External Martial Arts

WHat are Northern Shaolin and Southern Shaolin ?

  Not a lot people know that there is two Major  shaolin temple exist, like the name, one from norther and one from southern China, So why is that ? The martial arts world is full of styles and traditions, but few are as iconic as Shaolin Kung Fu. Known for its intense training, spiritual undertones, and mind-boggling athleticism, Shaolin Kung Fu is famous worldwide. But did you know there’s more than one Shaolin style? Yep! In fact, the world of Shaolin splits into two main branches: Northern Shaolin and Southern Shaolin. Both are ancient, both are powerful, and each has its own distinctive approach and philosophy. So, if you’re curious about what sets these two styles apart, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into why Northern Shaolin and Southern Shaolin are unique, and how each style has carved its own path in martial arts history.

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What is Muay Thai: Why It’s So Deadly

If you’ve ever watched a Muay Thai fighter in action, you’ve probably noticed that this isn’t your average martial art. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai has a brutal reputation for a reason. Practitioners don’t just throw punches and kicks—they use elbows, knees, shins, and fists, turning their entire body into a weapon. But beyond the explosive strikes and relentless conditioning, Muay Thai holds a rich history, deep-rooted techniques, and unique training that make it one of the most powerful and effective combat sports in the world. In this article, we’re going to break down exactly what makes Muay Thai so deadly, why it’s loved by both fighters and fitness enthusiasts, and what you should know before stepping into the world of this ancient martial art. So grab a water bottle, settle in, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about Muay Thai.

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What is Baji quan? why its so powerful

If you’re fascinated by martial arts that combine raw power, explosive force, and a deep cultural heritage, then Bājì Quán might be exactly what you’re looking for. Known as the “Eight Extremities Fist” or “Eight Extremes Fist,” Bājì Quán is a Chinese martial art famous for its fierce strikes, close-range combat techniques, and uncompromising approach to self-defense. But it’s more than just a fighting style—it’s an art that’s woven into the history, philosophy, and spirit of traditional Chinese culture. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about Bājì Quán. From its origins and techniques to training principles and modern applications, we’re about to unpack the essence of this powerful martial art.

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Everything You Need to Know About Ba Gua Zhang

If you’re intrigued by martial arts that blend fluid movement with philosophy, spirituality, and a touch of mystery, then Ba Gua Zhang might be just the thing you’re looking for. Known as the “Eight Trigram Palm,” this martial art is as mesmerizing to watch as it is powerful to practice. But Ba Gua Zhang isn’t just about self-defense; it's a complete system that’s steeped in ancient Chinese wisdom, mystical practices, and intricate, circular movements that are like poetry in motion. Let’s dive into the world of Ba Gua Zhang and unravel everything you need to know about this unique martial art.

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Advanced Combat Techniques: Understanding Vital Organs and Joints

Picking up from where we left off, we continue to explore the role of the hip joint in technical movements. I will introduce two types of force exertion in the hip joint: thrusting and rotating. Let's use the "Push Thrust" move from boxing as an example to explain the thrusting force.        In boxing, the Push Thrust is a basic takedown technique. Unlike the pushing actions in self-defense videos online, the Push Thrust requires the explosion of full-body strength, propelling forward while the hands carry and then thrust forward vigorously.       This move is somewhat akin to the Tiger Pounce in Xingyi Quan, resembling the pounce of predators like wolves and tigers during a hunt. Note that once executed, this move is almost impossible to counter. Here, I advise against retreating to absorb the impact and then trying to counter with an over-the-shoulder throw, as that might send you flying even further.    Now, let's break down the Push Thrust. First, the front foot steps forward, allowing sufficient space for force generation. Then, the back foot pushes off the ground, driving the whole body forward, and the hip joint thrusts forward, powering the upper body to lean forward and push with the hands. This move can also be combined with the "Catch" technique, grabbing the opponent's shoulders to complete the movement. When ensuring an effective attack that the opponent can't dodge, this move can directly knock down the opponent.

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San Da: the front hand straight punch.

 In this article, I will explain the most basic and commonly used punch in Sanda: the front hand straight punch.      In the realm of combat, the front hand straight punch mainly comes in two types: one involves turning the front foot (this type of front hand straight punch is often intended for direct strikes, causing damage to the opponent with strong lethal power).         The second type does not involve turning the front foot. Compared to the first type, this front hand straight punch has weaker lethal power, but it is more effective in connecting subsequent actions. Its primary use is for probing the opponent, measuring the striking distance, scoring points, and linking subsequent actions for combination attacks (such as a front hand straight punch followed by a back hand straight punch, or a front hand straight punch followed by a throwing technique).

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Read more about the article The Spiritual Positioning of Traditional Martial Arts Culture in Sanda Combat
San Da

The Spiritual Positioning of Traditional Martial Arts Culture in Sanda Combat

Over the years, the art of bare-handed fighting has been rapidly developing internationally, displaying a vibrant and flourishing trend. Particularly, Western Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Thai Boxing, and Japan's K-1, with their frequent events, powerful attacks, and shocking promotional effects, have swept the world. Similarly, Chinese martial arts Sanda is also being actively developed just like international combat sports. Whether it's domestic "Sanda King Contests" or Chinese Sanda facing off against American professional boxing, Thai professional Muay Thai, or confrontations with French Free Fight and Japanese Karate, for a time, martial arts competitions between China and abroad were frequent, with victories widely celebrated, truly dazzling and overwhelming to the public. However, a calm analysis of the current state of Chinese martial arts Sanda reveals many deficiencies that need to be improved and perfected.

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Interview of The renowned master of Choi Lee Fat – Qu Hanquan.

Qu Hanquan, a highly skilled modern martial arts master, was born in Guangzhou in 1917, with ancestral roots in Yunfu. He lost his parents at a young age and began learning Cai Li Fo Quan (Cai Li Fo Fist) and Hong Quan under the tutelage of the martial arts teacher Fang Yushu at the age of 12. With his bright and diligent mind, he excelled in his studies and obtained the authentic teachings of Fang Yushu. He also studied traditional Chinese medicine and traditional bone-setting techniques.           In 1932, he opened a martial arts school in his ancestral home left by his father in Guangzhou and invited Chen Yaochi, a third-generation heir of Cai Li Fo Quan, to teach there, embarking on the path of imparting martial arts. In 1937, Qu Hanquan invested in his hometown to establish the "Chengxi Quan Yitang Martial Arts Society," which integrated a martial arts school, a medical clinic, and a charity hall. Apart from teaching martial arts, the society also provided free medical treatment for the local community.

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