Changquan

The core of Changquan was developed in the 10th century by Zhao Kuangyin, founding Emperor of the Song Dynasty (960–1279).Chángquán "Long Fist", refers to a family of external (as opposed to internal) Kung Fu styles from northern China.

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 defence 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 joint-locking techniques and throws and takedowns.

The Long Fist style 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: "whirlwind kick"), "butterfly jump"), "side somersault"), and tengkongfeijiao "flying jump kick").

Subtypes of Long Fist: Pao Chui, Chaquan, Taizu Changquan, Fanziquan, Hóngquán (see Shaolin Kung Fu), Huaquan.

North Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu Includes: Bare Hand Forms: Weapons: Chin na Dui Da (Joint Locking skills & sets):Two Man Fighting Routines: Self Defence Applications: Iron Palm Training (Internal).

Hand 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 ErFa Chuan

DuanDaQuan - Fighting In Close Quarters Boxing/Short Hit Boxing (Duan Quan)

HuaQuan - First Set Of China Fist Yi Lu Xi Yue

HuaQuan 2 - Second Set Of China Fist Er Lu Xi Yue

HuaQuan 3 - Third Set Of China Fist San Lu Xi Yue

HuaQuan 4 - Fourth Set Of China Fist Si Lu Xi Yue

HuaQuan 2 2 Man - Second Set Of China Fist Two Man Fighting Set Er Lu Xi Yue

HuaQuan 4 2 Man - Fourth Set Of China Fist Two Man Fighting Set Si Lu Xi Yue

Stances used in the Long Fist system

High Tiger, Low Tiger, Rooster, High Lotus, Low Lotus, Bow and Arrow, Horse Stance, Empty - similar to the Cat Stance, Tai chi - similar to Empty, but with toes up and heel on the ground, Half Horse Stance (Lead foot turned forward).

Weapons training

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 (see image right)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changquan