|
|
|
||
 |
Duanquan (Short Boxing) HISTORY | ||
| Introduction | History | Methodology, Forms and Weapons | Gallery | Links | Special Articles and Research | |||
|
|
|
INTRODUCTION The earliest records of Duanquan [Short Boxing] date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD to 1644 AD)when in the classic text "Jixiao Xinshu" thought to be around 1560 AD by General Qi Jiguang, lists MianZhang's Duanda as one of the most effective. Mianzhang is therefore often acknowledged as the founder and as a result the style is sometimes known as Mianzhangquan in addition to Mianzhang Duanda and Duanquan. In the Qing Dynasty Emperor QianLong Period（1735-1796), the art was passed on in Gao Yang County, Hebei Province and became known as Mian Zhang Quan, thereafter the styles name was simplified to Duan quan. Duanquan is a comprehensive martial art that includes weapons in addition to empty hand combat. It is one of the traditional styles practised in Gao Yang County, Bao Ding City and Cangzhou areas. Duanquan was historically considered to contain 12 or 16 sequences. Presently however in most lineages, only 8 sequences are practised, their contents are comprehensive and varied. In addition there are many weapons routines. Currently in Gao Yang County, those that can practise all of the 8 sequences are but a minor few. . TRANSMISSION TO GAOYANG VILLAGE The art was passed in the Qing dynasty by a Master Su Feng from Jiang Su Province. It is said that around 1750, a wanderer (Su Feng) had stopped at an inn during sunset. Whilst having dinner he observed some people practising martial arts, without cause he approached them and asked “The boxing your practising is it useful/effective”, the leader of the group exclaimed “of course it is, if you don’t believe it why don’t you try”. At that instant the insulted leader attacked Master Su, then without a very discreet and gentle “Zhang Peng” duanquan movement broke the attack. After continuous attacks the leader of the group failed and bowed down requesting to be accepted as a student. Master Su refused and retired to his quarters for the evening. On the next morning, early in the morning 15 students including those of the previous day were kneeling outside the inn and pleaded with Master Su to be accepted as disciples. After observing the humble nature of the village he decided to stay and impart his knowledge to villagers of Gao Yang
DEVELOPMENT OF DUAN QUAN For generations the art remained in the hands of a few families (mainly Zhang, Yu and Zhou) in Gao Yang counties. Just as Master Su was selective in whom he taught, the latter generations also respected this methodology. This same approach ensured only the correct inheritors were passed the skill but also ended up impacting the prolongation and popularity of the method. Master Yu Xuelang and Yu Zhangwen were famous exponents of the Yu Style of Duanquan and passed the skill to their family and disciples. It is of significance to note the name Duanquan does not refer to the shortness of movements (Duan) even though many motions are short range but rather that the sets are fairly short (in comparison to a Chanquan routine like Chaquan or Huaquan). Duanquan in fact also contains many long range methods. However, there are some guidelines as to how these are practice. 1. The frame of Duanquan is small, as an example the horse (Stance) is shorter than many other northern martial arts as is the body structure. 2. Short strikes are used in short distance 3. The elbows do not leave their sunken area (dropped downwards) 4. The hands do not leave the centre (heart area) 5. Whether in retreat or attack the methods (Hands) must be in unison with the body 6. Interchanging hands even in close proximity and elbows are released when having entered the opponents area 7. 'San cun bu ji, qi cun bu da' - 3 inches and cannot be defended, 7 inches and cannot strike
Therefore in Duanquan, 'Duan' (short) refers to in close quarters or proximity (not in motion).
|
|
|
|
|||
In the first few days the teacher requested students to practi