Chuojiao is one of the ancient martial arts of China which was propagated in Zhili (today’s Hebei province, China). It was developed over a thousand years ago as legend has it during the Song Dynasty by Master Deng Liang, who had develoepd 18 fundamental kicking methods and combined them effectively in battle. Chuojiao means 'Piercing Foot' and indicates the strength in developing strong and effective legwork/kicking methods. Throughout history many legendary heroes and masters were practioners of Chuojiao, such as Master Zhou Tong (Teacher of General Yue Fei) and the outlaw Wu Song (from the classical novel "Heroes of the Water Margin").
The full name of Chuojiao has sometimes been referred to as 'Jiufan Yubu Yuanyang Gougua Lianhuan Xuankong Chuojiao' or [9 Changes, resisiting/wardoff Step Mandarin Ducks Hooking and Hanging Continuouos airborne Piercing Feet]. Jiu fan refer to the two Wen and Wu Tangzi sets with 9 routines each. Yu Bu is a classical leg/stepping method in Chuojiao. Gougua lianhuan refer to another classical method but more so to the mutual interchange between movements as elaborated by the mandarin duck kicks. Xuankong refers to the kicking into the air and Chuojiao means Piercing Foot. Chuojiao is also deemed to be a representative of the ancient Wenjia boxing which had been recognised as been one of the best martial arts during the time of Chang Naizhou in his records. It is truely representative of Northern martial arts and requires a lot of effort to practice.
Chuojiao is a very complete martial art system that encompasses the development of the full arsenal empty hand, internal development and traditional weaponry. In terms of practice it must be noted that although popular in some areas of Hebei, the style is still considered rare to outsiders especially the indigenous Hebei styles of Chuojiao as the Beijing Chuojiaofanzi have been more accessible. There are many variations of Chuojiao which has been passed since Feng Keshan’s times, often disseminated by his disciples to the generations thereafter.
Lixian Chuojiao Masters
