About ChangQuan

Changquan (literally "Long Fist") refers to a family of external (as opposed to internal) martial arts (kung fu) styles from northern China.

History

The core of Changquan / Long Fist was developed in the 10th century by Zhao Kuangyin, founding Emperor of the Song Dynasty (960–1279). His style was called Taizu Changquan, which means "the Long Fist style of Emperor Taizu." In semi-legendary "classic" writings transmitted by Taijiquan's Yang family, their martial art is referred to by the name Changquan in one of the received texts. These texts can only be reliably dated to the second half of the 19th century. The Long fist of contemporary wushu draws on Chaquan, "flower fist" Huaquan, Pao Chui, and "red fist" (Hongquan) these arts originate in part from the muslim Hui peoples.

Techniques

The forms of the Long Fist style emphasize fully extended kicks and striking techniques, and by appearance would be considered a long-range fighting system. In some Long Fist styles the motto is that "the best defense is a strong offense," in which case the practitioner launches a pre-emptive attack so aggressive that the opponent doesn't have the opportunity to attack. Long Fist uses large, extended, circular movements to improve overall body mobility in the muscles, tendons, and joints. Advanced Long Fist techniques include qin na joint-locking techniques and shuai jiao throws and takedowns.
The Long Fist style is considered to contain a good balance of hand and foot techniques, but in particular it is renowned for its impressive acrobatic kicks. In demonstration events, Long Fist techniques are most popular and memorable for their whirling, running, leaping, and acrobatics. Chanquan moves are difficult to perform, requiring great flexibility and athleticism comparable to that of gymnastics.
Long Fist's arsenal of kicks covers everything from a basic front toe-kick to a jumping back-kick, from a low sweep to a tornado-kick. Specifically, typical moves in modern Changquan include: xuanfengjiao ("whirlwind kick"), xuanzi ("butterfly jump"), cekongfan ("side somersault"), and tengkongfeijiao ("flying jump kick").

Forms

Lian Bu Quan - Consecutive Linking Step Fist
Gong Li Quan or Power Fist Form
Tan Tui or Springing Legs
Yi Lu Mai Fu or First Road of Ambush
Er Lu Mai Fu or Second Road of Ambush
20 Methods Fighting Form or Er Shi Er Fa Chuan
Duan Da Quan - Fighting In Close Quarters Boxing/Short Hit Boxing
Hua Quan - First Set Of China Fist Yi Lu Xi Yue
Hua Quan 2 - Second Set Of China Fist Er Lu Xi Yue
Hua Quan 3 - Third Set Of China Fist San Lu Xi Yue
Hua Quan 4 - Fourth Set Of China Fist Si Lu Xi Yue
Hua Quan 2 2 Man - Second Set Of China Fist Two Man Fighting Set Er Lu Xi Yue
Hua Quan 4 2 Man - Fourth Set Of China Fist Two Man Fighting Set Si Lu Xi Yue

Weapons

Long Staff
Broadsword (Dao)
Double Edge Sword
Spear
Chain/Nine Section Whip
Dragon Phoenix Sword
Umbrella
Straight Sword (Jian)
Double Sword
Double Broadsword
Pudao
Meteor Hammer

References

_{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changquan}