Introduction to Chang Hong Wu Shu (Chinese Martial Art): From the southern beaches to the Northern frontiers, there are hundreds of branches of Chinese Martial Art. The depth of the skills and philosophical understandings is an integral part of traditional culture. Yet under the general attitude of respecting the literary instead of the military, and also due to the tradition of oral teaching instead of textual transmission, there exist precious little written records. If no one would engage the task to collect and preserve properly this valuable cultural heritage, the possibility of losing the essence altogether looms just overhead. Thus the founding principle of our association is to research, collect and promote this cultural treasure that is a combination of philosophy, tradition, history, culture, art, sport and combat skill. And so we endeavor to make it both modern and fitting our everyday life.
Chang Chuan(literally: Long Fist) is a major teaching of Chinese Martial Art, which according to legend was first taught by the general who built the Sung Dynasty, and became its founding Emperor. Famed for his prowess in unarmed combat and staff wielding, the would-be emperor Zhao Kuan Yin once learned Martial Art in Shaolin. Chang Chuan is characterized by the far-reaching moves it adopts, and the wide flowing movements that swirl as endless waves on the raging river. In general form teachings the basic trainings begin with Lian Bu Chuan(literally: The continuing step fistworks), Gong Li Chuan(The training fistworks) and Shi Lu Tan Twei(The ten springing legworks). On more advanced levels the forms are mainly Yi Lu Mai Fu, Er Lu Mai Fu, Shi Zhi Tang, Shiao Hu Yian , Pao Chuan, Cha Chuan , Tai Zhu Chang Chuan.(Chinese literal meanings in sequence: the First form of Ambush, The second form of Ambush, The Cross Fistworks, Small Tiger Swallow, Cannon Fist, Cha(A Chinese family name of Muslim origin) ,The Great Emperor’s Long Fist.)
As the story goes, Hong Chuan is a school of Chinese Martial Art originated by the folk hero Hong Shi Guan, known for his founding of an underground rebel force against the builders of Ching Dynasty, who were considered invaders to china from Manchuria(North eastern modern china). He was among the five survivors in the destruction of a Shaolin temple in Fujien province by the Ching government. There are numerous renowned forms in this school. Such as Gong Zhi Fu Hu Chuan, Hu He Xuan Xing Chuan, Tie Xian Chuan, Wu Xing Chuan, Xi Xing Chuan…etc. As to weapons there are staff, Dao(Chinese falchion) , Spear and sword. There are also many exotic weapons such as double forks, folded fan, swinging staffs with handles, umbrella and Chinese halberd.
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