The Intrinsic Qualities of Mizong Luohan, Cha Quan and Other Northern Styles

When we look at the movements of Mizong Luohan (迷蹤羅漢), Cha Quan (查拳), Ying Zhao Fan Zi (鷹爪翻子) and other Northern Gong Fu styles, we see certain outward commonalities but fail to interpret the intrinsic qualities that foster a higher level of skill.

Due to their explosive nature, these styles are wrongly categorized as External. To me, whether one displays Internal or External qualities in the execution of movements lies in the skill level and the understanding of the individual. I have seen Taijiquan, an Internal Style, done very rigidly, and I have seen some so-called External Styles done with suppleness. 

Proper breathing, which is paramount, will not be discussed in this post. Instead, I will note the following concepts and share my views on their intrinsic qualities and how they aid and harmonize with one another.

These qualities, which are paired, are: Gang Rou (剛柔) – Hard and Soft; Kuai Man (快慢) – Fast and Slow; Lian Guang (連貫) – Continuity and Coherence; and Xing Shen (形神) – Form and Spirit.

Gang Rou – Hard and Soft

The concept of Gang Rou (剛柔) has ancient roots steeped in Chinese philosophy. It implies strength and suppleness such as in Yin and Yang. This term eventually became a concept adopted in Chinese martial arts.

In the execution of movements, one needs first to be supple or soft to achieve strength. To start with rigidity, or hardness, is to have lifeless and ineffective movements. 

It is interesting to note that Goju Ryu Karate (剛柔流空手), founded by Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953), had adaptations derived from White Crane and other Gong Fu styles from Fujian Province. In Goju (剛) – Go means Hard, and (柔) – Ju means Soft. So Goju Ryu Karate is the Hard Soft Karate Style.

Kuai Man – Fast and Slow

The concept of Kuai Man (快慢) is a component of all Gong Fu styles, even styles such as Yang Taijiquan, Wu Taijiquan, and Liuhe Bafa.

Slowness is governed by looseness and precedes speed. Therefore, Man (slow) is connected to Rou (soft or supple). From looseness we increase the release of energy and accelerate until we achieve maximum speed, which results in the optimal release of force.

Practicing even a Long Fist form slowly promotes the coordination of breathing and the understanding of the abductor and adductor muscles, which come into play when extending and withdrawing a technique.

Kuai (Fast) is born from Man (Slow) and relates to Gang (Hard). Consider the analogy of a whip in action. A whip, and the hand holding the whip, are soft and loose, but on impact with a target, the whip becomes rigid and hard.

Lian Guang – Continuity and Coherence

The concept of Lian Guang (連貫) is expressed when one has achieved proficiency in the execution of movements that are linked to form a routine or Tao Lu (套路).

Continuity does not imply non-stop movement. Rather, continuity incorporates elements of slow and fast, and stop and go. These changes in rhythm imbue physical actions with artistic expression. Coupled with Yan Fa (眼法) – the Eye Methods, this rhythm gives life to forms and projects a sense of fighting that should fill the space around you.

Coherence implies coordination and integration of all the elements described above, including proper breathing.

Xing Shen – Form and Spirit

The concept of Xing Shen (形神), like other concepts discussed here, first appears in ancient Chinese philosophy and was later incorporated into Chinese martial arts

Xing relates to the physical form or posture and to tangible matter that you can see and feel. This applies to both fixed and moving forms. In martial arts, correct form begins from your root/feet and extends to the headtop and limbs.

Shen is the intangible expression of your consciousness. It is something that you feel and it is expressed through your thoughts and emotions.

Consider the expression, Xing Ju Er Shen Sheng (形具而神生) – When Form Exists, Spirit Arises. This psychophysical concept asserts that form is the abode of the spirit, and spirit is the master of form. In Chinese philosophy, this unity constitutes a complete life.

Closing comments

In this brief post on the concepts of Hard and Soft; Fast and Slow; Continuity and Coherence; and Form and Spirit, I have merely touched the surface. It is up to the individual practitioners to study these concepts further and to integrate them in their martial arts practice.

Note: I have cited Mizong Luohan and Cha Quan in the title of the post because this blog is intended largely for my students. These concepts also apply to Ying Zhao Fan Zi and can apply to any style. I view the blog as an extension of the classroom where time is limited, but the information provided on the blog can be consulted at any time, and unlike a class, can be revisited.