Five Ancestors
Five Ancestors (Wuzuquan and Ngo Cho Kun)
A Southern Chinese martial art consisting of techniques from five different styles:
The breathing methods and Iron Shirt of Da mo
The posture and dynamic power of Luohan
The precision and efficient movement of Emperor Taizu
The hand techniques and the complementary softness and hardness of Fujian White Crane
The agility and footwork of Monkey
Five Ancestor System, consolidated by a sixth influence; Xuan Nu also known as Hian Loo 'The Lady in the Green Dress,' who introduced the most deadly of its techniques Dim Mak lethal strikes to the pressure points of the body.
Five Ancestors is known for its large variety of power generational methods. Due to the distinct character of each ancestor, these methods change depending on the power required. Some schools teach tension forms that develop power, of which there are about ten, and fist forms that train technique, of which there are dozens. Others stress a relaxed body, instead seeking maximum transmission of the relevant jin.
On top of this are miscellaneous hand forms, two-man forms (also known as form-drill) that may or may not include sticking hands, and forms for a comprehensive arsenal of weapons including rice bowl and chopsticks, umbrellas, even opium pipes.
Over the decades masters have added to this list introducing material they considered relevant to the time.
Five Ancestors is now taught in China, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, the United States, Switzerland and Canada.
Ranking System
An internationally-recognized ranking system for Wuzuquan practitioners was established at the 2010 International Shaolin Wuzuquan Federation conference, in Quanzhou China. The 10th duan is recognised as the highest level, whilst the 1st duan is the lowest.
The Five Fighting Styles are:
1. Great Ancestor Fist (Taizu Quan): The characteristic of this fist style is its solidity and internal strength. The feeling of the stance is that of the feet gripping the ground. The arms and legs are hard as iron and the twisting of the waist is like a lively dragon. Further, the body is said to be like an iron shield and the advancing steps like a ferocious tiger pouncing on its prey. Attacking and defending moves are executed simultaneously. Although it seems like one is working with hardness and tension, the transitions between movements are subtle and smooth.
2. Arhat Fist (Luohan Quan): This style was developed in the initial Shaolin era and named for Da Mo, who came from India to spread health-preservation exercises to the Chinese people; these exercises were incorporated into existing systems and later known as Shaolin martial arts and Qlgong. The footwork of Luohan Quan is a front-bow, back-arrow horse stance. The arms are like iron; the hands and palms like those of a dragon playing with water. The attacking techniques are not head-on but rather from the sides.
3. White Crane Fist (Baihe Quan): White Crane features the power of the forearm for striking and parrying. Combined with its rapid change of footwork, the method of hooking and seizing to control an opponent's arm is sudden and powerful. The characteristics of this fist is to train the practitioner to be agile in footwork and movement. White Crane Qlnn a is also an exceptional skill to master.
4. Monkey Fist (Hou Quan): Relying on its characteristic nimbleness and agility, Hou Quan emphasizes short, rapid movements to engage the enemy. Using techniques to feint and confuse the opponent, it is adept with catching, striking, and finger techniques for defense and attack. Its best feature is the quick change of body, speed, and strength of hand and palm. It is also famous for ground techniques such as rolling, tumbling, and other deceiving actions. Most of its attacks are aimed at the opponent's knees, groin area, throat, or eyes. Hand strikes are typically open-hand slaps or claws with a semi-closed fist (the monkey claw).
5. Soft Fist (Xuan Nu Quan): A soft but powerful fighting style characterized by the use of a relaxed tension to overcome an opposing force and redirect it at the opponent. Emphasizing softness as a means of training it works to condition the tendons, bones, and muscles into an elastic strength. Xuan Nu Quan trains the student to emit power by transferring strength from the legs through the waist and to the arms. Among all of the five arts, Xuan Nu Quan is hardest to master, but once attained, it serves to complete mastery of the art of Wuzu Quan. The practitioner will come to understand the harmony of hardness and softness, internal and external, and the theory and principles of Tai]l as the Grand Ultimate.