Cha Quan (查拳) is one of the major styles of Chang Quan Men (长拳門), Long Fist School and, along with Hua Quan (滑拳), had a great influence on the development of Contemporary Wushu. There are different versions regarding the origins of Cha Quan but none of these can be substantiated by documented facts. This history…
In times past, when someone wanted to learn Chinese martial arts from a master, the master would ask, “Can you eat bitter?” Chi Ku (吃苦), or Eating Bitter, refers to being able to endure both physical and mental hardships. While we can be enthralled by the artistry of outward movements, explosive skills, and flashing swords,…
Before discussing the Small, Medium, and Large Frames, it is important to expound on the transmission of Yang Shi Taijiquan (楊氏太极拳) through its founder, Yang Luchan (楊露禪 1799-1872). After studying at Chen Village from Chen Changxing (陈长兴 1771-1853), Luchan returned to his hometown to teach. One of his students was a native villager from a…
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts practice is guided by many principles and adages that have been compiled over the centuries and propagated within the different styles. The old masters also set guidelines for teaching and learning. The adage Jiao Bu Yan, Quan Bi; Xue Bu Zhuan, Quan Bi Lan is one such example. Before providing a…
In Taiji Quan, also written Tai Chi Chuan and Taijiquan, the saying Mai Bu Ru Mao Xing, Yun Dong Ru Chou Si (邁步如貓行,運動如抽絲), which means Walk Like a Cat, Move Like Drawing Silk, is often used to describe the flow of Taiji Quan movements. Walk Like a Cat refers to the whole process of stepping…
Since the Qin Dynasty, there have been several significant bans on martial arts. In antiquity, martial arts referred largely to weapons, and in some cases, the prohibition also extended to the empty-hand arts. The first significant ban on martial arts occurred during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 B.C.) ordered by the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang….
The Xiao Zhou Tian is part of Daoist Internal Alchemy, or Nei Dan. It was the Daoists who originated, refined, and propagated this practice which, in time, spread to various methods of Qi Gong and to the internal martial arts of Taiji Quan, Xingyi Quan, and Bagua Zhang. To varying degrees, it is also practiced…
Every Chinese martial arts style, or any martial arts style for that matter, builds a foundation of Basic Skills. In Chinese, these are called Ji Ben Gong, or Jiben Gong (基本功). Basic Skills are also known as Tan ZI Gong (毯子功) or Blanket Skills, which refers to the fact that they cover a broad field….
Principle #3 This series of essays deals briefly with Chinese Martial Arts Principles and Saying. These sayings have been developed over time and are meant to direct your daily practice. Adhering to them will help you develop a proper mindset reflective of a true martial artist. They also reveal distinctive fighting concepts, strategies, and training…
You may be wondering why I am writing a martial arts post on China’s Seven Military Classics. The reason is an essential one because the fighting principles of Chinese martial arts derive largely from these classic works; every serious martial arts student should study these works. They will help develop strategic thinking. The Wu Jing…
The posts on this Blog reflect the knowledge I have received from my teachers, and the volumes of information I have accumulated while doing research and conducting interviews with many masters, during the years of publishing the Wu Gong Journal and the Journal of Chinese Martial Arts. All the material published on this Blog is copyrighted. — Nick Scrima
