Xinyi Liuhe Quan

Xinyi Liuhe Quan - the secret art of Chinese Muslims Part One - Brief History by Jarek SzymanskiText - Jarek Szymanski; photos - Jarek Szymanski and from author's collection © J.Szymanski 2002 Xinyi Liuhe Quan (literally - Fist of Mind, Intention and Six Harmonies) is a martial art that has developed in Henan Province among Chinese Hui (Moslem) nationality. It is considered one of the most powerful and fighting-oriented styles among other Chinese Martial Arts, and for a long time it has been known for its effectiveness in fighting, while very few actually knew the practice methods of the style. Xinyi Liuhe Quan, along with Cha Quan and Qi Shi Quan (Boxing of Seven Postures), have been considered "Jiao Men Quan" ("religious - e.g. Moslem - boxing") meant to protect followers of Islam in China. For more than two centuries the style had been kept secret and transmitted only to very The art of Xinyi Liuhe Quan was passed secretly few Moslem practitioners. Only at the beginning of this century first native Chinese among Chinese Moslems and has been known as (Han nationality) learnt the style, but still up to now the most skilful experts of Xinyi "the most cruel style among Chinese martial Liuhe Quan can be found within Hui communities in China. arts" Since the arts of Xinyi and Xingyiquan are generally divided into Hebei, Shanxi and Henan branches, the style is also called Henan Xinyi/Xingyi. In the West the style is often referred to as Ten Animals Xingyi. The early history of the style is not very clear. According to "Preface to Six Harmonies Boxing" ("Liuhequan Xu") written in 1750, the style was created by Yue Fei who "as a child learnt from a master of deep knowledge and became very skilful at spear play; (on this basis) he created a boxing method to teach his officers and called it "Intention Boxing" (Yi Quan); (the martial art was) marvelous and ingenious, unlike any other before. After the King (e.g. Yue Fei) (passed away), during Jin, Yuan and Ming dynasties the art was rarely seen. Master Ji, called Ji Jike, also known as Ji Longfeng living at the end of Ming and beginning of Qing dynasties in Zhufeng of Pudong (today's Zun Village in Shanxi Province), went to Zhongnan Mountains to visit teachers with deep knowledge there and received the boxing manual of King Wumu (e.g. Yue Fei) (...)". Above: Horse Shape - one of Ten Big Shapes of Henan Xinyi Liuhe Quan According to "Ji Clan Chronicles" (Ji Shi Jiapu) Ji Longfeng's spear skill was extraordinary and he was known as "Divine Spear" (Shen Qiang). Ji (also known as Ji Jike) created a fist boxing using spear principles and taught in Henan. These two texts talk about creating martial art on the basis of spear, although the first one attributes it to Yue Fei, while the other one to Ji Longfeng. Recently one of Chinese martial arts magazines published an article about a discovery of a new branch of Xinyiquan, related neither to Moslem nor Dai Family. The style is practiced only in a very small community in a small village in Henan Province. Many facts seem to support the thesis that the style is a "living remain" of Yue Fei's boxing from before Ji Longfeng's times. For example - one of the rules of that style does not allow to pass the boxing to people with the last name Qin - probably because Yue Fei was betrayed (which resulted in death sentence) by Qin Hui, minister in Song court. The style shows some similarity to other Xinyi branches, but its movements are more simple, methodology of Neigong (internal exercises) is practically non-existent and emphasis is put on practical fighting skills. The first Moslem to learn the art and pass it to his disciples was Ma Xueli (about 1714-1790) of Luoyang in Henan Province. The connection between Ma Xueli and Ji Longfeng is not completely clear and even Ma clan members did not know the name of Ma's teacher. A wandering master of unknown name who spent several years in Luoyang's Beiyao village was considered by them to be Ma Xueli's teacher. It is said that Ma's teacher for some reasons (one of them could be involvement in anti-Qing movement) wanted to keep his name secret. On the other hand Moslem Xinyi Liuhe Quan practitioners in Lushan and other towns in Henan Province of lineages not directly related to that in Luoyang knew about Ji Longfeng and considered him to be Ma's teacher. This is probably because of the exchanges between one of Moslem Xinyi Liuhe Quan masters, Mai Zhuangtu, and Dai clan members. The statue of Ji Longfeng in his hometown - Zun Village in Shanxi Province A popular story says that Ma Xueli heard about Ji Longfeng and went to Ji's village in neighbouring Shanxi Province to study Xinyiquan. However since Ji did not teach martial art openly, Ma pretended to be deaf and dumb and was hired as Ji's servant. In this way Ma could observe Ji practicing Xinyiquan and within three years Ma not only learnt a lot but also became very skilful. After three years Ma was supposed to leave Ji's home and told his master about everything. Ma was asked to demonstrate what he had learnt and Ji realized he was very talented. Moved by Ma's sincerity Ji accepted Ma as his disciple and taught the complete art of Xinyiquan to him. Further research into history and techniques of Xinyi Liuhe Quan suggests that the style could be a compilation of at least two styles - old Moslem style of Liuhequan (Six Harmonies Boxing; style different from Shaolin's Liuhequan; the name came from the name of sixcornered caps that Moslems used to wear) and Xinyiquan (Mind and Intention Boxing) coming - probably - from Ji Longfeng. Xinyi Liuhe Quan practised nowadays consists of two main parts - fist techniques (so-called "Ten Famous Fists" - Shi Da Ming Quan originating from old Liuhequan) and movements imitating animals (Ten Big Shapes - of Xinyiquan origin). Ma Xueli taught very few disciples and only three of them are known: Ma Xing, Ma Sanyuan, Zhang Zhicheng. Currently the most important branches of Henan Xinyi Liuhe Quan are: 1. Luoyang Style, established by Ma Xing (also called Ma Style); 2. Lushan Style, coming from Zhang Zhicheng; the style was later developed by Mai Zhuangtu and hence is also referred to as Mai Style; Ma Xing was Ma Xueli's nephew; he learnt the system of Xinyi Liuhe Quan and later reorganized the original set of many single movements he inherited from Ma Xueli into less and more complex routines. Ma Xing's style has been secretly transmitted within Ma clan relatives and Moslem community of Luoyang and re-discovered in late 80s. It is known as "Luoyang branch of Xinyi Liuhe Quan" and is a relatively unknown martial art. Ma Xing passed the art to his son, Ma Meihu; Ma Meihu was born in 1805 and passed away in 1928, living 119 years. His disciple, Liu Wanyi, first learnt from Ma In Luoyang Style Xinyi Liuhe Quan single Xing and then continued martial art study under his cousin, Ma Meihu. movements taught by Ma Xueli were combined into short routines by Ma Xing Once Liu Wanyi was invited to teach in Nanyang and immediately after arrival was challenged by a famous local fighter, Li Hu. Liu asked Li to attack first and Li striked with both fists to Liu's ears. Liu blocked the strike, and then immediately grasped Li's belt with one hand and pulled him at the same time hitting Li's head and breaking his backbone. Liu's best disciple was Ma Mengle (Ma Mengluo). 　 There are many stories about Li Zheng . In his late years Li's skill became very refined so that he was able to push the challenging opponents far away while keeping a bowl full of water in one hand. He sat on a wooden chair and asked about Zhang Gen's skill with disrespectful intonation in his voice. Uncle was knocked out and it took him half a . Ma Sanyuan organized famous Siba (Four Seizes) routine into 36 movements so that it contained the essence of both fist and animal styles.Zhang Zhicheng. In this way his legs became very strong. Zhang treated Li with great respect and after ten years Li came to his restaurant and said to Zhang: "I know a high level neijia martial art and decided to pass it to you as you are a sincere man of high morals.and became bandits). Ma Sanyuan's skill was said to be very good. Zhang was from Nanyang in Henan Province and taught the art to very few disciples. You should practice it hard and in the future choose one or two students and teach them. then walked in the opposite direction for a while and then again chased the caravan. however Ma had bad temper and killed many people in fights.one says that Li escorted caravans and used to practice Chicken Step (Ji Xing Bu) in the meantime . Although generally Ma Sanyuan is considered to not have left any disciples. it is actually not clear whether it was "this" Li Zheng Zhuangtu's inheritor from Hebei Province . only his nephew. inherited the complete system. Zhang Gen studied the art since early childhood and at the age of 15 became an accomplished expert. one of Xinyi Liuhe most famous techniques) to hit. According to one story Zhang owned a Moslem restaurant in Lushan and whenever Li Zheng was passing by Zhang invited him inside.he first chased the caravan until he caught up with it. There is a story that once Zhang Ju's gongfu brother came to visit him. both Moslems and Hans (native Chinese).Martial Virtue . footwork evasive and movements agile. Later he became mentally sick and killed himself. who taught many disciples in Luoyang. Even one drop of water was not spilled. They live in remote villages in central Henan's countryside. Li Zheng of Lushan County. He was called "Stove for Scrap" because he used to fight with many bandits proficient in martial arts and either kill or cripple them so that they could never fight again (this was called "taking the art back" and was a common practice in martial arts circles directed against students who did not follow the rules of Wude . Zhang had two disciples: Zhang Gen (his son) and nephew Mai Zhuangtu. branch has been re-discovered only recently 　 Li Zheng's most famous Moslem disciple was Zhang Ju of Lushan in Henan Province. keep it secret and do not teach it!".this (Zhang Zhicheng's disciple) or somebody else with the same name. Although Li Zheng is also the person often held responsible for passing the art of Xinyi Liuhe Quan to Dai Longbang and his sons (which happened when Dais opened an Double Seize (Shuang Ba) performed by Mai inn in Shijiadian in Henan). actually there are still practitioners who inherited Ma Sanyuan's style. The most thriving lineage of Henan Xinyi Liuhe Quan comes through another of Ma Xueli's disciples . Zhang Gen told his gongfu uncle to watch him carefully and before the uncle was able to react Zhang Gen used Bear's Dan Ba (Single Seize. Later Zhang Ju achieved a very high level of skill in Xinyi Liuhe Quan. If in your opinion none is worth teaching. which became the main center of the style in this century. The chair he was sitting on collapsed under him after Zhang Gen's strike. native of Lushan in Henan Province. Li Haisen (famous for his Dan Ba). Zhoukou in Henan with its Moslem community became the most influential center of the style. Islam priests). nowadays the most respected master of Lushan lineage. An Daqing of Chang'an (today's Xi'an. Ding Zhaoxiang of Wuyang County. Generaly speaking Mai Zhuangtu made the following contributions to Xinyi Liuhe Quan: Bao Ding (also known as Bao Xianting. Another time. Technically Xinyi Liuhe Quan passed by Mai Zhuangtu shares many common features with Dai family Xinyi. The cousin became very unhappy about the noise of sparrows sitting on a nearby tree and wanted to break the tree. Only recently it became known with "discovery" of Xinyi Liuhe Quan in Shanxi and Hebei Provinces that during his travels Mai visited also Qi County in Shanxi Province. Mai stopped him and while lifting the bamboo curtain covering the entrance. and taught some students there. Yuan Fengyi (Zhoukou) and Yuan Changqing (Zhoukou). 18651942) in a movement from famous Siba routine "Bear's Posture of Tiaoling" (Tiaoling Xiongshi) 　 • • • simplified the old style 36-movements Siba routine into a four movement set which became one of the most essential training methods in Lushan branch of Xinyi Liuhe Quan. There are also some stories about visits of Taigu Xingyi masters to Mai's hometown. and then catching them so that they did not fall on the ground after the strike and hurt themselves. spread Xinyi Liuhe Quan all over Henan Province as well as in Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces. discussing boxing methods. Mai was also famous for hitting his opponents so that they were pushed into the air. Mai Zhuangtu (1829-1892). which are inscribed on a memorial tablet at Black Tiger Bridge in Lushan. He is responsible for spreading Xinyi Liuhe Quan to Zhoukou in Henan. asked by Ding Zhaoxiang.day to regain consciousness. 　 . This is probably where Mai heard about Ji Longfeng as the creator of Xinyi boxing. local Imam. Lushan. Once in a forest on his way he saw a shadow of a man in the darkness and decided to attack him with a "Sparrow Hawk Flies into Forest" (Yaozi Ru Lin) technique. Mai demonstrated "Sticking to Butterfly Method" . he caught the sparrow alive with the other hand. Mai was doing leather trading business and often traveling across Henan and neighbouring provinces. Dai clan hometown.he covered a flying butterfly with hand and was following it so that the butterfly could not escape from below Mai's palm. in Wuyang County. also Xinyi Liuhe Quan expert. Mai skills were legendary. According to one of the stories Mai Zhuangtu was once sitting with his cousin. through exchange with Dai Family Xinyi practitioners probably incorporated some Dai branch practice methods into Moslem style (although the contents of this exchange and its influence on both Dai and Moslem branches would require further research). However what appeared to him to be a man was in reality a thick branch of a tree and Zhang died pierced by the branch. both Ding Zhaoxiang and An Daqing were Imams. Another famous disciple of Zhang Ju was Mai Zhuangtu. Zhang Gen used to teach in many villages around his hometown and was often coming back home late in night. Mai Zhuangtu had many disciples of whom the most famous were: Mai Xueli (son). then to Anhui Province. Wraps and Strikes to the Side" (Long Xing Guo Heng) movement 　 Shang Xueli first learnt Chazi boxing (boxing emphasizing hardening skills) from Yuan Fengyi and became his disciple. His another book "Illustrated Explanation to Internal Method in Thirteen Parts" was published in 1927. his branch has almost extincted 　 　 　 　 　   . Zhang Qilin (who died few days later of internal injury). and had to flee. end of Ming and beginning of Qing dynasties. Henan). Moslem Xinyi Liuhe Quan  Ma Xing (Luoyang. along with more Moslem Xinyi Liuhe experts coming to the city. 　 SIMPLIFIED GENEALOGICAL TREE OF HENAN XINYI LIUHE QUAN Yue Fei (1103-1142. Mai defeated many local gangs and became the head of harbor workers in Hankou. Henan). heavy two-sectional staff only. died in Zhejiang) .An Daqing's student. Luoyang. where he defeated many famous martial artists. Shang was Yuan's best disciple and won Leitai (free fighting) competitions in Kaifeng where he used a combination of "Back Power" (Bei Jin) and knee strike (Ti Xi) defeating Shaolin expert. Using his favourite weapon. when Yuan was defeated by Mai Zhuangtu and became Mai's disciple. He first went to Wuhan where he met Tie family (Mai Zhuangtu's adopted daughter was married to Tie Bing). creator of Luoyang Style Xinyi Liuhe Quan  Ma Meihu (1805-1928. Henan)  Liu Wanyi (Luoyang. 1865-1942) wrote first book on Xinyi Liuhe Quan published openly in 1931. Luoyang. where he stayed for some time with his gongfu brother Song Guobin. Mai is said to fight a lot to survive in Wuhan (Hankou). Zhoukou. Lu Song'gao (?-1962) was the first one to popularize the art and teach it to non-Moslems.on the photo in "Dragon Zhoukou") and Song Guobin. Shang Xueli started to learn Xinyi Liuhe Quan from both Mai Zhuangtu and Yuan Fengyi. Henan  Ma Sanyuan (Luoyang. Bao Ding (Bao Xianting. "Xingyi Boxing Manual". Shanghai became new center of the art. Yuan Fengyi's four most famous students were: Shang Xueli. Lu killed a man in a fight in his hometown. Zun Village. Henan)   Zhang Zhicheng (Nanyang. Yuan Changqing passed his art to Mai Jinkui of Zhoukou. born in Henan. Later. Lu Song'gao (these three were called "Three Heroes from Henan's countryside to Shanghai .?  Ji Longfeng (also called Ji Jike. Henan)  Zhang Ju (Lushan. Henan)  Li Zheng (Lushan. Finally Lu moved and settled down in Shanghai. Yang Lu Song'gao (?-1962) brought Xinyi Liuhe Quan from Dianqing. Shanxi Province)  Ma Xueli (1714-1790. who later moved to Wuhan in Hubei Province. Later. Henan). Ma Mengle (also called Ma Mengluo. Henan). taught many disciples. Luoyang. Henan). Bao Ding (Bao Xianting) wrote first book on Xinyi Liuhe Quan published in 1931 Yuan Changqing (Zhoukou.Szymanski 2002 .Brief History". Henan) Mai Zhuangtu (Lushan. Yang Dianqing. Song Guobin and Lu Song'gao (who brought Xinyi Liuhe Quan to Shanghai) 　 　 　 THE FOLLOWING BOOKS ON XINYI LIUHE QUAN ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE: (Click on the title to learn more about the contents) Book "Secret Classics of Xinyi Boxing" by Li Xinmin (X003B) Book "Mind Intent Six Harmonies Boxing" by Tao Zihong (X004B) Book "Xingyi (Xinyi) Boxing Manual" by Bao Ding (Bao Xianting) (X017B) Book "Xinyiquan" by Ma Linzhang 　 　 　 　 End of "Xinyi Liuhe Quan . © J.Jarek Szymanski.The Secret Art of Chinese Muslims . © J. Shaanxi). Henan) Ding Zhaoxiang (Wuyang. his disciple.Szymanski 2000-2002 Guo Weihan . Henan) Zhang Gen (Lushan.missing link in the history of Xingyiquan found? by Jarek Szymanski Text and photos .Part One . Henan) An Daqing (Chang'an. Henan). creator of Lushan Style Xinyi Liuhe Quan  　 　 　 　 　 Mai Xueli (Lushan. had four famous disciples: Shang Xueli. Yuan Fengyi (Zhoukou. of whom Mai Jinkui was the most famous. Li Laoneng . we are still not clear how Xinyiquan as taught by Dai Clan in Shanxi province was transmitted to Li Laoneng. (There) he heard about Mr. Only because of such situations new claims are made.)Mister Dai Longbang transmitted (Xingyiquan) to Mister Li Luoneng (of Zhili i.. In 1923 Sun Lutang published his another book . styled himself Nengran. while Li Laoneng . but in two years' time he only learnt one part of Wuxing (Five Elements) . today's Hebei Province)". While the question "who was Li Laoneng's teacher" is not the topic of this article. After the birthday ceremony those who knew martial arts were demonstrating in the birthday hall.. Li Laoneng's teacher . Although he did not learn much.Li named Feiyu. he looks very loyal and sincere. Mister (Li Laoneng) was practicing meticulously and achieved high skill at the age of forty seven". As already mentioned in the article about the origins and development of Dai Family Xinyiquan. which surprised (Li Laoneng) so he left. and was called Mr.Hebei Province Xingyi . Dai Longbang.While reading books written both in China and abroad.1803 and 1888 (Meng Xianshi: "Detailed Explanation of Xingyiquan". and each was showing everything what he knew. The group of Guo Weihan's Xinyiquan practitioners whom I interviewed during my research trip to Shanxi. Longbang was a dutiful son and besides received instruction from his mother in person.. When they met.. and Mister (Li Laoneng) answered "I only learnt this"." Since Mr. both the speech and manners (of Mr.. she then (after the demonstration) asked Mr. (Dai Longbang's mother) immediately turned to Mr. friends and Mr.Pi Quan (Chopping Fist) and half of the Lian Huan Quan (Linked Fists) set. Mister (Li Laoneng) only demonstrated half of the (Linked Fists) set. but he did not look for more and was practicing with sincerity without break.the "only truth"? Hebei Xingyiquan practitioners claim that Li Laoneng learnt from Dai Longbang and this version can be found in Sun Lutang's "The Study of Xingyiquan" published in 1916 where in "Author's Preface" Sun wrote: "(.) went to Taigu in Shanxi (Province) in business. so this method can be taught to him with concentrated attention. At that time Mister (Li Laoneng) was thirty seven. Longbang's disciples. Longbang ordering him "this man studied for two years but was taught so little.e. Mr. I hope the information here will show some obvious problems with what so far has been accepted without questioning. it often appears that what we know about the history of Xingyiquan is more a collection of tales and oral transmissions than true facts based on historical records. However the main problem is the time frame .Dai Longbang) were very elegant and refined. unlike of somebody who excels in martial arts. The noodles were delicious and local liquors strong but I wonder if all the material presented in this article could have been collected without the help of Baijiu.. Longbang's mother liked martial arts and knew all movements and principles of Xingyiquan. On another day (Li Laoneng) through formal introduction became (Dai Longbang's) disciple. so he taught everything he learnt to Mister (Li Laoneng). (he was) fond of martial arts. The guests there were either relatives. although seldom can actually know it completely. From time to time some "facts" so far considered to be obvious are questioned and only then we get closer to the truth."True Description of the Meaning of Boxing" ("Quan Yi Shu Zhen") where he gave detailed account of Li Laoneng's meeting with Dai Longbang and study under Dai: "Mr. After receiving instructions (from Dai Longbang) (Li Laoneng) was practicing days and nights. which indirectly let us learn about rare styles that otherwise would hardly be heard of.Laoneng (. who is considered the father of Xingyiquan. One year Dai Longbang's mother was celebrating her 80 birthday and Mister (Li Laoneng) went to congratulate her on her birthday. (Li Laoneng) why he demonstrated only half of the set. Dai Longbang .Dai Longbang is believed to live between 1720 and 1809 (according to Cao Jizhi's "The Course of Dai Shi Xinyiquan"). living in the (Taigu) county who excelled in Xingyiquan and went to visit him.different opinions 1. Dai Family Xinyiquan. this claim seems more reasonable than that of Hebei. The text on "Memorial Tablet of Mister Che Yizhai". Cao in his another book . can hardly be considered evidence as nobody has been allowed to have a closer look at its contents (although recently a research team from Japan took photos of the cover and table of contents of the book).Dai Family Xinyiquan practitioners speak Dai Family Xinyiquan practitioners claimed Guo Weihan was nephew of Dai Longbang's wife (her brother's son) and learnt early Xinyiquan from Dai Longbang."The Course of Dai Family Xinyiquan" made several claims concerning Guo Weihan: 1. Shanxi practitioners were loyal to their transmission and have been trying to prove their point.Dai Dalü (Dai Wenliang) and Dai Erlü (Dai Wenxiong). The only "hard evidence" is the text of "Memorial Tablet of Mister Che Yizhai" written in 1925 . and said to be written in 1895. Internal and External Schools. Guo Weihan . a novel about Dai Clan and their family art. Che Yizhai's Memorial Tablet in Taigu. Hence it seems impossible that Li learnt from Dai Longbang. as Li Laoneng's master. belongs to Shaolin External branch. and fighting system.was more popular and for a long time considered "the only truth".e. Dai Family Xinyiquan practice methods were divided into Daoyin (Qigong for health preserving).)" Since Dai Wenxiong lived between 1769 and 1861. Guo Weihan learnt only the martial art of the system and did not study the health preserving part. (Wang) Changle was from Jiao (i.. with Squatting Monkey as its core..other texts.was employed by one of Meng ancestors to protect their property). 3. passed within Dai Clan. Jiaocheng County). with Monkey Squatting method as its core.very possible On the other hand Xingyiquan practitioners from Shanxi Province. Guo Weihan . consider Dai Wenxiong. Li Laoneng's disciple from Shanxi. with the center in Taigu County. more and more traditional martial arts came out into light. Shanxi Province Of these two "origin" versions the one from Hebei Province . like "The Essence of Xinyi" ("Xinyi Jingyi") attributed to Li Guangheng. which still stands in Taigu. According to Cao Jizhi. and was transmitted outside (the family) to Li Laoneng (. and unofficial "spokesman" for Dai Family Xinyiquan practitioners. It was at that time when first articles about Dai Family Xinyiquan were published and the name of Guo Weihan as Li Laoneng's teacher was mentioned. However. 2. Dai Longbang's second son. author of "The Romance of Qing Dynasty Knights". it was Dai Longbang who merged them together so that Dantian methods became basis for martial art techniques and its inseparable part. These arts were flourishing in our prefecture during the reigns of emperors Xianfeng (1851-1861) and Tongzhi (1862-1874) (and were practiced by) disciples of Wang Changle and Dai Wenxiong.Li Laoneng being Dai Longbang's disciple . It was Guo Weihan who changed the name of the style from Xin (Mind) Yi (Intent) Quan (Boxing) into Xing (Form) Yi (Intent) Quan (Boxing) 3. with China's "revolutionary opening" to the outside world and as a result of Wushu Excavating and Sifting which took place in 1982/1983. 2. says: "Martial arts are the unique skills of China and are divided into Shaolin.Shanxi Province Xingyi . Guo was Dai Longbang's disciple and gongfu brother of Longbang's sons . Mister Dai had a nickname Er Lü and was from Qi (County). Dai Wenxiong . Method of Using Qi (Yong Qi Fa) . 4. he also changed "Ten Big Shapes" (Shi Da Xing) into "Twelve Shapes" (Shi Er Xing) In 1998 I interviewed Dai Family Xinyiquan practitioners living in Guo Weihan's hometown and they confirmed that it was Guo who taught Li Laoneng.Sixteen Powers (Shi Liu Jin) 3. below Dai Longbang and Niu Xixian. it not only puts the dates for Dai Longbang's life given by Cao Jizhi into question. Wen Laoliu. In the generation chart in his book Gao places Guo Weihan on the same level (same generation) as Dai brothers. the core of the modern Xingyiquan. Jia Dajun (Guo Weihan's disciple) as well as described basic practice methods of his style.although in the light of new "discoveries" this relation does not seem to be true but this question will be briefly discussed below ."Secret Methods of Xingyiquan Basic Practice" (Xingyiquan Jiben Xinggong Mifa) written by Gao Jiangheng and published in 1935. Some recent discoveries concerning Li Zheng (said to be one of Dai's teachers . 2.Meditation Practices divided into three levels: 3. his sons. but also makes it possible that Li Laoneng actually learnt from Dai.is the name Gao refers to his style): 1.and did not learn Daoyin. Fan Jiayuan's student: Since Guo went to Shijiadian in 1838 to help Dai Longbang manage Dai's business there. We did not go into details concerning how Guo Weihan's system really looked like and it became obvious that more information can be obtained only from the practitioners of Guo Weihan's style.Technical part of the book introduces the basic theory and practice methods of Guo Weihan's Xingyiquan (as Xingyiquan . 1. First movements of Six Combinations Stick (Liu He Gun) routine of Guo Weihan's system performed by Mr. Guo Weihan created San Ti Posture. Gao Jiangheng's "Secret Methods of Xingyiquan Basic Practice" .1. Guo Weihan and Li Laoneng (this issue however will be further discussed in one of the next articles on this site). 1 .the first and only written account on Guo Weihan's system Some time later I had a chance to have a look at a very interesting book .learnt only the fighting system .Historical part of the book sheds completely new light on the early history of Xinyiquan as well as relations between Dai Longbang.and learnt his martial art from Dai Longbang. Jia Dajun (Gao's teacher) and others. In 1841 Niu Xixian (Niu Xixian was Niu Gao's descendant. Lϋ Hui.breathing/meditation method to attain calmness of mind so that Qi can move. Gao Jiangheng also mentions that there was an oral transmission of Dai brothers and Guo Weihan learning from Li Zheng while in Shijiadian. Dai Liangdong. but above Li Luoneng and Dai Wuchang. The contents of the book was different from anything I had heard about Guo Weihan's system before.Sixteen Core Methods (Shi Liu Ben) 2.please refer to this article) also seem to support the idea that Dai Longbang could have lived much later than Cao indicated. In 1838 he went to Henan's Shijiadian together with Dai Wenliang and Dai Wenxiong to help in managing the inn Dai Longbang ran there and learn martial arts. Niu Gao was one of the general's in Yue Fei's army and Yue Fei's disciple) came to Shijiadian and Guo Weihan and Dai brothers became his disciples and learnt martial arts from him. In his book Gao Jiangheng recorded stories told by his teacher. According to Gao's book (chapter on "Origins") Guo Weihan was nephew of Dai Longbang's wife .Yue's Family Boxing .Form-Intent Boxing . leg is like an arrow.with slight differences is the same as Squatting Monkey method of Dai Family Xinyiquan. On the outside hands are like a bow..) like shooting an arrow.the arrow.Method of Achieving the Truth (De Zhen Fa) . 4 Gao Jiangheng gives detailed description of Dantian methods practiced within Guo Weihan's system.is a method similar to Squatting Monkey method of Dai Family Xinyiquan.on the basis of the "Method of Using Qi" one learns to lead Qi along Small Heavenly Circle. where Dantian is a bow and Qi .is a footwork method which should be.Dantian Practice in Movement .according to Gao they should be crossed in front of the body with backs of palms kept close to chicks.) it was the skill coming from Ben Dantian".of Dai Family system.i. composed of two phases .divided into Dantian Practice in Standing (Zhan Dantian) and Dantian Practice in Movement (Ben Dantian): 4.2. 3. This is called Neigong (Internal Method).. 2  3. Pi Quan (Splitting Fist) of Guo Weihan's system as introduced in Gao Jiangheng's book (Guo WeihanJia DajunGao .Zhan Dantian .3.Heavenly Circle Method (Zhou Tian Fa) . The main difference is in the way arms are held in squatting position . Squatting Monkey method . This is in contradiction with Cao Jizhi's claim that Guo's style does not include the Daoyin part .1.Dantian Practice in Standing .e..Dantian Methods ..2. as Gao Jianheng writes in his book "(.opening and contracting of the body.. (. 4..) In the past Master Dai Erlü was able to attack the opponent from the distance of ten steps (.high level meditation practice 3  4. and the main one . In May 2001 I had a chance to finally meet practitioners of Guo Weihan's style. I was only able to meet students of Ma Erniu (Dai Kui's disciple). how he was rejected by Dai Clan and finally accepted by Guo Weihan as a disciple.Left Posture Pi Quan Zuo Shi 2 Snake Form She Xing 1 Six Harmonies Posture Liu He Shi • • • Drilling Fist (Zuan Quan): Six Harmonies Posture (Liu He Shi) . the movements that these sequences are composed of can also be practiced as single techniques. Monkey (Hou).Jiangheng lineage): 5 Chopping Fist Right Posture Pi Quan You Shi  4  Embracing the Moon Huai Zhong Bao Yue 3 Chopping Fist .Low Posture (Xia Shi) . also referred to as Tiger Step (Hu Bu). Eagle (Ying). Twelve Shapes are: Dragon (Long). Chicken (Ji).what the current practitioners have to say. Dai Family Xinyiquan practitioners. Sparrow Hawk (Yao). but also Another photo of Xinyiquan practitioners from Guo Weihan's lineage. Tiger (Hu). Nag (Tai). 'Shenzhou' of Guo clan hangs in the background . Swallow (Yan). In his book Gao gives no information concerning weapons practiced within Guo Weihan's system. Horse (Ma). Snake (She).Dragon's Tail Posture (Long Wei Shi). In 1998 I made the first but not very successful attempt to meet Guo Weihan's style practitioners in Shanxi Province. Not only the Animals are different than those in Xingyiquan. They also contain animal movements (Snake Form.Twelve (Animal) Shapes (Shi Er Xing) . Although I did not see the style itself and still had no idea how it looked like.for example Dragon Shape is a set of the following movements: Wrapped Body and Hidden Hand of Dragon Shape Posture (Guo Shen Cang Shou Long Xing Shi) ..Six Harmonies Posture (Liu He Shi) .Crushing Fist Cannon Fist (Pao Quan) .Cannon Towards Heaven (Chong Tian Pao Chui) .twelve sets of short. but the specific movements are different as well . Chicken Form) as well as other techniques not included in animal forms (Cannon Towards Heaven).Cannon Fist All Five Elements Fists start from Six Harmonies Posture and the main linking movement is the "Embracing the Moon" (Huai Zhong Bao Yue) posture. Guo Weihan's system . 7. linked sequences. The techniques are usually performed in Bow and Arrow Stance (Gong Jian Bu).Snake Form (She Xing) .Heart-dividing Palm (Fen Xin Zhang) ."Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg" (Jin Ji Du Li) . who lived in Guo Weihan's hometown. Crane (He)..Six Harmonies Posture (Liu He Shi) . Cat (Mao).First Movement of Drilling Fist Second Movement of Drilling Fist Crushing Fist (Beng Quan) . I was told interesting story about Li Laoneng coming to Shanxi. not only talk to them. facts and stories: There is no doubt Guo Weihan really existed . Guo Weihan could not be the nephew of any of Dai Longbang's wives. Guo Weihan had eight main disciples.Dai Clan descendants revealed four volumes of their family chronicles (Dai Shi Jiapu) as well as their Shenzhou that had been kept hidden in Dai Longbang's mansion for at least a century. Li Laoneng (of Shenzhou in Hebei Province) and Lü Haigen. NOTE: At the end of March 2001 an important discovery was made . Thanks to this discovery we can disregard the stories about two brothers . Both materials are under strict protection of the local authorities and only a few persons were allowed to see them. Guo Saner killed somebody during a fight in his hometown and had to flee to Beijing where he hid under assumed name Li. but this would have to be checked either with the Chronicles or Shenzhou. Guo spent some time in Henan escorting caravans together with Dai Longbang and his sons. The following information was shared with me during conversations I had with Guo Weihan's style practitioners in Shanxi's countryside: 1. I had a long conversation with the head of the local Cultural Relics Bureau who is one of the persons responsible for the protection of the books and Shenzhou. so Guo Weihan and Dai's sons .Guo Weihan and his disciples . Guo Weihan studied Dai Family Xinyiquan from Dai Longbang.that can be found in some of older Xingyiquan books.his name appears on Shenzhou . Fan Jiayuan. According to the Chronicles Dai Longbang (Dai Xing'guo).videotape some demonstrations as well as take photos. Enlarged fragment of 'Shenzhou' with Guo Weihan's name and surnames of his three wives Guo Weihan's aunt (father's sister) was married to Dai Longbang. There is a possibility that one of Dai Longbang's brothers could have been married to Guo Weihan's aunt. the fact that he was 15th generation of Guo Clan and that he had three wives . had two wives .since none of Dai Longbang's wives was of Guo family.of Guo Clan. of which names of only five were mentioned to me: Guo San'er.Zhao and Liu. However the only information recorded there is Guo's name. His Qing Gong (Light Skill) was very good and he was probably the renowned "Li the Swallow" famous in the capital city. Cheng Da.Dai Longbang and Dai Lingbang . 19th generation of Dai Clan. who also styled himself Dai Yemeng. Cheng Er.Fan. Yue and Li.were cousins. Later he resigned and became a teacher teaching in one of the local private schools (Si Dian).sheet of fabric on which the names of the dead belonging to one clan are recorded and which is hang on the wall during main Chinese festivals so that the living can kneel in front of it and pay respect to the dead ancestors . However at the same time the relation between Dai Longbang and Guo Weihan has to be corrected as well . He had two sons older Dai Wenliang (Dai Dalü) and younger Dai Wenxiong (Dai Erlü).Dai Dalü and Dai Erlü . one of Lü Haigen's grandstudents and main teacher of the current practitioners of the style . After he came back to Shanxi he became the chief of his home village. the style he taught was a changed version which was based on San Ti Shi. It was Lü Haigen. Lü Hui (Lü Shuangniu).Cheng Da and Cheng Er were brothers and Guo Weihan's boxing manual (Quan Pu) is still kept by their descendants. Its basics are: • Dantian methods . Then Guo broke the coin with his fingers.Szymanski 2002 CONTINUATION FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE : 3. who in turn taught Guo He (1872-1959. Guo He taught Fan Jiayuan (1909-1997). Guo Weihan's "page boy" (Shu Tong) who was always coming out and buying the vegetables from Li. he was everyday pushing a cart with vegetables to Guo's house and selling the vegetables to Guo. After some time Guo finally came out. Seeing this Li wanted to cross hands with Guo. The people I interviewed were mainly Fan Jiayuan's disciples. Guo invited Dai Erlü to his house and while Li Laoneng was practicing the style he learnt from Guo in the courtyard. Li grasped two handles of the cart and lifted the heavy cart full of vegetables to let Guo choose them and at the same time to show him his strength. the first disciple). 2. Guo was holding the coin with three fingers and in spite of the efforts Li could not take it from him. but Guo defeated him easily using Snake Form (She Xing). Li Laoneng spent three years studying Xingyiquan and then went to Taigu. another of Dai Longbang's disciples.Jarek Szymanski.The transmission of Guo Weihan's art: Guo Weihan also passed his art to Lü Haigen (1812-1904). Guo Weihan . Li bought some land and was growing vegetables there. After the fight Li kneeled in front of Guo and asked to be accepted as disciple.Form and Intent Boxing. who was very respected locally and of high social status. Li Laoneng came to Shanxi and wanted to learn Dai Family Xinyiquan. Fan Zhengming. © J. As a result Li decided to ask Guo.Dantian Practice in Standing (Zhan Dantian) practiced in two versions . who started his studies under Lü at the age of 12). and which Guo called Xingyiquan . Guo Yingchang and Guo Yingsheng. Guo chose the vegetables and gave Li a bronze coin to pay. Yang Liren. was taking a peep at him through a little hole in the window (windows at that time had no glasses. but since he was afraid that Guo would not accept him either. sitting inside the house. to teach him. Fan's main disciples are: Yang Runsheng (1924-1996. did not agree to accept Li as a student. Dai Erlü was not worried anymore seeing that Li did not learn his family art. Dai. After some time Dai Erlü heard that Guo was teaching the man from Hebei and became quite unhappy with him.The contents of Guo Weihan's martial art: The style Guo taught to his other disciples was Xinyiquan. the same as the art Dai Longbang taught.missing link in the history of Xingyiquan found? by Jarek Szymanski Text and photos .with Zhan Dantian of Guo Weihan's lineage is basically the same as the one of Dai Family Xinyiquan Opening Contracting . but a half-transparent paper was used instead). At that time Dai Longbang already passed away and Dai Erlü. Although Guo agreed to teach him. Tiger Step is another name for Bow Step) and Walking with Chicken Leg (Zou Ji Tui) are also very important practice methods of the style . Pounding Dantian (Za Dantian). Tai Bird (Tai) which is probably another name for magpie. . Tiger (Hu).. Tuo (Tuo) a kind of insect able to glide on the surface of the water.it is basically the same exercise as Squatting Monkey of Dai Family Xinyiquan. walking with Chicken Leg teaches how to move and change direction fast. Drilling (Zuan). who together with Dai Kui spread the art of Dai Family Xinyi outside Dai clan. in spite of her age is still very healthy and fit. Her fitness struck me and I wondered whether she still practiced the art (and was the only Dai clan member to carry it). I was amazed to see Dai Guilan. After that one learns Five Elements Fists (Wu Xing Quan) . Removing Dantian (Ban Dantian) and Sleeping Dantian Standing in Tiger Stance is the main standing exercise in Guo Weihan's system Walking with Chicken Leg develops agile footwork (below) • Standing in Tiger Stance (Zhan Hu Bu. Crushing (Beng). Cannon (Pao) and Horizontal (Heng) Fists and • • Twelve (Animal) Shapes (Shi Er Xing): Dragon (Long).. Below: rare photo of Dai Hongxun. Even if she practiced her family art the high walls around her house would make it impossible for outsiders to know it. Eagle (Ying). Chicken (Ji) and Snake (She) During my stay in Guo Weihan's village I learnt that one of the last Dai clan members from the branch that practiced Xinyiquan lives there. Sparrow Hawk (Yao).standing in Tiger Step emphasizes correct aligniment of the body so that nose.arms kept at the knees or near face in the squatting position .Three-in-one-Line Step). Bear (Xiong). Horse (Ma). Monkey (Hou). She denied saying she used to see her father teach so she knew a bit about it but never learnt it herself. Below: Dai Guilan.Chopping (Pi). Swallow (Yan). daughter of the late Dai Hongxun (who along with Dai Kui was one of the last Dai clan members actively teaching the art) who is 83 this year. Sitting Dantian (Zuo Dantian). Discharging Dantian (She Dantian). jumped down from the kang (heatable brick bed) to greet me. Dai Hongxun's daughter. front knee and front foot are on one vertical line (for this reason Tiger Step is also called San Qi Bu . Hence Cao Jizhi's claim that it was done by Guo Weihan can't be taken for granted. San Gun) are: Pounding (Pao). Carrying (striking upwards. Three Sticks (three stick techniques. Fan Jiayuan's student: . In any case it is difficult to put the final word on who actually increased the number of Shapes into twelve. Ground Brushing Cannon (Ca Di Pao) strikes centrally. Peng) and Through-the-Back (Fan Bei).Three Fists (three hand techniques. much more popular nowadays. Guo Weihan's system also contains other methods: • Seven Cannons (Qi Pao): Heaven Opening Cannon (Tong Tian Pao) strikes upwards. although the lineage of Dai Kui. Crossing-Out-with-a-Whip Cannon (Mo Bian Pao) rightwards. San Quan) are: Drilling (Zuan). Linked Cannons (Lian Zhu Pao) is a series of strikes. Whip-holding Cannon (Zhua Bian Pao) leftwards. Head Cutting Cannon (Zhan Shou Pao) strikes through the back. Shoulder Methods (Bang Fa) Three Fists Three Sticks (San Quan San Gun) . mentions only Ten Big Shapes. Ground Digging Cannon (Wa Di Pao) strikes downwards. It is possible that Dai Hongxun merged some of Small Shapes (Dai Kui's lineage has Seven Small Shapes) with Big Shapes in this way creating the set of twelve. Lϋ Hui. During the conversation I had with her she mentioned that her father taught Twelve (Animal) Shapes. • • Pi Quan (Splitting Fist) of Guo Weihan's system (Guo WeihanLü HaigenGuo HeFan Jiayuan lineage) perfomed by Mr. and although she was often invited to watch local martial arts competition she never performed.Unfortunately the original photo was damaged when we tried to take it from behind the glass which protected it Other people from the village said she had never been seen practicing. Wrapping (Guo) and Scissors (Jian). There are over twenty weapon routines in Guo Weihan's style. also called Thirteen Seizes Stick (Shi San Ba Gun).3   2  1 Empty hands routines practiced within Guo Weihan's style are: Si Ba (Four Seizes) . Dragon's Tail Broadsword (Long Wei Dao).the importance of this routine in Guo Weihan's system was very much emphasized by my interlocutors and it is considered the trademark of the system. Thirteen Broadswords (Shi San Dao) • Stick (Gun) . These are all short routines which are performed for less than a minute.the routine is Twelve Shapes Sword (Shi Er Xing Xiang Jian) • Tiger-head Hook (Hu Tou Gou) • Eyebrow-level Stick (Qi Mei Gun).Guo Weihan added two movements to the routine that originally had only four movements. and only then they are linked into one routine.unlike in Dai style.with a pair of weapons) • Sword (Jian) .a short stick. in Guo's style the routine is practiced with one weapon only (in Dai style . so it is also called General Formula of Six Gates (Liu Men Zong Jue). The weapons are: • Broadsword (Dao) .the routines are Six Combinations Broadsword (Liu He Dao). Three-sectional Whip (San Jie Bian). Two• . single movements (like "Leopard Climbs Tree" and "Sun Behind Clouds") are practiced first on both sides. • Five Sets of Breaking Postures Hammers (Wu Tang Za Shi Chui) • Twelve Linked Hammers (Shi Er Lian Chui) . They can be generally divided into single routines (practiced by one person) and matched routines (by two and more practitioners). the main routine is Six Combinations Stick (Liu He Gun) • Steel Chopsticks (Tie Kuaizi) • Emei Daggers (Emei Ci) . • Kicking Mastering Linked Fists (Jing Tui Lianhuan Quan) is a set almost lost which emphasizes low kicks. Hard Power (Gang Jin) . It is said the Guo He when 70 was able to walk like this over a distance of 700 meters. like Taijiquan In Fall . Flexibility is very important part of Guo Weihan's Xinyi basic training . especially legs and waist.Soft Power (Rou Jin) . can still touch foot with his chin.Light Power (Qing Jin) .to exercise tendons.slowly. Those who already have some skill use only three fingers of each hand to support the body.this is called "Scorpio Covers Its Tail" (Xiezi Yan Wei). Spear (Qiang) are weapons used in matched (two persons. In more advanced version of this exercise one has to walk on hands while upside down .in a light. It is said that "one is like a blind demon if one Mr. This skill however has to be learnt at young age. 58. weapon vs weapon or empty hands vs weapon) routines 4  5 The way techniques are practiced differs depending on the season of the year: • • • • In Spring .sectional Staff (Shaozi Gun). bones and skin All these powers put certain requirements on the practitioners.Agile Power (Ling Jin) . before one gets married (Tong Zi Gong) Light Power (Qing Jin) requiries very good flexibility of the body.in a light. fast fashion In Summer . Hard Power (Gang Jin) requiries Hard Skill (Ying Gong). Lü Hui. To develop Hard Skill Xinyiquan practitioners of Guo Weihan lineage practice standing upside down on their hands. slow fashion In Winter . hence Shu-Zhan (Contracting-Opening) are its main features. His gongfu brothers also said that he was able to jump with a somersault over three big (one meter in diameter) water vats. not San Ti. Standing in Tiger Stance (still). Four Four Seizes (Si Ba). A brief comparison of Guo Weihan's system.a stance which allows for more complete turn of Dantian than San Ti and full use of rear leg's pushing power (Deng Jin). 46 or 5-5) Five Elements Basic Stance Basic Techniques Bow Stance (front weighted) Five Elements Ten Big Shapes + Seven Small Shapes (Dai Kui) Twelve Shapes (Dai Hongxun) Bow Stance (front weighted) Five Elements (Animal) Shapes Twelve Shapes Twelve Shapes Main Single Routines Si Ba (Four Seizes). Six Harmonies Posture (still) Xingyiquan San Ti Standing (still) Qi-Zuan-Luo-Fan Basic Body Method Contracting and Opening Contracting and Opening Rising-Drilling-DescendingOverturning San Ti (usually back-weighted with weight distribution of 3-7. Young kids would start from jumping and stretching for the first years of their martial arts study. including stretching. Five Advancing and Retreating Five . He can still stand upside down supporting himself with three fingers of each hand as well as perform "Scorpio Covers Its Tail" over a distance of several meters. The basic material of the system is very similar as well Five Elements and Twelve (Animal) Shapes. At the age of 40 he was still able to touch his chest with the tips of his toes . Guo Weihan's Xinyiquan and Xingyiquan. general conditioning. at the age of 58 he can still touch his chin (Pic. However it has to be pointed out that not only Five Elements fists but also the Animals in both styles are performed differently. At the same time it is Bow Stance based .practices martial arts without stretching". Mr.even today. jumping.it is trained through Squatting Monkey. Another thing is that there are differences within Guo's system.Jia Dajun's system includes Crane (He) and Cat (Mao). the Animals are not exactly the same . Lü Hui started his practice at the age of 11/12 from basic exercises. While Pi Quan (as the drawings and photos above show) is very similar.Dai Family Xinyiquan. Its main differences with Xingyiquan are in the way the body is used . It is obvious that Guo Weihan's system is more closely related to Dai Family Xinyi than to Xingyiquan. It also gave their teacher an opportunity to see whether the student really deserves to learn the advanced art of Xinyiquan. Only once he decided they qualified for further study they would learn Zhan Dantian (Squatting Monkey). while Fan Jiayuan's (coming from Guo through Lü Haigen and Guo He) has Tuo insect and Bear (Xiong) instead. which is considered a key element required in issuing power in all Xinyi and Xingyi systems. Dai Family Xinyiquan and Xingyiquan: Dai Family Xinyiquan Basic Internal Methods: Squatting Monkey (in movement) Guo Weihan's system Zhan Dantian (in movement). The table below compares three styles . On the other hand Guo's Xinyiquan includes routines which share same names as those of Xingyi system. on the right). Those who wanted to learn Guo Weihan's Xinyiquan had first to acquire basic skills and good flexibility was indispensary. The main idea for this article was to introduce Guo Weihan's style for the question who Li Laoneng's teacher was and why Xingyiquan differs so much from Dai Family Xinyi requires more thorough research on the history of both styles and martial arts in general as well as comparative studies of theory. Bu Bingquan Prof.. In August 2001 I visited Shanxi again to watch International Xingyiquan Competition in Pingyao. As we already know Guo He was also a Xinyiquan student of Lü Haigen. Excellent Kicks Linked Fists (Jing Tui Lianhuan Quan) Short Stick Elements Linked Fists (Jin Tui Wuxing Lianhuan Quan). On the other hand the book "Famous People and Famous Styles of Shanxi Wushu" compiled by Zhang Xigui and Guan Bin mentions Li Gong of Pingyao in Shanxi Province who excelled in Tongbeiquan. The brochure introduced history.Che Xiangqian explains details of Che style Xingyiquan . In 1920 Li Gong passed the art to Guo He of Qi County. but also other people I met in his home village. I was told that that Guo Weihan also practiced Tongbeiquan of He Family. It was there where I was given a thin brochure written by one of Guo Weihan's Xinyi practitioners.Szymanski 1999-2002.Routines of Za Shi Chui (Breaking Postures Fists). This would suggest that the combination of Xinyi and Tongbei took place decades after Guo Weihan. It is quite interesting that the latter did not seem to be aware of the fact that Guo also practiced Xinyiquan. I sincerely hope the information in this article will help other researchers to find answers to these questions.. development and technical contents of the style. It is not a pleasant feeling to witness an attempt to create history. This fact was not only mentioned by the practitioners of Guo Weihan's style. © J. but such materials are common traps that everybody who digs in the history of martial arts in China often comes against. Detailed analysis of Xingyiquan movements and powers not only shows many similarities with its "mother art" of Dai Family Xinyiquan. but also between Xingyiquan and northern long fist styles like Tongbeiquan. Routines of Breaking Postures Fists (Za Shi Chui). However brief look at the contents of the brochure makes the reader realize that at least a part of the material presented there has simply been made out and is not reliable. Mixed Form Strikes (Za Shi Chui) Spear Main Weapons Short Stick As it appears one would hardly call Guo Weihan's system a missing link between Dai Family Xinyi and Xingyiquan. photos: J. training methods and techniques of the styles.. Twelve Linked Fists (Shi Er Lian Chui). Ode to Che Style Xingyiquan by Che Xiangqian Translated from Chinese by Jarek Szymanski.. but also because of uncertain transmission (as indicated in the beginning of this article). This is another question that remains unanswered. It is possible that the secret of transformation from Dai Family Xinyiquan into Li Laoneng's Xingyiquan was through He Family Tongbeiquan. However during the conversation with Guo Weihan's Xinyiquan practitioners another interesting information came out. On the other hand we do not really know how Dai Family Xinyiquan looked like in the days of Li Laoneng. While attempting to explain the relation between Shanxi Xinyi (Guo Weihan's and of Dai clan) and Xingyiquan new questions were raised. Not only because of general technical characteristics.Szymanski and courtesy of Mr. style which was also referred to as "Ape" (Yuanhou) Tongbeiquan. Li Fuzhen (18551930) Bu Xuekuan (1876-1971) started Xingyiquan study at the age of sixteen under Che Yonghong. it is a branch of Xingyiquan that was formed through practice as a summary of rich and varied experience of its practitioners. He has greatly contributed to demystifying of Xingyiquan. Che Xiangqian was the first president of Taigu Che Yizhai Xingyiquan Society (currently acts as its honorary president) and for many years acted as president of Shanxi Province Taigu County Martial Arts Association. and am very fortunate to express its unique style in a poetic form of this ode! 1. In 1856 Che was accepted by Li Laoneng as a student and learnt Xingyiquan. everyday practicing free fighting with his disciple. He also learnt Yuanyang Jiao (Mandarin Duck Kicks) together with Li Fuzhen and Taijiquan and Baguazhang from Sun Lutang. His most famous disciples were Li Fuzhen. also called Mandarin Duck Kicks (Yuanyangjiao). Fan Yongqing. etc. He changed and reformed Xingyiquan to form his own branch. Lü Xuelong. famous for narrow stances and refined power . this combination of health preserving exercise and fighting art created by master Che. In 1848 started his martial arts studies of Shaolin boxing under Wu Hongpu and Wang Changdong. Explanation: Che Yonghong (1833Che Yonghong (1833-1914). always defeating challengers. Li Fuzhen ( 1855-1930). ODE TO CHE STYLE XINGYIQUAN Che Style Xingyiquan with Che Yonghong as its main representative. surprised by Wei's skill. were defeated by Li Fuzhen. started to study Xingyiquan under Che Yonghong at the age of thirteen. also called Che Yizhai or Second Master Che (Che Er Shifu) was born in Taigu in 1914) Shanxi Province. who went to challenge Che. Coming from a poor family he first worked as a carter. Historical Personages Che Style Xingyi became famous because of Che Yonghong from Taigu. explaining the principles. Li was very famous for his fighting skills. is a crystallization of collective wisdom and experience of Che Yonghong and vast numbers of his disciples with Li Fuzhen and Bu Xuekuan as key figures. with Li Luoneng’s Xingyiquan as the base and by assimilating strong points of other styles. Later Li changed what he learnt from Wei into Xingyi's Eighteen Kicks (Shi'ba Tui). practice and applications of the art in simple and easy to understand manner. After becoming a proficient master. Che was a very good fighter.Prof. In his articles Prof. also called Changyou Master (Changyou Shifu). Bu Xuekuan.Che actively promotes development of traditional art of Xingyiquan. Li Fuzhen. Bu Xuekuan (18761971) . asked him for teaching. Wei Changyi (Chuojiao Fanzi Quan expert from Hebei province). master Li and master Bu can be used as a criterion for judging real value of any martial art. Later Li Fuzhen worked for many local banks as a guard. Che started his Xingyiquan studies under Che Caizao (Bu Xuekuan's disciple) in 1950. I have studied and practiced Che Style Xingyiquan for 49 years.Che style Xingyi. Che worked as a guard of rich mansions in Taigu for over thirty years. especially skilfull at hitting with fourteen parts of body (Shi'er Chu Dafa). However once he was kicked by a martial artist. and. Most of those. While Li Fuzhen and Bu Xuekuan were excellent succesors respecting the teacher and the art. In 1988 Che went to Tianjin where he crossed swords with a japanese master and defeated him. Yan Yuewu. wins by clever moves. is easy to practise.g. These two should be united. second is self-defense. Cultural Features The principles of the martial art should be understood. was born when Bu was 70. routines. coordination. The harmony between Form (Xing) and Intention (Yi) means relation between external movements and internal intention. One learns the rules of the school before learning martial art. the idea kept in mind while performing the movements. Zhang Yongyi. "Lion Swallows Hand" (Shizi Tun Shou). postures. knowing movements. loyalty (to friends. it has many examples showing its methods and principles. Old saying says"Once he stretches his arm. The requirements in Che style regarding movements. the method should be correct. self-defense. Later Bu was also director of Taigu County Guoshuguan (Martial Arts Academy). Wu Chaoxiang (who took Xingyi to Brasil) and Li Ying'ang (who taught in Guatemala). After liberation (1949) Bu Xuekuan was actively promoting Xingyiquan in Shanxi Province as well as taking part in political life. Bu Xuekuan became president of Taigu Sports Association in 1918 and martial arts coach at Taigu Mingxian School (the school was established in Taigu by Americans) in 1932. Xingyi practice with partner (Xingyi Duilian). it can be seen whether his Form and Intention are united or not. breathing. etc)". the main goal one should pursue is fighting skill. Bu died at the age of 96. e. practice routines. However.Bu compiled set of health preserving exercises "Marrow Washing Classic" (Xisuijing). simple and practical. In 1913 Bu started to accept students. of whom the most famous were Sun Deyi. it is clear if he has it or not". but for good health. the harmony between Form and Intention can be examined. use of Intention (Yi) have specific expressions in Che style routines. Important Points on Practice . Aim of Learning Martial Art One is health preserving. Linked Hands (Lianhuanshou) and famous technique he became famous for. rhythm. Learn the rules of the school. gongfu brothers. applications is not enough. and the core rules are "good health. Since martial art is a practical science. Explanation: Bu Xuekuan in "Picking Flowers Posture" (Cai Hua Shi) One can only practice martial art well if the principles are clear. 2. 3. Bingquan. His youngest son. Explanation: Che Yonghong's inheritors practice Xingyiquan not for fame or personal benefit. but it only counts when you know “Si Pa”. 4. which means once a martial arts practitioner makes a move. fighting skills and out of interest. which in Taigu dialect is called "Si Pa". spare time hobby. It has living examples. Explanation: As already many times stressed. one should neither practice to exhaustion (because it will only lead to bad quality of movements and wrong habits as a result) nor practice when tired. In Che style it is divided into static Santi Shi. Broadsword and sword are short weapons. the skill should grow but good health be preserved. do not confront hard with hardness. standing practice (Zhan Zhuang) should be practiced but not for extended periods of time. 5. While using weapons. Qi and Strength should combine so that Internal and External are connected. The weapons routines that express this feature are "Liu Qiang Dianzi" (spear) and "Bagua Dao" (broadsword). "mobile war" where you neither go against opponent's power nor loose contact with him.this is called "striking enemy with three pieces" (San Jian Da Ren). do not practice too much of still methods. Bu Bingquan. Explanation: Hardening exercises like hitting sand bags (Da Shadai). spear and stick are long ones. step with Tiger Step. hitting wooden targets (Zhuang Mutou). lifting weights (Ju Shisuo). so often one would use both hands and a kick at the same time . which stress importance of Santi standing over long periods of time. It is better to practice more often for shorter periods of time. Although very hard training can improve one's skill. reach the position in two steps. In the last category many kicks are added to hand movements. Explanation: Santi Shi (Three Bodies Posture) is the most basic body posture in Xingyiquan and main combat position. In Che style Xingyiquan routines can be divided into three categories: traditional ones. Che style Xingyiquan stresses "Internal and External are unblocked and balanced by breathing exercises". which is related to certain body structure. Do not practice until exhaustion but be persistent with it. which is. Practice of Routines Traditional boxing. Iron Sand Hand practice (Tie Sha Zhang) are forbidden in Che style Xingyiquan. fists like water. for self-defense and for actual fighting (most advanced). This differs Che style from Hebei Xingyi branches. Body is like a wind. self-defense art. and strike with the second step . art of defeating enemy with three pieces. in Che style San Ti Stance . One of the meanings of combination between Qi and Li is coordination between breath and power. whole body is fist. Fighting Strategy Iron triangle. Only then Internal (breath) and external (movements) can be in harmony (connected). generally speaking.Hardening exercises are forbidden. Bu Xuekuan's son. but it is very easy to overstrain and hurt oneself. Best skill is good for nothing if you are not healthy. Still methods like sitting meditation (Jing Zuo). This is also one of Che style features. linked hands. martial art should first of all be the art of self defence and fighting ability is the key skill. For example Santi standing should be done for 5 to 10 minutes. so balance your practice with Tuna (breathing) exercises. 6. while Qigong practice (sitting/lying) up to 40 minutes a time. one should with first step neutralize or break opponent's attack.this is called "reaching position with two steps". be like a "top". always in movement. hands. opponent and I (two adversaries) . This is different from Hebei Xingyi where emphasis is put on Ji Bu (Chicken Step) . sticking to the opponent. elbows.front and rear ( e. center of Shanxi Province Xingyiquan Keeping the Middle (Shou Zhong) has two meanings: first is . shoulders.should be combined. elbows. characteristic only to Che style. hips. In fighting movements of both hands should be well co-ordinated. stances large. 7. This dynamic Santi Shi is called "iron triangle". parts of opponent's body that are not protected). not preconceived).g. This footwork is very usefull in fighting . as if both hands were linked. Explanation: The power should be rooted in steps and directed by the waist. Postures and Movements Waist is the axle. feet). and next two steps immediately follow to reach the opponent. Gen Bu (Following Step) with rear leg. eight directions . Shang Bu (Step Forward) with rear leg forward. front and rear hand or foot).g. hit the opponent in movement. and dynamic Santi Shi. combined in eight directions. fast and slow separated.g. in harmony (in case of "opponent and I" . body posture is low. forearms. feet) should strike like water filling all gaps (e. rhythm is clear. left and right (e. knees. left and right arm or leg). Tiger Step (Hu Bu) is a footwork composed of three steps: Ce Bu (Surveying Step) done with front foot. stand single weighted. Che style requires the body to move like a wind.the same for all Xingyi branches. never using power directly against his power. fists (e.one's movements should be chosen according to opponent's movements. hands. One of main streets in Taigu. shanks.Ce Bu "roots" body. Rhythm of movements should be clear. down are hips. knees.g.front leg is "rooted" when rear leg moves and stops at the inside of front leg's ankle. Both practice and fighting should have distinct rhythm: in practice Che style demands "practicing movement after movement". up and down (up are shoulders. be in a constant movement (in Hebei style body is required to be "firm like Mountain Tai"). fighting should be based on guerilla tactics. In practice one should use low and large body postures to build up strength. one should not move in a disorderly fashion. steps are roots. keep the Middle. correctly. fighting also requires certain composition. 8. the second meaning is applied to fighting .that in all movements one should hollow the chest and straighten the back. Power and Fighting Methods Power should be soft and elastic. that's why it is called "point of hardness". but when body weight is equally distributed on both legs. line of softness and point of hardness. needle hidden in cotton. usually on opponent's side. "Line of softness and point of hardness. do not be in a rush or panic when you break opponent's defense or defend yourself and attack. Battle Formation and Using Soldiers Protect yourself.one should stand in the middle and the opponent should move around him . circles and straight lines mutually transforming. elbow. which are also divided into "solid" one and "empty" one .in Taigu this is called "standing in the middle of the millstone". avoid "muzzle of the rifle".these metaphors describe well Che style Xingyiquan. Hard power is used in explosive manner for a very short time. 3:7. Top is a popular toy. strong beats weak. Explanation: During fighting one must first of all protect oneself.the weight distribution can be 4:6. Explanation: The power developed during practice and used in fighting should be soft and relaxed. use entire to strike dispersed. 1:9. be able to change and link. elastic. hands should be kept close to heart (chest) and elbows close to ribs. both straight and round. then using agile footwork take a favourable position. it is closer and faster when "soldier" goes only half way. only then one will be able to control situation and not be in a rush or panic dealing with the opponent.are single weighted. 2:8. similar situation is with hands. Striking with fist. 9. then it is considered double weighted. like a circle and its chord . Obvious (Ming) and hidden (An) mean obvious and hidden applications of certain techniques. Top. know obvious and hidden.this is called "circle connected with straight line". strength explosive. Keeping the Middle does not mean focusing on dantian. other part of the Old Xingyiquan experts from Taigu practice applications . Body is single weighted when most of the body weight rests on one leg only . that can be rotated either by twisting it with fingers or using a whip. circle connected with straight line. here "keeping the middle " actually means "guarding the center". like wind or water" . Typical example of hidden technique is strike to a temple in Pao Quan (Cannon Fist). neither stiff nor completely loose. use straight to attack slant. One of most important skills in fighting is ability to change according to opponent's reaction. in Taigu called "Nian Ba'er" was often used by Che Yizhai to explain Xingyiquan principles. Only then in fighting one can strike with explosive strength. Soft power moves in lines. take a favorable position. fastest and shortest strike will not be effective unless it accurately reaches its target. he will take. then the opponent will probably try to attack one's head. "Chronicles of the Historians . 11. then it should be followed by another movement in a linked. "use entire to strike dispersed" means using one's whole body power against part of opponent's body. One should always avoid the main power of the opponent's attack. competitors show their Virtue by following the rules. wisdom. Competition is not the place for death and life fight but rather for making friends in martial arts community. One's attacks should always be responses to opponent's movements. is very important. Daliang. "besiege Wei to rescue Zhao". when you give. but the result of the fight was recognized by both of them.g. Tian Ji and Sun Bin. on a distance of one inch. smooth way. "Use straight to attack slant" means one's frontal attack at the opponent' side. Explanation: In real combat the strikes should be issued within very short time and on a very short distance. Today this idiom indicates military strategy based on raiding enemy's back in order to force the enemy to withdraw its main attack. This is the meaning of "when you attack he will protect himself. if one's hands are kept down. The Virtue of judges is expressed in a fair and unbiased way they give points. using fist against opponent's pit of stomach or kicking his groin. When two highly skilled martial artists meet.Sunzi Wu Qi Liezhuan) note that during the period of Warring States (475-221 B.body (here called "soldier") will be faster if one stands near the opponent in a position in which one's "soldier" has shorter distance to reach target than opponent's "soldier". Zhao unable to protect itself asked Qi State for help. Battle Essentials When you attack. Che did not hit Guo. physique and technique. "Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao" is an idiom based on facts from Chinese history. e. do not be afraid to loose. highly value initiative. However. not be afraid of defeat but rather have the spirit of a winner. However.Biographies of Sunzi and Wu Qi" (Shi Ji . they were stopped at Guiling and defeated by Qi forces. the "edge of weapon". knowing that Wei main forces are outside the country and Wei State is not protected. it is a comprehensive competition of virtue. the capital of Zhao State. linked attack should be based on a plan. When Che Yizhai and Guo Yunshen met. 10. not protected part of the body. for example. Once it fails. e. on the other hand. Explanation: While fighting one should make some fake movements to cause certain reaction of the opponent. One should also be mentally prepared for fighting. the most important is to be accurate when you attack quickly in a linked manner. One can plot a plan to defeat the opponent using these principles that should be followed by strikes in a linked way. the opponent attacks to the West. "Strong beats weak" means striking hard against opponent's weak and vital part. a strike to the head will force the opponent to protect his head. their strikes are not destroying but rather pointing at a certain part of opponent's body and this is enough for the opponent to recognize own defeat.C. Guo did not hit Che either. in martial arts called Warrior's Virtue (Wu De). he will protect himself.) Wei soldiers besieged Handan. In both of them Virtue (De).g. you will not be defeated. that's why initiative is so important and crucial. Actual Combat Circumstances Within one second. attacked and destroyed Wei's capital. However. you should strike to the East. when you give he will take". Wei army immediately went back after having learnt about it. opponent's movements shall be reactions to one's movements. . This emphasizes the importance of initiative in fighting. Qi generals. Martial Arts competitions are divided into two categories: routine and free fighting. © J. Explanation: This is the last part of the "Ode". seek truth from facts. make many friends among martial artists. stress science. Martial skill has no value without Warrior's Virtue (Wu De).Szymanski 1999-2002 .Szymanski 1999. by making friends and exchanging knowledge of Martial Arts with generosity. but in facts.12. there will be spring of ten thousand years in the forest of Chinese martial arts. without superstition. Only through scientific research. © J. that's why Virtue should precede the skill. Chinese Martial Arts will flourish and develop further. The truth about martial arts should not be sought in novels and anecdotes. Direction of the Path Noble warrior's virtue. love people. strong skill in martial art. End of "The Ode to Che Style Xingyiquan".