Chángquán in one of the received texts. These texts can only be reliably dated to the second half of the 19th century.

Typical moves in modern Changquan include: xuanfengjiao (旋风脚; "whirlwind kick"), xuanzi (旋子; "butterfly jump"), cekongfan (侧空翻; "side somersault"), tengkongfeijiao (腾空飞脚; "flying jump kick").

The forms within the Long Fist style emphasize fully extended kicks and striking techniques, and by its appearance would be considered a long range fighting system. After further study, a Long Fist practitioner will find that its forms contain Chinese Qin Na techniques, as well as Shuai Jiao throws and takedowns. Long Fist uses large extended, circular movements to improve overall body mobility in the muscles, tendons, and joints.

The Long Fist style is considered to contain a good balance of hand and foot techniques, but the Long Fist practitioner is also renowned for acrobatic but devastating kicks. Long Fist’s arsenal of kicks covers everything from a basic front toe kick to a jumping back kick, from a low sweep to a tornado kick.

Contents

[edit] A sample Long Fist curriculum

North Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu Includes:

  1. Bare Hand Forms
  2. Weapons
  3. Chin na Dui Da (Joint Locking skills & sets)
  4. Two Man Fighting Routines
  5. Self Defense Applications
  6. Iron Palm Training (Internal)

[edit] Hand Forms:

  1. Lian Bu Quan - Consecutive Linking Step Fist
  2. Gong Li Quan or Power Fist Form
  3. Tan Tui or Springing Legs
  4. 20 Methods Fighting Form or Er Shi Er Fa Chuan
  5. Duan Da Quan - Fighting In Close Quarters Boxing/Short Hit Boxing
  6. Hua Quan - First Set Of China Fist Yi Lu Xi Yue
  7. Hua Quan 2 - Second Set Of China Fist Er Lu Xi Yue
  8. Hua Quan 3 - Third Set Of China Fist San Lu Xi Yue
  9. Hua Quan 4 - Fourth Set Of China Fist Si Lu Xi Yue
  10. Hua Quan 2 2 Man - Second Set Of China Fist Two Man Fighting Set Er Lu Xi Yue
  11. Hua Quan 4 2 Man - Fourth Set Of China Fist Two Man Fighting Set Si Lu Xi Yue

[edit] Hand Forms Explained:

  • Lian Bu Quan - Consecutive Linking Step Fist: the most basic Shaolin Long form containing over 70 applications.
  • Gong Li Quan or Power Fist Form: the second basic form using dynamic tension at the end of each technique which develops muscles and tendons. Contains over 70 applications.
  • Tan Tui or Springing Legs: contains spring-like kicks.

Stances used in the Long Fist System:

  1. High Tiger
  2. Low Tiger
  3. Rooster
  4. High Lotus
  5. Low Lotus
  6. Bow and Arrow
  7. Horse Stance
  8. Empty - similar to the Cat Stance in Karate
  9. Tai chi - similar to Empty, but with toes up and heal on the ground
  10. Half Horse Stance (Lead foot turned forward)

[edit] Weapons Training:

  1. Long Shaft
  2. Broadsword
  3. Double Edge Sword
  4. Spear
  5. Chain
  6. Dragon Phoenix Sword
  7. Umbrella

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Sifu Dominick Ruggeri, China Hand Kung Fu Academy, Brick New Jersey

[edit] External links


Contemporary Wushu
Main Taolu Events
Sparring
Changquan • Dao • Qiang • Jian • Gun Sanda
Nanquan • Nandao • Nangun
Related
Taijiquan • Taijijian International Wushu Federation
edit World Wushu Championships
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