Yanqing Quan

   METHODOLOGY, FORMS & WEAPONS

METHODOLOGY OVERVIEW

The practice of Yanqingquan is a fairly involved process. It is categorically of the northern longfist based range of styles and as a result requires good physical coordination and strength couple with internal development. Most branches of Yanqingquan all have their most representative methods that are often resultant from the training approach. Traditionally students would have to master the basic stances, movements and spend almost three years in the practice of Yanqing Jiazi.

Nowadays, training is commenced by static stances and then the practice of footwork to which there are over 50 different footwork methods such as Jin, Tui, Tiao, shan, teng, nuo, chen, jing, fa, xu etc.......essential to the practice of Yanqingquan. Simultaneously many of the basic body motions, hands, arms and kicks are practiced.

In terms of Structure practioners would commence by ensuring Xingzheng (Straight Structure), Ti Song (Relaxed Body), Tou Ding (Head upright), Chen Jian (Shoulders Sunken), etc..... Yanqing quan has a saying " Release Hands moving like a wild cyclone, stand as calm as Mount. Tai" which menas that although there is a lot of speed the stability and structure must be maintained (i.e. not sloppy).

In terms of Some of the basic strikes these include both hard an soft approaches with such movements as Chong (straight Punch), Beng (Ramming Punch), Pi (Chop), Za (Hammer), Tui (Push), Cha (Pierce) and in kicking methods such as Deng (Side or Press kicks), Tan (Springing kicks), Ti (Taping kicks), and more. Yanqingquan releases hands like cotton, but resembles iron when it makes contact with the opponent.

With hand/leg work it is to understand the static gates and the various attacking and defensive actions. With the Body work, it is about angles distance and timing development of which many exercises are conducted with a partner. Stepping methods are then combined with the hands and body into small sequences of drills which are referred to as Lianda or lianshou (interlinked methods). During this time the training of JIazi (Framwork Form) is ongoing which develops good strength, coordination and technique.

After obtaining a grasp of the basics then some of the key theories of Yanqingquan are introduced from both an individual and combat practice perspective. Here the concepts of opposing yin yang hands, passing steps, close adhering. Yanqingquan emphasises 36 keys as basics followed by 72 principles of combat. The effectiveness of the 36 keys are such that there is a saying that with the mastery of the 36 keys then all can be conquered.

As an example something as simple as yin and yang hands becomes methods of playing with the left and right or ups and downs or retreats and entries and even in terms of power applied (soft and hard), and then leads on to passing of an attack to the passing of a defense to the counter and to the indefensible. So training would evolve into hundreds of techniques or interpretation of single techniques. This seemingly simple complexity becomes the key to Yanqingquan and for each of the keys/principles is extrapolated yet again.

In addition to technique based training there is also the development various skills from the famous iron kicks of Yanqingquan to the Ying (Hard) Qigong methods and the internal Qigong cultivation.. Yanqingquan develops weapons from the human body that are as lethal as the are deceptive.

What must also be developed is the continuity of movement and attack. Yanqingquan does not practice single blow mentality (although it can), rather it it develops coordination amongst the limbs and body, thus movements are interlinked and connected in harmony together.

The Key Principles include Kao, Liao, Tuo, Chan, Lan, Ti, etc.....To develop these in addition to individual and partner practice, there are also many methods with apparatus that are used to develop the skills.

FORMS AND WEAPONS OF YANQINGQUAN

Yanqingquan (Mizongquan) is characterised by a lot of training in singular methods and large amount of partner based drills, exercises and combat practices. In Cangzhou, Yanqingquan (Mizongquan) as practiced by the Taiping Wuguan, There is a staged process of learning which encompasses a whole range of coordination and strengthening methods following by the practice 32 short linked techniques. These include movements such as Fanshen Chongquan, Lian Guaer, Lian sanquan and many more.

Students would also simultaneously commence the learning of Yanqing Jiazi (Framework) which can become quite demanding in the advanced stages. The style is then followed by the practice of techniques and forms linking such techniques ranging from the use of empty hand, multiple opponents, weapons and more. Of course skills and power training and associated practices are also a part of the learning.

EMPTY HAND FORMS

There are 26 empty hand forms in Yanqingquan (Mizongquan) as practiced by the Taiping Wuguan. Some are listed below

1. Yanqing Jiazi (Framework)

2. Lianshouquan (Linked Hands Boxing)

3. Mizongquan (Mizong Boxing)

4. Mianzhangquan (Cotton Palm Boxing)

5. Pizaquan (Chopping and Hammering Boxing)

6. Jinquan (Entering Boxing)

7. Wuhuquan (5 Tigers Boxing)

8. Simenquan (4 Gates Boxing)

9. Bengda (Running Strikes)

10. Hongyanquan (Red Swallow Boxing)

11. Meihuaquan (Plum Flower Boxing)

12. Wusongquan (Wusong Boxing)

13. Luohanquan (Luohan Boxing)

14. Yanqing Baoquan (Yanqing Leopard Boxing)

15. Badaquan (8 Strikes Boxing)

16. Mizongyi (Mizong Skill)

17. Mizongkao (Mizong Lean)

18. Yanqingquan (Yanqing Boxing)

19. Yanqing Chaquan (Yanqing Cha boxing)

20. Jinggangquan (Buddha Guard Boxing)

21. Yanqing Fanziquan (Yanqing Turning Boxing)

22. Yanqing Taizuquan (Yanqing Taiu Boxing)

TWO MAN - EMPTY HAND FORMS

In additional to the hundreds of smaller drills and partnered practices, there are 12 empty hand forms in Yanqingquan (Mizongquan) as practiced by the Taiping Wuguan. Some are listed below

1. Ba Chai (8 Parts)

2. Ba Da (8 Strikes)

3. Jinquan (Entering Boxing)

4. Taohuansan (Linked Chains Combat)

5. Chinna Shou (Grappling and Locking Hands)

6. Zhaikouzi (Open the Button)

7. Shiba Gou (18 Hooks)

8. Liujiutou (6 9 Leads)

9. Kao Da (Leaning Strikes)

WEAPONS FORMS

There are 36 weapoons forms, including the famous Qingping sword, in Yanqingquan (Mizongquan) as practiced by the Taiping Wuguan. Some are listed below:

1. Yunmo Gun (Cloud Rubbing Staff)

2. Qunyang Gun (Sheperd's Staff)

3. Erlang Gun (Erlang Staff)

4. Taizi Gun (Taizi Staff)

5. Simen Dao (4 Doors Broadsword)

6. Yanqing Dao (Yanqing Broadsword

7. Yanqing ShuangDao (Double Broadswords)

8. Qimen Qiang (Mysterious Spear)

9. Wuhu Qiang (5 Tigers Spear)

10. Jiu Qiang (9 Spear)

11. Yanqing Qiang (Yanqing Spear)

12. Qinglong Jian (Green Dragon Sword)

13. Kunwu Jian (Kunwu Sword)

14. Fochen Jian (Whisk and Sword)

15. Bagua Jian (Bagua Sword)

16. Shuang Jian (Double Swords)

17. Qingping Jian (Qingping Sword)

18. Qinglong Daodao (Long Handled Knife)

19. Shuang Bian (Iron Whip)

20. Shuangtou Qiang (Spear)

21. Shuangou (Hooks)

22. Shuang jian (Rods)

23. Pu Dao (Long handled Chopper Knife)

24. Shuang Chui (Hammers)

25. Sunbin Guai (Crutch

Futher to the above there are some qigong related exercises or routines, two or men weapons routines including versus empty hand and some methods for training with traditional apparatus.

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