Chang Quan (Long Fist)
Intro:
Chang Quan refers to a number of Northern Chinese styles characterized by long,
extended movements.
Origin:
China.
History:
Chang Quan or the long-style Chinese Chuan is the general term for a dozen schools
of Chuan. These include:
- Cha Quan (Cha-family Chuan)
- Flower-Style Chuan
- China-Style Chuan,
- Paochui (Cannon Chuan)
- Hong-family Chuan
- Red-Style Chuan
- Shaolin Chuan
- Fanzi Quan (tumbling Chuan)
- etc.
According to historical records, by the latter half of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
classifications of fist fights and Chuan schools and styles had appeared. This classification
became more detailed in the Qing Dynasty. Ming Dynasty general, Qi Jiguang, and
Wushu master Cheng Chongdou both pointed out the difference between the long-style
Chuan and the short-range fighting. They categorized the 32 stances practiced by
the first Song Dynasty Emperor Taizu (also known as Zhao Taizu Chang Quan) as the
long-style Chuan and the Mianzhang Chuan as the short one. The modern long range
fist-fighting has programmed into its routine the strong points of the Cha-family,
flower, cannon and red Chuan skills. The basics in the different forms of hands,
hand techniques, footwork, step forms, ways of maneuvering, stances of the body,
movements of the eyes and legs, balancing, jumping and leaping are standardized
and choreographed in accordance with the direction of movement of the long-style
Chuan. The jumps, leaps, rises and falls are programmed into different training
routines with different degrees of difficulty, such as the long-style Chuan for
beginners and long-style Chuan for youths.
The main characteristics of the long-style Chuan are expansiveness and gracefulness
in posture and agility and speed in movement. Long-style boxers fight to the extreme
of their arms' length. They move fast, jump high and far and combine hardness and
softness, fast and slow moves, motions and stillness. Their movements are clearly
rhythmical. Their generation of energy is powerful and the origin and outlet of
the energy are clear. The bones and ligaments of the long-style boxers are compatible
with their movements and actions.
Chang Quan is more suitable to youngsters who can enhance strength, speed, agility,
elasticity and endurance through exercise and practice. It helps develop the physique
and teach the techniques and skills in offence and defense.
(Contributors: Unknown)
|
A - C