White Crane (Fujian)
White Crane Boxing is a Southern Chinese martial art, which originated in Fujian province and is now practiced throughout the world. According to oral traditions, the creation of this style is attributed to Fāng Qīniáng;(Amoy Min Nan dialect: Hng Chhit-niâ), a female martial artist.
The characteristics of this style are deep rooted stances, intricate hand techniques and fighting mostly at close range as if to imitate a pecking bird. The flying crane style however has a greater amount of long range techniques although it too does prefer close quarters hand oriented combat, which simulates the flapping of the wings. Some white crane styles also use a great variety of traditional weapons whereas others have discontinued practice with ancient weaponry.
Branches
Over time White Crane branched off into several styles:
Fujian White Crane is one of the constituent styles of Five Ancestors.
Five Ancestors as well as various styles of Karate, notably Goju-ryu, Chitō-ryū and Uechi-ryu, obtained the routine San Chian / San Zhan (Mandarin) from Fujian White Crane. San Chian is best known by the Japanese pronunciation of its name: Sanchin.
The Hong Kong White Crane Athletic Association.
International White Crane Federation, in Australia.