Yon Ch'uan is one of the few authentic internal systems which still integrates specialized psychomotor techniques, as originally taught by the Taoist Monks. It is one of the elder systematized forms of internal martial arts. The fluid movements are spherical, esthetically beautiful and seemingly without beginning or end. Yon Ch'uan emphasizes the use of the internal psychomotor energy termed Chi (internal life energy or atmosphere), and Geng (bone strength and joint suppleness), as opposed to visible ridged muscular strength. It is in dramatic contrast to the external or HARD martial arts characteristics. The Yon Ch'uan schools of raining emphasizes the use of least muscle resistance, through yielding, emptying, entwining, and penetrating as a means to subduing force rather than meeting force with force.
The source of strength in the Yon Ch'uan Internal System is derived from a relaxed posture of perfectly balanced whole body power connected in unison with springy energy spiraling through the physical body movement. the essential difference between meeting force with external ridged strength as opposed to internal energy is when resisting force with force you engage the attacker on his/her terms. Whereas, when using SOFT internal energy, you deny both your attacker's expectations and the object of his/her attack: Yourself. Through daily practice the practitioner acquires startling speed and focused strength with superior ability to apply effortlessly the six basic principles unique to the Yon Ch'uan System. These basic principles are redirection, evasion, quartering, entrapment, absorption and reflection. These basic principles are able to be applied to both the practioners life experiences and self-defense training. The system teaches students to avoid physical force, whenever possible, but when unavoidable, how to utilize the escalation of force to insure personal safety. Students develop realistic confidence!
Three Zone Defense Theory
The Yon Ch'uan Martial Arts System incorporates three zones of self-defense training. The Three Zone Defense theory is a seemingly simple action, however it is loaded with subtleties that require years of practice to perform them succinctly with total relaxed mind/intent and body integration. Mind/intent is the neutral point between cause and effect. As you relax the mind and body to reduce tension, your physical body and conscious mind will find a neutral point between cause and effect so that your thoughts can cleanly and succinctly be expressed through unconscious physical action.
The First Zone (physical contact applied) and Second Zone operate within the sphere of the practioner's physical space and teaches, superior kinetic body alignment and sensitivity training. Classical Chinese Chi Kung rooting methods, mid-line blocks and parries, throws, submission holds, pressure points, locks, escapes and counters are an integral part of the First and Second Zone training methods.
Three Zone Defense Philosophy
The Yon Ch'uan defense principles emphatically instill not to meet force with force, but rather yield and overcome aggression through the redirection of force, restraints and submission holds, evasion, absorption, reflection and escapes. In like manner the Second Zone, within the sphere of the practioner's physical space is sometimes the most difficult zone of defense to defend from compassion because of lag-time reaction. The use of an ancient anatomy charting method which loosely translates as "mid-line quartering" allows the practioner to maintain control of the attackers midline and with skillful ability neutralize and immobilize the aggressor with minimal effort or bodily harm to the aggressor. The same defense principles apply for the Third Zone, not within reachable space of the aggressor's attack. The practioner learns how to utilize an attacker's strength and weaknesses to effect easy-to-use escape skills and to avoid injury. Maximum efficiency of self-defense skill is realized through economy of movement and least muscle resistance.
"Those who set out to learn the exercise, do not misjudge the value of The Chinese Five Word Song."
Verses 133-134
"The Chinese Five Word Song" was written by Master Li Tung Fung during the early part of China's Sung Dynasty. Master Li learned Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Liu Ho Pa Fa Ch'uan Fa) from Master Chen Hsi-I, creator of the martial art and health exercise. Master Li Tung Fung took refuge in the mountain of Yun, southeast from the Lok district. While living on Yun, he authored the famous Chinese Five Word Song, which serves today as the only extant treatise explaining the principles of the original Liu Ho Pa Fa.
Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan was a closed-door martial art for almost 1,000 years. Master John Chung Li opened the door to hundreds of students in China, the United States and Europe. Master Li translated The Chinese Five Word Song and added his commentary to each of the 134 verses to help students understand the truth within Internal Martial Arts.
We are extremely pleased to announce the publication of The Chinese Five Word Song. It's filled with tremendous insights into the philosophy and guiding principles of Internal Martial Arts from one of the true masters of the 20th Century.
You can purchase "The Chinese Five Word Song" from top online book sellers (Barnes and Noble, Borders Books, Amazon.com and Books A Million).
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