Xingyi Quan - Essence of Beng Quan

 

Xingyi Quan - Essence of Beng Quan

Three Methods of Free Swordplay in Jianfa - Scott Rodell

散劍法

練散劍。分三種方法。第一原地對擊法。活用手腕。與人擊刺。使心眼手三者合為一氣是也。第二行動對擊法。以手法步法與人對擊。第三活用身法。手法。步法。忽前忽後。聲東擊西。或上或下。奔騰飄忽。劍行如電。身行如龍是也。

Sàn jiàn fǎ

Liàn sàn jiàn. Fēn sānzhǒng fāngfǎ. Dì yī yuán dì duì jī fǎ. Huóyòng shǒuwàn. Yǔ rén jī cì. Shǐ xīnyǎn shǒu sān zhě hé wéi yīqì shì yě. Dì èr háng dòng duì jī fǎ. Yǐ shǒufǎ bù fǎ yǔ rén duì jī. Dì sān huóyòng shēn fǎ. Shǒufǎ. Bù fǎ. Hū qián hū hòu. Shēngdōngjīxī. Huò shàng huò xià. Bēnténg piāohū. Jiàn háng rú diàn. Shēn háng rú lóng shì yě.

Free Swordplay

The practice of free swordplay is divided into three methods.
The first method is standing in place striking at each other, adapting with a lively wrist. The intention is for the eyes, mind, and hand, these three to become one qì.
The second method is moving and striking. Use hand technique and footwork for swordplay.
The third method is a lively, adaptive body.
Hand techniques, footwork, back and forth, make a noise in the east and attack in the west, sometimes high, sometimes low, moving fast and unpredictable, the sword moves like lightening. The body moves like a dragon.

Commentary and Notes: In this chapter on swordplay, the author follows a common plan of development seen in Chinese martial arts, namely moving from fixed-step two-person exercises to moving step set routines. Naturally, students commence training in these exercises after techniques have been learned and thoroughly practised through solo forms and drills. Once the student has integrated the hand techniques with their footwork through the moving-step two-person forms, they can then move on to actual free play.

A common error, particularly amongst newer sword students is to always give distance, retreating to neutralize attacks. The problem with this is that once out of distance, one cannot counter-cut. This allows the opponent to control the flow of the action. By making sure the beginning swordsman has a sound foundation in his or her hand techniques, meaning he or she can properly deflect and counter-cut before adding footwork to the response to an attack, the student prevents this error of excessive or unnecessary footwork.

The author describes developing a lively wrist as part of the first step in learning free sword. The word for lively used here is huó (活). Huó means loose or lively, but in this context it does not simply mean the ligaments are loose and adequately stretched out. It means that one is able to adapt quickly and easily to any given situation. The quick changes that provide jiànfǎ with its versatility rely on this lively wrist.

“Make a sound in the east, hit in the west” is a classic Chinese strategy idiom for creating a diversion.

-Scott M. Rodell

https://www.amazon.com/Scott-M.-Rodell/e/B001K8ZF56?fbclid=IwAR05p4yeTsHGBNFHpzg9FwNHFfh5ctyLF5sD1dwSlcFuIuwfwBEQD67_vm0 

Found HERE 

Li LuoNeng Xingyi Quan (李洛能与形意拳)

 Li LuoNeng Xingyi Quan (李洛能与形意拳)

Fundamentals of the Wudang Sword Method

空歌 歌曰。手心空。使劍活。足心空。行步捷。頂心空。身眼一。

Xīn kōng Gē

Gē yuē. Shǒuxīn kōng. Shǐ jiàn huó. Zú xīn kōng. Xíng bù jié. Dǐng xīn kōng. Shēn yǎn yī.

Song of Empty Mind

The song says

With palm empty, the sword is lively.

With the center of the foot empty, the footwork is nimble.

With the topknot empty, the entire body is one.

Commentary and Notes: This short “song” describes the body once one is free from premeditated action. Simply put, when one is not predisposed to use a certain cut, one is free to cut in any manner. Likewise, when one is not planning on stepping here or there, one will freely move anywhere. When one is not thinking ahead without attachment to a certain action of set of rules, but “empty” in the moment, one is free from dogmatic actions, and can clearly see without the filters of habit and prejudice moving with true freedom.

The topknot refers to a daoist hairstyle where long hair is wound up into a knot that sits atop the apex of the head, held in place by a peg. “Keeping the topknot empty” means not hanging the head, inclining the body forward, nor titling the head back, so that it is pulling the body backward off balance.

Quoted from-

Fundamentals of the Wudang Sword Method - Selected Translations with Commentary from a Manual of Chinese Swordsmanship

This and Rodell Laoshi's other books can be found at-

https://www.amazon.com/Scott-M.-Rodell/e/B001K8ZF56

Kung Fu Movies - Fist of Legend - Jet Li - Best Fight Scene

 

Kung Fu Movies - Fist of Legend - Jet Li - Best Fight Scene

Tai Chi Master Makes Excuses For Losing To Xu Xiaodong - Xu Xiaodong vs Chen Yong

 

Tai Chi Master Makes Excuses For Losing To Xu Xiaodong - Xu Xiaodong vs Chen Yong

Hero (2004) Jet Li vs. Donnie Yen - Chess Courtyard fight

Hero (2004) Jet Li vs. Donnie Yen - Chess Courtyard fight

Xing Yi Quan, Ai Shen Pao, Che lineage 山西形意拳名家高宝东挨身炮

Xing Yi Quan, Ai Shen Pao, Che lineage 山西形意拳名家高宝东挨身炮

"This is beautiful performance of Ai Shen Pao by GM Gao Baodong (高宝东) the master of my friend Hou Jinsheng (侯锦升) and GM An Qibang (安启邦) both disciple of Wu Zhitai (吴治泰) from Shanxi, Taigu(山西, 太谷).  Gao Baodong and An Qibang are high skilled and well known Shanxi masters from Che Yizhai(车毅斋) lineage, two of just few descendants of the old orthodox Xing Yi Quan.  There is long friendship between our and Liujian line.  Lineage of grandmaster Gao and his disciple (my lineage "uncle") Hou:  Li Luoneng(李洛能)---Che Yizhai(车毅斋)---Liu Jian(刘俭)--Wu Zhitai-吴治泰---Gao Baodong(高宝东)---Hou Jinsheng(侯锦升)."

Bagua Zhang - Liang Zhen Pu Style

 

Bagua Zhang - Liang Zhen Pu Style 

Tai Chi That Works? Sanda Coach Explains

 

Tai Chi That Works? Sanda Coach Explains

Xing Yi Ba Fa Sword - Old grandmaster Zhang Baoyang

 

                                       Xing Yi Ba Fa Sword - Old grandmaster Zhang Baoyang

"Grandmaster Zhang Baoyang(张宝杨，1922-2016) was famous Xing Yi Quan (Xin Yi Liu He Quan心意六合拳) practitioner, founder of Beijing Xing Yi Quan Research Association（北京武术协会形意拳研究会). This is rare footage of 8 Basic methods of  Xing Yi Sword (形意八法剑). Lineage: Li Luoneng(李洛能)---Liu Qilan(刘奇兰)---Wang Fuyuan(王福元)---Wang Jiwu(王继武)---Zhang Baoyan (张宝杨）."

Xingyi Training

 Xingyi training

Chen Taiji - Chen Zhonghua

 

Chen Taiji - Chen Zhonghua

A Brief History of Modern Shuai Jiao | Seminar Q & A | Guang Wu Shuai Jiao

A Brief History of Modern Shuai Jiao | Seminar Q & A | Guang Wu Shuai Jiao

Taiji Quan - Dao Nian Hou : Repulse Monkey - Marcus Brinkman

 

 Taiji Quan - Dao Nian Hou : Repulse Monkey - Marcus Brinkman

               My teacher Marcus Brinkman - Learn Taiji Quan at Boulder Internal Martial Arts

Chinese Jian - the Correct Sword Grip - Scott M. Rodell

"When it comes to the correct sword grip... If the grip maintains the hand in a protected position, If the swordsman can employ this grip to deliver a powerful cut that could rend a limb, if the grip allows for a lively, adaptive hand that can quickly change direction from one cut to another, from deflection to strike as one movement, Then it is a correct grip. If the grip fails in any of these categories, it is, without question, incorrect." ~ Scott M. Rodell 

Visit Chinese Swordsmanship Blog: https://www.chineseswordacademy.com/blog

Dai Family Xinyiquan - 1985 - Early Footage Ma Erniu, Wang Yinghai, Gao Xiquan

 

Dai Family Xinyiquan - 1985 - Early Footage Ma Erniu, Wang Yinghai, Gao Xiquan

"Rare footage of early Dai Family Xinyiquan from Qi County, the cradle and until now the center of the style. The video features two famous disciples of Dai Kui: Ma Erniu (1906-?) and Wang Yinghai (1926-2012), as well as Gao Xiquan (1948-2017), son of Gao Shengzhen (another disciple of Dai Kui).

Apart from the common parts of the system - Five Elements Fists and Ten (Animal) Shapes - less known methods are also presented, including the famous Three Fists, Seven Canons and Five Shoulder (Strikes), as well as a few very rare routines.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the demonstrations are differences in the signature movement of the system - the Body Method. The core method of Dai style is the Squatting Monkey exercise, which trains Contracting and Expanding (Shu-Zhan) of the body. While Gao Xiquan presents very standard - clear and obvious - Body Method which most of the practitioners nowadays display, Ma Erniu's body shows hardly any Contracting and Expanding. Sun Yemin, Song style Xinyiquan practitioner and a researcher of the history of Xinyi/Xingyi, who spent many years in Shanxi in the 80s, speculated that Dai Kui had probably changed the training methods of the family system after working as the martial arts instructor for Yan Xishan's army in Inner Mongolia. The main change was done to the Squatting Monkey exercise -  making the range of the movement bigger. This could also explain why Contracting/Expanding is not very pronounced in Xingyiquan of Li Luoneng.

While this is only speculation, there is general agreement that Ma Erniu's method is very valid - and Ma was very respected in Qi County. 

On another note: Ma Erniu was famous for his hard power - while the general principle in Dai Family practice is to release power (use hard power, so-called "fast power"), he could release power with each movement. This was apparently linked to the fact that he began his studies of Dai style Xinyiquan very early, as a boy, and never married.

 Please note the footwork of Wang Yinghai - this was his signature skill. Wang was famous for his footwork, Ma Erniu - hard power, Wang Buchang - for shoulder strikes. According to oral stories told in Qi County, Dai Kui passed the family system not to just one disciple, but instead taught one skill to each of them.

 The detailed contents of the footage:

 Demos by Ma Erniu:

00:50-02:01 - "Ten Lines of Zha Shi" (Crushing Postures). Most other disciples of Dai Kui practice either 4 or 5 lines, Ma Erniu was the only one who taught 10 lines of the routine. This is the longest routine of the system and contains movements from Praying Mantis system which Dai clan learnt from Jin Shikui.

02:02-02:28 - "Essentials of Ten Methods". Rare routine based on the basic theory of Xinyiquan attributed to Cao Jiwu (Ji Longfeng's disciple)

02:29-03:15 - "Boxing Method of Heaven and Earth Yin-Yang Eight Military Formations" routine. Very rare routine based on using military formations, following eight trigrams patterns, on the battlefield. Shi Xiongba, another disciple of Dai Kui, revealed the detailed theory as well as the names of the movements of the routine during the Wushu Survey conducted in early 1980s. 

 Demos by Gao Xiquan:

03:16-03:44 - Dantian Squatting AKA Squatting Monkey, most important method of the system. Gao demoes it in both the slow and fast manners.

03:45-04:18 - Dantian Shifting AKA as Footwork

04:22-04:45 - Dantian Shooting

04:47-05:19 - Dantian Smashing

 Demos by Wang Yinghai:

05:20-06:05 - Three Fists (Drilling, Wrapping, Treading)

06:07-06:45 - Five Elements Fists

06:46-07:01 - Horizontal Fist

07:02-07:09 - Crushing Fist

07:10-07:15 - Canon Fist

07:16-07:25 - Drilling Fist

07:26-07:49 - Dragon (Shape)

07:50-08:03 - Tiger

08:04-08:28 - Monkey

08:30-08:44 - Horse

08:45-08:56 - Snake

08:57-09:14 - Bear

09:15-09:30 - (Sparrow) Hawk

09:31-09:40 - Swallow

09:41-09:50 - Eagle

09:51-10:07 - Rooster

10:08-10:38 - Canon of Piercing the Sky

10:40-11:08 - Canon of Digging the Ground

11:18-11:31 - Linked Canons

11:32-11:53 - Canon of Chasing the Wind

11:54-12:14 - Canon of Capturing the Sides

12:15-12:30 - Canon of Touching the Side

12:31-12:56 - Hawk (Shape) Shoulder

12:59-13:25 - Ploughing Shoulder

13:26-13:50 - Crossed-shaped Shoulder

13:51-14:20 - Wind Wrapping Shoulder

14:21-14:45 - Falling Slope Shoulder

More information about Dai Family Xinyiquan:

Dai Family Xinyiquan - The Origins and Development: http://www.chinafrominside.com/ma/xyxy/daihistory.html 

Dai Family Xinyiquan - Technical Characteristics: http://www.chinafrominside.com/ma/xyxy/daitech1.html

Please note that the explanation on the soundtrack not always point at the movements that are performed at the moment, hence I provided the above details for easier navigation.

For more information about traditional martial arts of China please visit:

www.ChinaFromInside.com

Source：https://tv.sohu.com/v/cGwvNTQ4MzM1Mi81MzY5MDU1OS5zaHRtbA==.html"

Ma Weiqi Bagua Zhang

 

Ma Weiqi Bagua Zhang 1st Palm八卦掌第一掌 Shi ChongYing石祟英

Guo Shilei (郭石磊) of Dongguan City, Guangdong, China, from the Ma Weiqi (馬維棋) style Baguazhang (八卦掌)

"Ma Weiqi (馬維棋) (1851 - 1886) was also a disciple of Dong Haichuan in the martial art of Baguazhang. He owned a shop in Beijing selling coal and briquettes and he was therefore nicknamed "Mei Ma" or Coal Ma"." wikipedia

Chinese Sword - A Conversational Interview with Scott Rodell

 Chinese Sword - A Conversational Interview with Scott Rodell

Xingyi, Bagua, Taiji Interview - Marcus Brinkman - The Drunken Boxing Podcast

 

Xingyi, Bagua, Taiji Interview - Marcus Brinkman - The Drunken Boxing Podcast

Interview with my teacher Marcus Brinkman - Learn Xingyi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan at Boulder Internal Martial Arts

Song style Xing Yi Quan 张增记 宋式形意拳 - Zhang Zengji

                                   Song style Xing Yi Quan 张增记 宋式形意拳 - Zhang Zengji

"Master Zhang Zengji, chairman of the Beijing Xing Yi Quan Research Association demonstrate the 12 forms linking fist of Song Shi Rong branch. It is very interesting 12 forms, different from our Wang Jiwu branch. Master Zhang learned from Beijing master Xu Fan Zeng (许繁曾) and Shanxi Taigu master Tian Jin Zhong (田进忠) He also had the oportunity to get the advices and guidances of Song style grand masters Song Guanghua(宋光华) and Wang Rugui (王儒贵,disciople of Zhao Yongchang赵永昌who was disciople of Song Tielin 宋铁麟). Chairman Zhang is also mastered in Bagua in Cheng Tinghua lineage. 北京武术协会形意拳研究会会长张增记老师演练宋式形意拳十二形连环拳套路。  纪念意拳宗师王芗斋诞辰130周年大会2015 。11。 22"

Xing Yi Quan Luo Dexiu Yizong School

  

Xing Yi Quan forms: ba shi, monkey, horse by Luo Dexiu, Yizong School

JUDO BUDAPEST GRAND SLAM 2020

JUDO BUDAPEST GRAND SLAM 2020

Chinese Shuai Jiao wrestling technique Xi 吸

Chinese Shuai Jiao wrestling technique Xi 吸

Chinese Swordsmanship - Delivering the Cut - Scott Rodell

On Chinese Swordsmanship - "Having delivered a cut, or when withdrawing, leave no space for your duifang to pursue you."  -Scott M. Rodell

Found HERE

Taiji Sword by Chen Weiming (1929) trans: Scott M. Rodell

 觀此比劍專中腕臂與太極劍之用

合顧其法皆不傳

世之能劍者大抵皆舞劍之

類如風捲如電馳如鳥落如龍翔

容觀雖美未必適於用也

《太極劍》陳微明

Demonstrations of sword matches that focus on (striking) the wrist and arm are used the same in taiji sword. (I’ve) noticed that this has not been passed down.

Generally speaking, those practicing the sword dance today are like a rolling wind, very fast like a swooping bird, and with an appearance like a soaring dragon; it looks beautiful but is not necessarily of any use.

Quoted from the introduction to Taiji Sword by Chen Weiming (1929)
trans: Scott M. Rodell

Shuai Jiao Technique | Intro Seminar on Beijing style Chinese Wrestling

 

Shuai Jiao Technique | Intro Seminar on Beijing style Chinese Wrestling

Judo - Grand Slam Hungary 2020 Top 5 Ippons

 

Judo - Grand Slam Hungary 2020 Top 5 Ippons

Li TianJi - WuDang Jian 李天骥 武当太极剑

 

Li TianJi - WuDang Jian 李天骥 武当太极剑

Yin Style Bagua Rolling Dragon Double Dao(Tian ZiGan Lineage) 尹派八卦滾龍雙刀(田子乾系)Sun HongTai 孫洪泰

 

Yin Style Bagua Rolling Dragon Double Dao(Tian ZiGan Lineage) 尹派八卦滾龍雙刀(田子乾系)Sun HongTai 孫洪泰

Gao style Baguazhang: Form and Function with Master Luo De Xiu

Gao style Baguazhang: Form and Function with Master Luo De Xiu

Xingyi Beng Quan Demo - Hong Yi Xiang and Marcus Brinkman

 

"Footage from 1987, in Taipei, Taiwan, as a student of the late, great, Master Hung Yixiang."

Xingyi Beng Quan Demo, my teacher Marcus Brinkman - Learn Xingyi Quan at Boulder Internal Martial Arts

Xingyi Pi Quan Demo - Hong Yi Xiang and Marcus Brinkman

 

"Over 30 years ago, in Taipei as a student of the late Master Hung Yixiang, getting a hands on demo from Hung and his son eldest son (Tiger).  I believe this was filmed in 1986 or 87. - Marcus Brinkman"

My teacher Marcus Brinkman - Learn Xingyi Quan at Boulder Internal Martial Arts

BaguaZhang Overturning Concepts and Applications - Marcus Brinkman

 

BaguaZhang Overturning Concepts and Applications - Marcus Brinkman

My teacher Marcus Brinkman - Learn Xingyi Quan & Bagua Zhang at Boulder Internal Martial Arts

The art of the Sword - trans. Scott M. Rodell

莊子曰：

夫為劍者，示之以虛，

開之以利，後之以發，

先之以至。

Zhuangzi Wrote,

"The art of the jian is to deliberately expose a weakness,

giving the enemy the impression they have the opportunity to attack.

Your hand moves after the enemy, but your jian strikes first.”

-trans. Scott M. Rodell

found HERE 

Bruce Lee Rare Footage - Enter the Dragon

 

Bruce Lee Rare Footage - Enter the Dragon

Tai Chi Chuan - Push Hands with Fu Zhong Wen

 Tai Chi Chuan - Push Hands with Fu Zhong Wen

"Grand Master Fu Zhong Wen at 87 demonstrating Push Hands with my Kung Fu Brother Fu Qing Quan 16 years old..Fu Zhong Wen a Yang Family Member was the leading disciple of Yang Chen Fu and his 4th generation successor. He was regarded as the family head from 1936 to 1994. His son Fu Sheng Yuan (1931 to 2017) was 5th Generation patriarch of the Yang Family and his successor.. Fu demonstrates how the Push Hands should be performed including several martial techniques. Note no rocking no waving arms just very centred movements where folding neutralises an attack. From this point refined strength Fa Jin can be easily applied"

Boxing - Peekaboo Boxing Style of Mike Tyson, Cus D'Amato with Teddy Atlas

 

Peekaboo Boxing Style of Mike Tyson, Cus D'Amato with Teddy Atlas

Sanda Sanshou Kung Fu Takedowns & Tutorial

 

Sanda Sanshou Kung Fu Takedowns & Tutorial

Xingyi Tiger free sparring application - Mike Patterson

 

Xingyi Tiger free sparring application - Mike Patterson 

Yangjia Michuan Taiji Quan Wang Yen Nien

 

Yangjia Michuan Taiji Quan Wang Yen Nien

Kung Fu Action Star Jet Li

                                                                 Kung Fu Action Star Jet Li 

Xingyi Monkey free sparring application - Mike Patterson

Xingyi Monkey free sparring application - Mike Patterson 

Yin Style Bagua Zhang Wang Fu 尹式八卦掌 王敷

 

Yin Style Bagua Zhang Wang Fu 尹式八卦掌 王敷

Lineage: Yin Fu尹福 -- Yin Yuzhang尹玉章  --Wang Fu王敷

Wang Fu was a student of Yin Fu's son Yin Yuzhang尹玉章

Bagua Zhang - Dragon Palm - 上下双換掌 Up and down - Double Changing Palm

 

Bagua Zhang - Dragon Palm - 上下双換掌 Up and down - Double Changing Palm

Taiji Sword Chen Wei Ming

Taiji Sword Chen Wei Ming 

 

XINGYIQUAN Kung Fu performed by Old Master of China

 

XINGYIQUAN Kung Fu performed by Old Master of China

Chen Taiji Push Hands Beginners Training

 Chen Taiji Push Hands Beginners Training

Wu Dang Sword - Song Wei-I 宋唯一

 

Wu Dang Sword - Song Wei-I 宋唯一

found HERE

Xingyi spear and fist 形意槍，拳

 Xingyi spear and fist 形意槍，拳

Luo De Xiu, Xing Yi, Five Elements

 

Luo De Xiu, Xing Yi, Five Elements

Wudang Sword - XuanMen Dan Pai 武当玄门丹派

 

Wudang Sword - XuanMen Dan Pai 武当玄门丹派

Shuai Jiao Off Balancing Techniques

 

Shuai Jiao Off Balancing Techniques

China, Beijing Sword Shop 1920's

China, Beijing Sword Shop 1920's

Found HERE

Xingyiquan Five Element Fists, Twelve Animals: Featuring Master Han Xingyuan

 

Xingyiquan Five Element Fists, Twelve Animals: Featuring Master Han Xingyuan

Chen Taiji - Practical Method Linyi City Exchange

 

Chen Taiji - Practical Method Linyi exchange on August 19, 2020

Xingyiquan Master Guo Yun Shen 1902

 

"A very rare photo taken in 1902. Li Yaochen of the Cannon Boxing of Three Emperors stands 2nd from the left in the middle row; in the same row, 4th from the left, the old man with white beard, is Guo Yunshen, master of Xingyiquan famous for his half-step Crushing Fist. To his left (5th from the left), wearing a hat, is Guan Nianci. Guan, originally from Suzhou, was a famous master of seal carving - emperor Guangxu used seals carved by Guan. For those interested in chinese zither - Guan Nianci was also the father of Guan Pinghu, master of guqin, whose recording of "High Mountains and Flowing Waters" was taken by Voyager into deep space in 1977. 

This photo is one of the two existing of Guo Yunshen (another, more famous one, was taken during his visit to Taigu in Shanxi). In the rear row standing from the left are Wang Lanting, Wang Haoting, Wang Xianting - three of the "Four Pavillions" (the missing one was Sun Liting) - "Si Ting" - Ting is the character in each of their names and means "pavillion". The first one, Wang Lanting, was not the same person as Yang Luchan's first disciple, who carried the same name." – Jarek Szymanski

Shaolin Legacy - Part One - Kungfu Explained #02

 

Shaolin Legacy - Part One - Kungfu Explained #02

7 Star: Qixing Fundamentals - Marcus Brinkman

7 Star: Qixing Fundamentals - Marcus Brinkman

My teacher Marcus Brinkman - Learn Xingyi Quan & Bagua Zhang at Boulder Internal Martial Arts

"various clips which refer to the 7 Star Step, concept, and usage in accordance with Xingyiquan and Baguazhang"

 

Chinese Swords - Miáodāo (苗刀)

 

Chinese Swords - Miáodāo (苗刀)

"Miáodāo - a long saber? In today's martial arts circles the word is exclusively associated with a large two-handed saber, and only the top example in the above picture would be recognized as a miáodāo. Understandibly so, because the single handed narrow saber, also known as the liǔyèdāo (柳葉刀), gradually fell out of use not long after the fall of the Qing. It got replaced by the iconic niúwěidāo (牛尾刀) that is seen in the hands of every martial artist from the 1930s, and so the only narrow saber that remained in use was the long variety." - Peter Dekker

Read the rest HERE

Xingyi Five Element Pao (Cannon) Fire Fist - Marcus Brinkman

 

Xingyi Five Element Pao (Cannon) Fire Fist - Marcus Brinkman

 My teacher Marcus Brinkman - Learn Xingyi Quan at Boulder Internal Martial Arts

Chen Taiji Quan - Chen Zhonghua's Practical Method

 Chen Taiji Quan - Chen Zhonghua's Practical Method

Xinyi Liuhe Quan - Ma Deyun explains applications of Danba in Luoyang branch

 

                    Xinyi Liuhe Quan - Ma Deyun explains applications of Danba in Luoyang branch

"Ma Deyun is one of the leading masters of the less known system of Xinyi Liuhe Quan practised in Luoyang. While the more popular branch from Lushan/Zhoukou has received more attention due to the efforts of the disciples of Yuan Fengyi, especially Lu Songgao, who taught in Shanghai, the Luoyang system has remained relatively obscure and has been taught within the muslim communities of the city only. It comes from Ma Xing, student and relative of Ma Xueli, who was not only a skilful martial artist, but also a well educated military official. While Luoyang system differs from the Lushan/Zhoukou branch, their theory and principles remain the same. On this video Ma Deyun, the disciple of famous Jin Heiyan demonstrates and explains the applications of the key basic method of the system - Dan Ba (Single Seize). 

What makes the video really interesting are the principles of the system behind these simple applications: importance of footwork (old Xinyi Liuhe Quan boxing manual speaks of "defeating all under heaven with the old rooster shape" - Rooster Shape focuses on developing footwork), following the movements of the opponent and adjusting ones stance accordingly (against common idea of xinyi/xingyi as systems with "going through the wall" mindset), fighting in close distance and using the body rather than just hands. 

Great attention is paid to the correct position of the feet, especially the front foot, which "seizes the ground", while the rear one is the engine behind the movement and its applications. It shows how direct yet at the same time sophisticated the system is, and how various skills - coordination, footwork, using body - must be developed first to make its techniques effective." by Jarek Szymanski

For more information about traditional martial arts of China please visit:http://www.chinafrominside.com/

Chinese Swords and Swordsmanship: the Qing Wodao #chinese sword

 Chinese Swords and Swordsmanship: the Qing Wodao #chinese sword

"The Qing imperial regulations, the Huangchiao Liqi Tushi, lists no less than 7 types of Chinese two-handed sabers with long grips issued during the dynasty. In this episode, Scott M. Rodell looks at a rare variant, the Qing period Wōdāo (窩刀). This dao was issued to the Lùyíng (綠營), the Green Braves. 

The Lùyíng were the ethnically Han Army. Manchus, Mongols and some Chinese who joined the Qing cause early on formed the Eight Banners. With the majority of Han people being drafted into the Lùyíng or Green Braves. The Wō character used here is a homonym for the Wō in Wōkòu (倭寇). In that case it means Dwarf Bandit a derogatory term for the Japanese. Here is has the meaning of a small place, or a place where animals live, or a place where a group of bad people gather. So this sword is the Qing take on the Katana. The regulations stipulate that the blade be curved like a Lùyíng Piāndāo  (綠營㓲刀), the slicing saber which is depicted in the regulations with an accelerating curvature, as see on this example. 

Some have mistaken the Wōdāo, this Chinese version of a katana, with the Miáodāo (苗刀). There are however two important differences, the blade and hilt lengths. The Wōdāo has a 31” blade that is balance by the long grip such that it is easy to wield with one hand. The Miáodāo is a true two-handed saber with on average a 35” long blade . While they make look the same in a photo, any practitioner will notice the difference straight away. They are indeed two very different weapons" Scott Rodell.

Early Yang style Taijiquan demonstrated by Niu Chunming

 Early Yang style Taijiquan demonstrated by Niu Chunming

"The footage from 1960, the first documentary promoting Taijiquan and focusing on one person: Niu Chunming, one of four earliest disciples of Yang Chengfu. Niu followed Yang Chengfu and Yang Jianhou, Chengfu's father, for 17 years. Niu Chunming (1881-1961) of Manchu nationality, was born in Beijing, first studied the art of gardening and osteopathy, but his interest in martial arts lead him to study Yang Family Taijiquan.

Although he became the disciple of Yang Chengfu in 1902 it was Yang's father, Yang Jianhou, who taught Niu. The relation became very close in 1907 when Niu took the post of the doctor for the Capital Fire Brigade, which Yang Jianhou was the honorary coach of martial arts at. In 1914 Niu became the assistant instructor at the Yang family martial arts school in Beijing, also supporting Yang Chengfu when he taught in Hangzhou in 1928. When Yang Chengfu moved further to teach in Shanghai and Guangzhou, Niu continued to teach in Hangzhou, and soon became famous for his skill in pushing hands. In 1956 Niu took part in all-China Wushu Competition, and called by the young athletes who crossed hands with him "Niu the Strongman". According to his disciples Niu's power came from daily practice of dou dagan - shaking the long pole - which he learnt from Yangs. Another skill Niu learnt from Yang Jianhou was point striking - apparently Niu's fingers were so hard he could open a steel can with them. Niu was also a successful TCM doctor, although would often proudly say that he preferred to recommend Taijiquan to cure diseases instead of medicine.

In 1960 Chen Yun, then vice-chairman of the CPC and one of the most powerful people in the country (in the 1980s and 1990s second only to Deng Xiaoping), as well as Teng Daiyuan, the head of the Ministry of Railways, were recuperating in Hangzhou and asked Niu to teach them Taijiquan. Soon Chen arranged a set of still photos of Niu to be taken, and not longer later a documentary featuring Niu and called "Forever Young" was shot in Hangzhou. Only 9 minutes of the documentary have survived relatively intact to these days - this is the video presented here." by Jarek Szymanski

For more information about traditional martial arts of China please visit: www.ChinaFromInside.com   Source：https://v.qq.com/x/page/a03102gkble.html

BIA Note - Bagua and Xingyi Master Wu Meng Xia was also a student of Niu Chunming. Wu was also a student of Bagua master Gao Yi Xiang. It has been suggested that the Tian Gun exercises in Wu's branch of bagua came from Niu Chunming and the Yang style of Taiji and were modified for use in his bagua.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Xingyi Quan - Pi Quan [內家小哥的形意拳與八卦掌世界] - 形意拳基本慨念第一集 劈拳

 

Xingyi Quan - Pi Quan [內家小哥的形意拳與八卦掌世界] - 形意拳基本慨念第一集 劈拳

Monday, August 10, 2020

The Northern Praying Mantis Style- Brendan Lai 黎達沖 Forms and Applications

The Northern Praying Mantis Style - Brendan Lai 黎達沖 Forms and Applications

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Sun Style Taijiquan in 1978 - Madame Sun Jianyun

Sun Style Taijiquan in 1978 - Madame Sun Jianyun

"Madame Sun Jianyun (1914-2003) was the daughter and main inheritor of Sun Lutang's martial art system, and specialized in its core methods of "three barehand styles three straight swords": empty hand and sword methods of Xingyi, Bagua and Taiji. Sun Lutang, arguably the most influencial martial artist of the internal family, learnt Wu Yuxiang style Taijiquan from Hao Weizhen after being an accomplished master of both Xingyi and Bagua; later in his life Sun created own style of Taijiquan; he incorporated key elements of all three systems he had studied into the body of Taijiquan. Sun style Taijiquan contains the quintessence of his life-long pursuit for perfection on the path of martial arts - which is described by the concept of Zhonghe - Central Harmony, permeating all its methods. This rare video was taken in 1978, when Madame Sun was 64, and is her earliest known complete demonstration of Sun Style Taijiquan. For more information about traditional martial arts of China please visit: www.ChinaFromInside.com"  by Jarek Szymanski

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Wudang Martial Arts Daoist Master Guo Gaoyi

Wudang Martial Arts Daoist Master Guo Gaoyi

"A very rare video of taoist master Guo Gaoyi demonstrating part of Wudang Taiyi Xuanmen (Taoist) Sword. Guo Gaoyi (1924-1996) was the first head coach of martial arts in Zixiao Palace, one of the main taoist temples in Wudang mountains, between 1983 and 1989. 

Born in Shangqiu in Henan province, Guo studied Shaolin styles since childhood. During the anti-Japanese war in 1930 he traveled to north-eastern China where he learnt sword and Taijiquan from Yang Kuishan, a disciple of general Li Jinglin. After his batalion was defeated Guo retreated to the temples in Lüshan in Liaoning province, where he was initiated as a taoist monk. This is where he learnt Wudang Sanfeng martial arts from master Yang Mingzhen. Not much is known about Guo's whereabouts until early 1980s - only that during the Cultural Revolution is was forced to become a layman and return to his hometown - and could "return to Tao" only in 1981. He became a monk again, living in the temples on the White Could Mountain in Biyang County in Henan, where he studied martial arts from Tang Chongliang. Tang studied martial arts Wudang Mountains from Wang Xintang, a taoist master of the Eight Immortals Temple, but also received guidance from famous Wudang abbot Xu Benshan.

When his master passed away in 1983 Guo left White Cloud Mountain and moved to Wudang. In 1984 he became the head coach of the taoist martial arts academy at Zixiao Palace. In 1989 Guo left Wudang and in 1990 retreated to Shennongjia to practice meditation. In 1993 he moved to Nine Palaces Mountain, where he passed away in 1996. Guo was one of my taoist inspirations - the photos of him demonstrating swordplay featured in "Pictorial China" in mid-1980s were one of the reasons that set me on the path and travel to China. Unfortunately when I entered the gate of Zixiao temple in July 1991, Guo was already Shennongjia, in the area the foreigners were not allowed to enter. This part of my China dream has never become a reality and I never managed to meet him." - Jarek Szymanski 

For more information about traditional martial arts of China please visit: www.ChinaFromInside.com

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Chinese Gong Fu 1900's

Chinese Gong Fu 1900's

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Sun Zi - Know Yourself

Sun Zi - Know Yourself

Found HERE

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Taoist master from Laoshan Mountains - Kuang Changxiu

Taoist master from Laoshan Mountains - Kuang Changxiu

"Laoshan Mountains have a special status in China - well known for a story about a young taoist apprentice who seeked advice and wanted to learn the art of walking through walls, a story recorded by Pu Songling in his famous '"Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio". The master in the story was a taoist in Laoshan mountains, and the book itself was written there as well. Master Kuang Changxiu (1905-1993) was such master - a legend in the 1980s already, not only because of his skills in the Taoist art of internal alchemy but most of all in martial arts. 

Born in 1905, he studied many Shaolin related local Shandong styles since childhood. At the age of 26 he became a taoist monk of the Jinshan (Golden Mountain) branch of the Complete Reality School. Since then he studied taoist meditation methods, medicine and martial arts from Kuang Zhenjue, his uncle, a taoist master and a disciple of Li Shiqing, a teacher of Wudang system. He referred to the martial arts system as Laoshan school of Wudang Boxing; it focused on kicking techniques which Master Kuang excelled at and hence was nicknamed nicknamed "Kuang the Flying Legs". His internal skills were also legendary - he could spend a week without food and sleep, in the state of deep meditation. Master Kuang was also a famous doctor, and worked as a physician when forced to becoming a layman during the Cultural Revolution. He wrote many books - on medicine, martial arts, Qigong/meditation - as well as novels and stories. I was lucky to meet Master Kuang in July 1991, stay overnight in Laoshan's Taiqing Palace, and watch the impressive demonstrations of martial arts. The system seemed very authentic and the skills very impressive; it was not a random collection of routines as is the case of Wudang, but a well organized system. I wonder who carries the tradition now, apparently Master Kuang taught many disciples. 

The video is a part from the 1984 BBC documentary series "The Heart of The Dragon" called "Believing", one of the best productions showing real China in early 1980s, second only to earlier Antonioni's work." - Jarek Szymanski

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Grandmaster Wang Ziping 王子平

Grandmaster Wang Ziping 王子平

"Wang Zi-Ping (1881--1973) was a Chinese-Muslim practitioner of Chinese Martial Arts and traditional medicine from Changzhou, Cangxian county, Mengcun, Hebei Province.He served as the leader of the Shaolin Kung Fu division of the Martial Arts Institute in 1928 and was also the vice chairman of the Chinese Wushu Association. Wang was known for his mastery of Cha quan, Hua quan, Pao Chuan, Bajiquan, and Tai Chi Chuan. Wang developed "Quan Shr Er Shr Fa" (Twenty Fist Method) as well as "Ching Long Jian" (Green Dragon Sword)."

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Kung fu masters play 100-kg iron broadswords freely

Kung fu masters play 100-kg iron broadswords freely

Friday, July 24, 2020

Che style Xingyi Quan 车派形意拳

Che style Xingyi Quan 车派形意拳

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Sun style Bagua Double Palm Change - Tim Cartmell

Sun style Bagua Double Palm Change - Tim Cartmell

Monday, July 20, 2020

Sword Rhyme Song - Wu Shu’s Jiàn Jué Gē - 劍訣歌 - Trans. Scott M. Rodell

長兵柄以木，

短兵柄以臂；

長兵進退手已神，

短兵進退需足利；

足如毚兔身如風，

三尺坐使丈八廢。

Long weapons have a wooden shaft,

(for) short weapons the arm is the shaft.

With long weapons, advancing and retreating,

the spirit is in the hands,

(for) short weapons, moving forward or back requires footwork.

The feet must be cunning like a rabbit, your body (fast) like the wind,

(then) the three foot (sword) can disable the spear.

- Trans. Scott M. Rodell

quoted from

Wu Shu’s Jiàn Jué Gē

(Sword Rhyme Song, 劍訣歌)
FOUND HERE

Saturday, July 18, 2020

The Drunken Boxing Podcast #014 - Tim Cartmell

The Drunken Boxing Podcast #014 - Tim Cartmell

"Today's guest is Tim Cartmell who is a well-known pioneer within the Chinese martial arts most notably within the styles of Xingyi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan. He started with Kung Fu San Soo at a young age and moved to Taiwan at the age of 23 to pursue further studies in the Chinese martial arts and he studied with people like Xu Hongji and Luo Dexiu. He also traveled to mainland China to study these arts and spent time with Sun Jianyun, Liang Kequan, Mao Mingchun and others. During his time in Taiwan he competed numerous times in Sanshou full contact matches and attained numerous first places.
Tim returned to the USA in 1994 and soon after he started studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and achieved a black belt in the art. He has authored numerous books on the Chinese martial arts including translations of essential books on the arts." Tim Cartmell's Website: http://www.shenwu.com/"