Although Dishuquan is widely regarded for its groundfighting capabilities it is in fact a complete martial art which also develops the other methods of combat. In Dishuquan, combat is seen as progressing on three planes: the Upper, the middle and the lower plane. With the lower plane being the specialty of Dishuquan, especially since these methods are relatively unique. As a result Dishuquan attempts to master not only combat on each of the planes but also studies the inter-relationships and connectivity of the combat planes, it is at that stage that Dishuquan falls onto its own with deceptive and often unexpected attacking ranges.
Dishuquan does not only attempt to grapple or wrestle on the ground, rather it is able to use the ground in combat just as if it were standing, also as a method to deceive the opponent. By utilizing the ground many strikes can be inflicted from angles and areas that are truly difficult to defend. Additionally Dishuquan aims to terminate the opponent from the Lower plane by breaking or maiming the opponent. Although there are some locking, grappling and holding bars these are not the emphasis. Dishuquan attempts to defeat an opponent or multiple opponents with the least amount of effort, usually single methods that dislocate the joints, destroy the groin or damage bones, tissues and sinews.
SAN PAN - COMBAT PLANES OF DI SHU QUAN
Before being able to move from one plane to another certain techniques must be mastered on each. The practice of Dishuquan therefore commences with some basic stances, some of these are similar to other Chinese Martial Arts, others however, like the single bat stance, double bat stance, lying stance, etc are not. The ground based stances require excellent flexibility and strength of not only the legs but the whole body such as the torso and back. Some basic Upper and middle level strikes are then studied which also include specialised postions such as single pearl and double pearl fists (also known as phoenix eye fist, the dog paw and dog claws.
When such fundamentals are grasped then the practice of sanzhan commences. Sanzhan in Dishuquan is for energy development (as other Fujian styles) but also introduces some key Dishuquan methods which include Butterfly Ground Kicks, Incense stick to heaven kick and some fundamental rolling kicks such as Dog passing the mountain. The development of the various stepping methods then commences which are crucial for the real development of transitionary methods between the three planes. Many body conditioning methods of the hands and the limbs are entertained coupled with some multiple opponent drills and highly demanding falling methods.
Often the forms are classified in accordance with the combat planes that they develop. For example Sanzhan, Sanshiliushou and Qixing are considered as emphasizing the upper plane, whilst Lianzhu and Bianfu are more towards the middle plane and the advanced methods as Meihuaxiu are more towards developing the lower plane. Therefore, Dishuquan progressively develops the mastery of hand to combat from standing to the ground.
CONTENT AND PRINCIPLES
There are kicking methods such as Yuanyang Lianhuan Tui, Nian Xin Tui, Gou Gua Tui, Hui Wei Tui. Additionally there is a heavy emphasis in using the hands to fan the opening but the legs to close the door (ie to finish of the attack). The lower plane methods include Deng(Press), Ti (Lift), Jian(Scissor), Gou (Hook), Sao (Sweep), Tan (Spring), Chan (Wrap) etc. The body Methods whilst have the shape of a canine that include Tun (Swallow), Tu(Spit), Fou (Float), Chen (sink), Ji (Press), Kao(Close In), Chong (Bump).
When practicing the lower plane methods, there are 10 key points of consideration:
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Zheng tou Qing jin - Straight Head, Relaxed neck
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Han Xiong Ba Bei - Sink the chest in and protrude the back.
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Chen Jian Luo Zhou - Sink Shoulders and drop the elbows
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Jian Tun Wan Yao - When falling to the ground the hip must be contained and the torso waist should be bent slightly.
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Qu Xi Gou Jiao - Bent knees and the feet are hooked in
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Shen Suo Jiao Ti - Contraction sand Expansion must work in harmony when practicing the ground methods
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Fan Gun Yuan Hua - When rolling the actions must be smooth just like outer surface of pearls.
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Chuan Zhuan Shu Qiao - The Thrusts and turns are seamless . In Dishuquan falling is as natural as walking there shouldn't be any hinderance of transition or movement.
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Zhu Dong Dao Di - Aggressively and directly moving to the ground. The actions are clear and defined.
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Bei Dong Dao Di - Passively, discretely and indirectly moving to the ground then attack aggressively.
SYSTEM
Dog Boxing is a specialized martial art and as a result relies on few forms but a significant amount of drills and combat practice. However the forms are used as a method to practice and introduce new techniques to develop strength, stamina and continuity. Each of the sets have there own key techniques/methods and are progressive to each.
Empty Hand Sets
We practice 10 empty hand sets in Dishuquan (Dog Boxing). Some of these are listed below:
Sanzhan (Three Battles)
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Qixing (Seven Stars)
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Sanshiliu (36 Hands)
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Lianhuanquan (Continuous Fists)
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Simenjian (4 Gates arrows)
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Qishier Lianquan (72 Linked Fists)
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Shibatui Lianzhu (18 legs Linked Pearls/Beads)
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Shuang Bianfu (Double Bats)
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Meihuaxiu (Elegant Plum Blossom)
Empty Hand 2-man Combat Sets
There are also 4 two man sets in Dishuquan (Dog Boxing). Some of these are listed below:
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San Bu Jia (3 Steps frame)
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Liu Bu Gou (6 Step Hooks)
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Shen Quan (Spiritual Canine)
Weapons
There are only 2 weapons methods (no forms) that are taught as part of the Dishuquancurriculum:
