Mian Zhang Duan Da

          METHODOLOGY

PRINCIPLES

Duanquan specialises in combining the whole bodies power into a central path, in this requirement the energy required to release power is considered internal in nature, it is also characterised by its tight horse stance that is narrower than most common arts. Though named duanquan (Short Boxing), it is common that Changquan is not long and duanquan is not short.

The Style functions at all angles and distances, however due to its striking methodology maximum power is reached as short contact, for this purpose the style is also capable of entering large distances at ease by its footwork. An old couplet “San Cun Bu Jie, Qi Cun bu Da” [Three inches cannot be deflected, seven inches cannot strike] depicts the concept of Duanquan as for to ensure effectiveness of attack a strike must be within three inches of its target ideally and no further than seven. Mainly so that the power in the strike is real and sufficient to pass through rather than merely reach.

The key methods and strategies follow the simple five unique points:

• Duan (Short)

• Kuai (Fast)

• Bian (Change)

• Quan (Circle)

• Bo (Thunder)

Duan is the frame under which the style functions, short yet efficient and practical with no flowery movements. Kuai,is the speed of each technique, note that the techniques are not interlinked quickly but each movement is accelerated. It is said that as fast as a spirit. It is also said “Jiao Sui Shou Chi, Shou Sui Jiao Luo” (Leg follows, hands rise: hands follow legs drop). Bian requires fast nimble balanced changes of technique, angulation and movement. Quan, is that in each movement small circles exist and it is in this way that power can be executed. This is also a way of silk reeling power. Bo, refers to the harmony of both hard and soft. So that all power can be released as one unrelentless. “Jin Duan Li Meng” ( Power is short strength is fierce ).

FUNDAMENTALS

The stepping and footwork is unique in Duanquan, since the stances are fairly short therefore we spend a significant time on developing the basic strength and skills required. Some of these fundamentals are noted below:

Zhan Dang (Standing Exercises)

• Zheng Dang (Straight Stance)

• Xie Dang (Angled Stance)

Jiben Fa (Basic Methods)

• Si Chui (Tear apart Strike)

• Zhi Chui (Straight Strike)

• San Tang Chui (3 Sequential Strikes)

• Bao Huan Beng Da (Embracing Crushing Strike)

• Bao Huan Kai Da (Embracing Opening Strike)

• Za Chui (Hammer Strike)

• Diao Shou (Diao Hands)

• Pi Zhang (Splitting Palm)

• Ti Zhou (Lifted Elbow)

• Cun Tui (Inch Kick)

• Tiao Ti (Lifting Kick)

• Zong Da (Vertical Strike)

In Duanquan, the sets are very short and repetitive as the intention is to introduce further techniques and methods. Thus each new set althoguh short includes completely new techniques compared to the previous one. We only practice 12 sets (some records suggest 16 had existed). Duanquan is considered almost an extinct art and most practitioners have practiced other martial arts thereby contributing to its dilution. Its methods however remain unique and effective thereby necessary for their preservation.

Empty Hand

• Mian Sha Zhang (Cotton Sand Palms)

• Sui Shou (Following Hands)

• Pi Xin Zhang (Splitting the Heart Palms)

• Yu Huan Bu (Jade Step Fist)

• Li Wai Fa (Inside and Outside Releasing)

• Yuan Yang Zhang (Yuan Yang Palms)

• Kai Tian Pi Di ( Open heaven split the earth)

• Ba Gua Quan (8 Trigrams Fist)

• Tie Kao Zhang (Press in Closing Palms)

• Nien Lan Pa Da (Adhering and Smashing Strikes)

• Shan Kao Zhang (Mountain Leaning Palms)

Combat Sets

• San Kao Zhang (Three Closing Palms)

• Tian Di Huan Fa (Heaven and Earth Changing Methods)

WEAPONS

The weapons techniques of Duanquan follow many of its principles - technique and body methods , as well as the relatively shortness of the sets.

• Qun Qiou Da Dao (Spring Autumn Long Handled Broadsword)

• Shi San Da Qiang (Long Spear)

• Shuang Dao Tiao Ba Gua (Double Broadswords Jumping 8 Trigrams)

• Hu Shou Shuang Gou (Guarding Hands Double Hook Swords)

• Cai Hong Jian (Rainbow Sword)

• Fo Chen (Religious Whisk)

• Shuang Bi Shou(Double Daggers)

• Pu Dao (Long Handled Chopping Broadsword)

• Dan Dao (Single Broadsword)

• Shuang Dao (Double Broadsword)

• Qun Yang Gun (Shepherd's Staff)

• Liu He Qiang (6 Co-ordinations Spear

• Pi Shou Gan zi Dui Lian (Axe Hand stick 2-man set

• Er Lang Gun Dui Lian ( Er Lang Pole 2-man set)