PRINCIPLES
The most fundamental method in Zimenquan is known as “Yuan Shou” and in fact a classical zimenquan couplet reads “mei qu shou bu li yuan shou” [Each time hands are relaeased they do not leave Yuan Shou]. Yuan shou are also known as “Huo Shou” (Living Hands) as the motion is ceaselessly conducted within all others without pause. In Zimenquan, hands pass through all gates of the body, adhering and manipulating all opposing strikes, force, motion or intention. The 5 key power manifestations are : Rou (Soft), Cun (Inch), Nien (Twine), Duo (Shake) and YangYin(Hidden). In combat zimenquan follows a rule “ Bu Ding Bu Ba, Bu Lai Bu Fa” [Neutral stance, no come,no release] followed by“Ruan Nien Ying Kau” [gently adhere aggressively close in].
Below we overview the key training process as taught by Master Mao Yimin (Nanchang Zimen/Yingmen Grandmaster) and Master Liu (Current Keeper of the Yichun county Zimenbafa style) to Master Wu Chanlong (of the Taiping Wuguan):
FIXED POSTURE PRACTICE
Ding Shi Lian Xi
Zhuang Gong (Standing/Stance Training)
The practice of “Wu Ji” in Horse Stance (Note that the stance is not as wide as the typical shaolin method, the knees and hip is turned inwards slightly), noting that the 3 points (head, waist and hip) must be adhered to. The arms are alongside the body naturally directed to the ground however ensuring that a gap exists in the armpit. The chest is slightly concaved as is the back as a result. Once the “Wu Ji” posture is mastered then the “Liang Yi” [Two Poles] posture is learnt. Here the leg and body position remain the same however the arms are place in front of the body at around shoulder level height. The elbows are then dropped and the forearm angled outwards whilst the hands and the wrist turn inwards and the fingers point with poise outwards. The training of these two postures is essential and until the student can perform the postures correctly for at least 25 minutes, nothing else should be taught because the structure will be damaged and the movements would not follow the styles principles. It is important to progressively master each step.Accumulation of movements are just that, without adequate strength, flexibility, posture and balance combined with the power principles it would all be in vain.
Yuan Shou
Yuan shou is also known as the essence of zimenquan. Without training of Yuan shou no one can claim to even know of Zimenquan. The training is conducted in the stationary Horse stance posture and there are various levels of Yuan shou to assist in learning the movement correctly. Firstly emphasise the circular, positioning and timing aspects. A few weeks later introduce the Kau and Gua concepts between Yuan Shou, the movement should be large structured and clear. A few weeks later introduce the fluidity of the motion ensuring previous principles are conserved but that the motion becomes as one. Later it is shown as the intermediate outward blocking motion rather than the continuous absorption of power model introduced earlier. At this stage “Gong Bu” front stance is introduced and Yuan Shou is practiced in this stance. The stance then becomes mobile and training is conducted according to the “San Jiao” [3 angles] principles. Yuan shou is also practiced as a two man set here.
Other Methods
Then further stationary methods are introduced, these include but are not limited to the key methods such as:
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Nei Yuan Wai Yuan
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Diao San Guan
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Ti Lan Shou
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Ban Bi Shou
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Tuo Gua Shou
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Jin Qiang Shou
This methods are mastered completely individually before going to the next method
MOVING POSTURE PRACTICE
Huo Bu Lian Xi
Here two other most vital stances are introduced, Ding Ba Bu & Xu Bu. Practice of Ding Ba Bu is crucial as it is the mobile and most frequently used stance. Xu Bu is essentially transitionary and often accompanies Ding Ba Bu. The previously introduced stationary hand methods are now combined with footwork. Also the footwork strategies such as Zou Ma, Liu Ma, ChuiMa, SuenMa and Bi Ma are introduced.
Once the footwork is mastered some essential dynamic methods are introduced such as
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Bai Ma
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Pao Tuo
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Si Dou (Yuan Dou Tui)
Again these form the essential dynamic techniques and must be mastered prior to further study.
COMBINATIONS PRACTICE
Zhu He Lian Xi
The combination of key techniques introduced previously is the premise of this stage. This includes the study of moving in 4 and 8 directions. In addition the practice of the fundamental techniques with a partner is introduced using the fundamentals already learnt.
ROUTINES/SEQUENCES PRACTICE
Tao Lu Lian Xi
Zimenquan does not contain many forms and that which it does contain are fairly short in comparison. However the training method follows that of strategy and variation of a single method. It is the ability to master the few methods that all methods can then be derived. All sets are studied in the following manner:
1) Individual motions and techniques are introduced and mastered
2) First Level applications are shown
3) The motions are linked progressively to formulate the set.
4) Mastery of the set is achieved.
5) The strategy and combat approach of the set is outlined and induces spirit
6) Further applications are trained.
Empty Hand Sets
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Zi Men Ba Fa Quan : 8 “Zi” : Can, Tui, Yuan, Duo, Qian, Na, Bi and Xi
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Ba Fa Gui Zong
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Ba Fa Yin Yang Shou
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Ba Fa Chan Si Shou (2 – man set)
Weapons
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Liao Ye Dao (Willow Leaf Single Broadsword)
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Liao Ye Shuang Dao (Willow Leaf Double Broadsword)
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Si Men Da Dao (4 Gates Long Handled Broadsword)
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Bu Zhan Pu Dao (Chopping Long Handled Knife/Broadsword)
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Gun Fa (Staff Methods)
COMBAT PRACTICE
Dui Da Lian Xi
The individual sets are progressively taught as combined sets, allowing the practise of the methods and gaining confidence in combat. It is the first step and important step in applications and real combat practise.
STRENGTH AND SKILL PRACTICE
Gong Li Lian Xi
There are a few specialised methods to train the natural body weapons required for to effectively apply the methods and techniques of Zimenquan. They are not described here but included yet not limited to the following: Tui Gong (Kicking Skills), Zhang Gong (Palm skills including Iron Palm), Zhi Gong (The specialty of Zimenquan is a long and arduous process), Bi Gong (Hardening the Bridges), Li Liang (Strength for both power and flexible methods) and Pai Da (Conditioning the body to absorb strikes).
The above stages satisfy the development of a general student of Zimenquan.
For disciples there are also the study of Weaponry and the important “Zi” (Can) and the last two sets, these are very rarely revealed and are considered as secrets passed only to inheritors of the art..
THE 8 CHARACTERS OF ZI MEN QUAN
Representing the principles, strategies, methods and forms are as follows
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Can : To maim or cripple, to savagely destroy
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Tui : To push, shove, deflect and advance to destroy the opponents balance
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Yuan : To pull by the hand or grasp taking advantage of the opponents movemen
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Duo : To take by force and sieze. To force the way in also to pick up
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Qian : Lead along, pull towards oneself, drag along
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Na : To press down and restrain the opponents force or attack
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Bi : to close in forcefully, driving the opponent into retreat as presses into them
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Xi : To absorb and attract the power towards oneself
In ancient times it is said that Can referred to the ability to maim or cripple with a single touch, to attack vital cavities and render an opponent either crippled or straight into death. Tui would push opponents with great force often from a distance. Yuan would neautralise all attacks with ease. Duo signified the ability to attack without being defended against with ease. Qian would tear and rip limbs and organs of opponents. Na would crush and damage joints or the musculo-skeletal system. Bi would crush opponents and destroy their centre. Xi was the ability to absorb the energy as well the opponents into a line of destruction. Nowadays, it is impossible to find the almost magical skills of legend.
WU BAI QIAN
Yet one legend does remain, and it is that of Wu Bai Qian, where a whole science of vital point striking unlike all other systems even functioning in accordance to different natural clocks to those found in Chinese medicine. In fact it is this Wu Bai Qian that is the cornerstone of Zimenquan and martial arts of Jiangxi province. The art is the specialty and secret of the style. Grandmaster Liu often displayed his skills with dogs, where after a single light touch the dog would cough blood and die in around 15 minutes after the contact. In Zimen quan the fists can be taught but Wu Bai Qian remains passed only to a select few lineage holders and in Wu Baiqian Dian Xue (Maiming points) can be taught but only few inherit Jie Xue (Saving Points).
