Liu He Quan

          METHODOLOGY

OVERVIEW OF THE PRINCIPLES OF LIU HE QUAN

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.

LIU HE QUAN SYSTEM

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.

Fundamental

• Liuhe Tantui (12 Series of Spring Kicks)

Core

• Qianhou Liuhequan (6 Harmonies Boxing)

• Qianhou Xingmen Bashi (8 Postures Moving Gates)

• Qianhou Huilongquan (Returning Dragong Boxing)

• Qianhou Yingmenpao (Towards the Gates Cannon)

• Qianhou Meihuaquan (Plum Blossom Boxing)

• Qianhou ZaChui (Hammering Strikes)

• Qianhou PaoChui (Cannon Strikes)

• Qianhou Lianhuanquan (Continuous Boxing)

Advanced

• Wu Hua Pao (5 Flower Cannons)

• Ba Chai Quan (8 Dismantles Boxing)

• Guan Dong Quan (Passing the East Boxing)

• Guan Xi Quan (Passing the West Boxing)

• Liu Jia Shi (6 Families Postures)

• Xing Long Quan (Moving Dragon Boxing)

• Hua Gong Quan ( (Transformation Boxing )

• Xing Quan (Moving Boxing)

• Jie Da Quan (Intercepting Strikes)

• Duan Chui (Short Strikes)

• Xuan Feng Zhang (Whirlwind Palms)

• Mei Hua Bian (Plum Blossom Changing)

• Si Lu Kao Da (4 Roads Close Striking)

• Sixing Quan (4 Roads Boxing)

• Luomen Babu (8 Steps Boxing)

Combat 2-man Sets

• Xiao Shou (Small Hands)

• Gou Shou (Hooking Hands)

• Cai Shou (Plucking Hands)

• Za Shou (Smashing Hands)

• Chin Na Shou (Locking Hands)

• Shuai Shou (Throwing Hands)

Weapons

Broadsword

• Liuhe Dao (6 Harmonies Broadsword)

• Babu Lianhuan Dao (8 Step Continuous Broadsword)

• Ruyi Lianhuan Dao (Ruyi Continuous Broadsword)

• Liuhe Kan Dao (6 Harmonies Chopping Broadsword)

• Liuhe Shuang Dao (6 Harmonies Double Broadswords)
  
  Sword

• Ba Xian Jian (8 Immortals Sword)

• Wu Xing Jian (5 Moving Sword)

• Kun Wu Jian (Kwun Wu Sword)

• Liuhe Shuang Jian (6 Harmonies Double Swords)
  
  Spear

• Meihua Qiang (Plum Blossom Spear)

• Liuhe Qiang (Six Harmonies Spear)

• Liuhe Da Qiang (Six Harmonies Long Spear)
  
  Other

• Liuhe Gun (Six Harmonies Staff)

• Sun Bin Guai (Sun Bin's Crutch)

• San Jie Gun (3 Sectional Staff)

• Shuang Shou Dai (Double handed Long Broadsword)

• Shuang Chui (Double Hammers)

• Shuang Huan (Double Rings)

• Fang Tian Hua Ji (Halberd)

• Liuhe Fu (Long Handled Axe)

• Shuang Fu (Double Axes)

• Liuhe Chan (Long Handled Spade)

• Ma Ye Ce (Horse Teeth Blade)

• Hu Shou Shuang Gou (Protect hand Double Hook swords)