Liuhequan - Six Harmonies Boxing

   CURRICULUM, FORMS AND METHODOLOGY OVERVIEW

METHDOLOGY OVERVIEW OF LIUHEQUAN

Liuhequan is characterised by very clear and defined movements, where there is change but the points of pause and action are clearly divided. The postures are interconnected and the applications straightforward.

Liuhequan aims to combine the internal with the external in a balanced harmonious and mutually supportive manner.

The 6 Harmonies of direction: North, South, West, East, Up and down. The 6 Harmonies of the parts: Hands, feet, elbows, knees, hip and shoulders. And so on.

In basic skills development Liuhequan concentrates on the 5 skills of Zhuang (Stance), Yao (Waist), Tui (Legs), Zhang (Palms) and Qi (Underlying energy).

In combat it is said 'Chu Shou Da, Xun Shou Na, Suo Shou Shuai' - Release hands to strike upon their return grab what ever is there then compress hands to throw.

Thus we emphasize:

1. Da (Strike)

2. Na (Grab/Lock)

3. Shuai (Throw)

Therefore in principle every strike can be followed by Chi-na techniques and thereafter by a throw. The development of combat then concentrates on the Bamu (8 roots) of : Ti (kick), Da (Strike), Shuai (Throw), Ji (Hit/beat), Qin (Sieze), Na (Grab), Xie (Take out) and Dian (Press). Watching in the 6 aspects and fighting in the 8 directions, calmness externally with pure intention internally, the liuhequan practitioner can succeed.

Given Liuhequan's combat approach, the practice is comprised of 3 main components : 1. Structure, 2. Strength and Locking 3. Throwing Practice.

To develop structure, students are required to practice basic movements, Liuhequan is very structure so that Tantui prepare a very good foundation upon which students can build their skills. Tantui is comprised of rows of simple combinations that are repeated, this repetitive process develops both the strength, stamina, coordination and structure required for the further aspects of Liuhequan.

Whilst developing structure and learning the basic methods of Striking (including all parts of the body, legs, knees, hips, back, elbows, hands, head etc...), students also commence the various Shuajiao exercises including stepping methods, various grappling and hand trappings, body and back strengthening, methods of entry, basic throws, lead throws, captured throws, deceived throws, and reverse throws. This then leads to combinations practices, sparring and combat.

Concurrently students learn methods of evasiveness, agility and striking, many combinations form small 2 man drills and coordination methods which eventually lead to full 2 man combat set practice, applications free practice and open combat.

Grappling is developed by various exercises followed by the development of grappling alertness so that the practice of Chin-na becomes logical and natural, from the basic self defense grabs to the advanced breaking, limb destruction and artery sealing grabs. This then leads to the practice of two man combat sets designed with many Chin-na methods within and the development of Fan Chin-na (Reverse/Counter Chin-na).

The latter stages is when students combine their striking abilities with their locking and throwing ones. The result is a complete and fully capable martial artist which by coordinating all aspects of the body, success in Liuhequan would result.

FORMS AND WEAPONS OF LIUHEQUAN

Liuhequan is a very large system of martial practice that systematically develops the key methods of Striking, Grappling and Throwing in a structured and methodical way. The forms are a key to developing the structure and essential elements of the style whilst practicing some of the key techniques. Below are the forms as taught by Master Wu Chanlong and the Taiping Institute which are passed down through Botou village and Cangzhou via Master Xu Qingshan. In Liuhequan some of the earlier forms are simple comprising of few techniques repeated in rows to enforce good technique, strength and structure. Students would often commence with Tantui and Liuhequan, progressing to the more advanced methods in time. Combat and associated strength training is as per the methodology and are concurrently addressed. Applications are practiced via the many two man forms and by other drills and free combat methods applicable to the style. Such combat includes the use of striking, locking and throwing.

EMPTY HAND FORMS

There are 28 empty hand Forms in Liuhequan as passed down from Master Xu and the Taiping Institute. Some of these are listed below:

1. Liuhe Tantui (12 Series of Spring Legs)

2. Qianhou Liuhequan (6 Harmonies Boxing)

3. Qianhou Xingmen Bashi (8 Postures moving Gates)

4. Qianhou Huilongquan (Returning Dragon Boxing)

5. Qianhou Yingmen Pao (Towards Gates Canon)

6. Qianhou Meihuaquan (Plum Blossom Boxing)

7. Qianhou Zachui (Hammering Strikes)

8. Qianhou Paochui (Canon Strikes)

9. Liuhe Lianhuan Quan (Six Harmonies Continuous Boxing)

10. Wu Hua Pao (5 Flower Canons)

11. Ba Chai Quan (8 Dismantes Boxing)

12. Guan Dong Quan (Passing East Boxing)

13. Guan Xi Quan (Passing West Boxing)

14. Liujia Shi (6 Family Postures)

15. Xinglong Quan (Moving Dragon Boxing)

16. Huagong Quan (Huagong Boxing)

17. Xingquan (Moving Boxing)

18. Jiedaquan (Intercepting Strikes)

19. Liuhe Duanchui (Short Strikes)

20. Xuanfeng Zhang (Whirlwind Palms)

21. Meihuabian (Plum Blossoms Changing)

22. Silu Kaoda (4 Roads Close Strikes)

TWO MAN - EMPTY HAND FORMS

There are 10 two man empty hand forms in Liuhequan, some are listed below:

1. Xiao Shou (Small Hands)

2. Gou shou (Hooking Hands)

3. Cai Shou (Plucking Hands)

4. Za Shou (Smashing Hands)

5. Chinna Shou (Locking Hands)

6. Shuai Shou (Throwing Hands)

WEAPONS FORMS

There are 33 Weapon forms in Liuhequan, some are listed below:

1. Liuhe Dao (6 Harmonies Broadsword)

2. Liuhe Qiang (6 Harmonies Spear)

3. Liuhe Kan Dao (6 Harmonies Chopping Broadsword)

4. Ba Xian Jian (8 Immortals Sword)

5. Wu Xing Jian (5 Moving Sword)

6. Kun Wu Jian (Kun Wu Sword)

7. Liuhe Gun (Six Harmonies Staff)

8. San Jie Gun (3 Sectional Staff)

9. Sunbin Guai (Sunbin Crutch)

10. Meihua Qiang (Plum Blossom Spear)

11. Babu Lianhuan Dao (8 Steps Continuous Broadsword)

12. Liuhe Gou (Six Harmonies Hook Sword)

13. Liuhe Shuang Dao (Six Harmonies Double Broadsword)

14. Liuhe Shuang Jian ( Six Harmonies Double Sword)

15. Liuhe Shuang Qiang (Six Harmonies Double Spear)

16. Shuang Shou Dai (Double Handled Knife)

17. Ruyi Lianhuan Dao (Ruyi Continuous Broadsword)

18. Shuang Chui (Double Hammers)

19. Fang Tian Hua Ji (Halberd)

20. Ma Ya Ce ( Horse Teeth Blade)

21. Liuhe Fu (Long Handled Axe)

22. Shuang Fu (Double Axes)

23. Shuang Huan (Double Rings)

24. Liuhe Chan (Spade)

25 ........

TWO MAN - WEAPONS FORMS

There are 14 Mixed Two man empty hand forms in Liuhequan

1. Sanjiegun jin Qiang (3 Sectional Staff Vs Spear)

2. Sanjiegun jin Shuang Qiang (3 Sectional Staff Vs Double Spears)

3. Dadao jin Qiang (Long handled Broadsword Vs Spear)

4. Dui Pi Dao (Double Hammering Broadsword)

5. Erlang Duigun (Erlang Staff Vs Staff)

6. ................

There are also some other apparatus and shuaijiao exercises and practices that are key components of the Liuhequan style.

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