Dahongquan

Author: An Zaifeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: The Dahongquan has a long history and is primarily popular in the Huanghuai River Basin, though it has also spread to other regions. It was created by a man named Hongxian at the end of the Sui Dynasty through observation, based on the principle of two goats butting their bellies together. Initially, because its practice involved six steps, it was called "Liu Bu Jia" (Six-Step Frame). During the Song Dynasty, people named it "Dahongquan" in memory of Hongxian, as its starting posture resembled a flying swan. In the late Ming Dynasty, it was broadly referred to as "Limen Dao." By the Qing Dynasty, the style had developed into a system, with dozens of forms and weapons routines, still known as "Dahongquan." It was also called "San Huang Bang" (Three Shakes of the Arms) because its essence lies in the arm techniques. At this time, Li Tai, a master of Dahongquan, gained fame in the capital but later fell into hardship in Fengxian County, where he passed the style on to Zhang Jian and others. Zhang Jian taught the style in the Huanghuai region, and it has since spread widely. This book is based on the routines taught by Dahongquan master Zhang Jian in his hometown of Fengxian. The content is divided into four parts: Part One is an overview of Dahongquan, Part Two introduces the hand and step forms of Dahongquan, Part Three covers solo practice routines, and Part Four discusses the practical applications of Dahongquan. The book is richly illustrated with clear diagrams, making it easy to understand and practice. It is a rare traditional martial arts manual and an excellent self-study guide.