The forms of the Long Fist style emphasize fully extended kicks and striking techniques, and by appearance would be considered a long-range fighting system. In some Long Fist styles the motto is that "the best defense is a strong offense," in which case the practitioner launches a preemptive attack so aggressive that it deprives the opponent of the opportunity to attack. Others emphasize defense over offense, noting that nearly all techniques in Long Fist forms are counters to attacks. Long Fist uses large, extended, circular movements to improve overall body mobility in the muscles, tendons, and joints. Advanced Long Fist techniques includeqin na joint-locking techniques andshuai jiao throws and takedowns.[1]
The Long Fist style is considered to contain a good balance of hand and foot techniques, but in particular it is renowned for its impressive acrobatic kicks.[2] In demonstration events, Long Fist techniques are most popular and memorable for their whirling, running, leaping, and acrobatics. Contemporary changquan moves are difficult to perform, requiring great flexibility and athleticism comparable to that of gymnastics.
Long Fist's arsenal of kicks covers everything from a basic front snap-kick to a jumping back-kick, from a low sweep to a whirlwind-kick. Specifically, typical difficulty movements in modern changquan include thewhirlwind kick, thebutterfly kick, thecekongfan (侧空翻; 'side somersault'), and thelotus kick.
The core of changquan is attributed to the 10th centuryEmperor Taizu, the founding emperor of theSong dynasty. His style was allegedly calledtaizu changquan, which means "the Long Fist style of Emperor Taizu."[3] That said, these texts can only be reliably dated to the second half of the 19th century. The Long Fist ofcontemporary wǔshù draws onChaquan, "flower fist"Huāquán,Pao Chui, and "red fist" (Hongquan).
Widely perceived to have a strongShaolin influence, traditional Long Fist was promoted at the Nanjing Guoshu Institute by Han Qing-Tang (韓慶堂), a famousLong Fist andqin na expert.[4] After the defeat ofChiang Kai-shek and subsequent closing of the institute, the newPeople's Republic of China createdcontemporary wushu, a popular artistic sport inspired largely by traditional Long Fist. However, this new evolution of changquan differed from the old style in that it was exhibition-focused. Higher, more elaborate jump kicks and lower stances were adopted, in order to create more aesthetically pleasing forms. Applications were then reserved for the sport ofsanshou, which was kept somewhat separate from thetaolu (forms). In 2005 with the creation of difficulty movements criteria in international competition, there has been a continued attention to jumps.
Lian Bu Quan (連步拳) - Consecutive Linking Step Fist: the most basic Shaolin Long Fist form containing over 70 applications.
Gong Li Quan (功力拳) 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 (弹腿) or Springing Legs: due to their fast and accurate spring-like kicks, and they have a long history in China. The routines were popularly practiced by Northern Chinese martial arts society between 1736 and 1912. Improve your fighting skills, balance, strength, and focus with Tan Tui. These 12 routines form the basis for other, more complex forms practiced in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu.
Yi Lu Mai Fu (一路埋伏) and Er Lu Mai Fu (二路埋伏), the first and second Ways of Ambush, are powerful fundamental sequences that instruct clever and subtle methods of defense and attack. Both contain practical and effective escape and withdrawal techniques. They are intermediate forms that are considered the "foundation" of Long Fist. Contains subtle techniques designed to trick opponents.
Shi Zi Tang (十字趟) builds on earlier sequences with the addition of several different kicks, side door attacks, and forceful techniques.
Xiao Hu Yan (小 虎 燕) is a challenging and exciting sequence combining techniques from Long Fist and Northern Praying Mantis. Xiao Hu Yan emphasizes low stances, powerful kicks, leg sweeps, trapping, and striking.
San Lu Pao (三路跑) means "Three Ways of Running." It is the first advanced Long Fist sequence. San Lu Pao focuses on the fluid integration of speed and power through several hand and leg techniques, while also pushing the practitioner's endurance and sense of enemy.
Taizu Chuangquan was created by Emperor Taizu in the Song dynasty (960–976 A.D.). It is an advanced sequence that enhances and develops a student's knowledge in Long Fist fighting techniques while specifically training a combination of rooting, balance, and power.
Si Lu Cha Quan (四路查拳) means "Fourth Way of Cha's Fist." It is one of the more well-known Chaquan sequences in Long Fist. When practiced with a proper sense of enemy, root, speed, and power, it is a very effective style for training higher level techniques in long range fighting.
Si Lu Ben Za (四路奔砸 ) means "Four Way of Running and Smashing." It is considered one of the most difficult and most advanced sequences created in Long Fist. Training this sequence patiently and diligently will lead a student to the highest level of Long Fist techniques.
^Thomas A. Green (2001).Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO.ISBN1-57607-150-2.
^Lim SK (2013).Origins of Chinese Martial Arts. Asiapac Books Pte Ltd.ISBN978-981-3170-31-5.
^William Acevedo, Mei Cheung & Carlos Gutiérrez García (2010).Breve historia del Kung-Fu. Ediciones Nowtilus S.L.ISBN978-84-9763-781-7.
^abcDingbo Wu (1994).Handbook of Chinese Popular Culture. Greenwood Publishing Group.ISBN0-313-27808-3.
^abcdWong Kiew Kit (2002).The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu: The Secrets of Kung Fu for Self-Defense, Health, and Enlightenment. Tuttle Publishing.ISBN0-8048-3439-3.
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