Chang Quan

Chang Quan (长拳), or "long boxing", is the generic name given to a large number of styles originating in northern China (it is also called Bei Quan, or "northern boxing"). According to certain ancient texts, the origin of Chang Quan is traced back to the first emperor of the Song dynasty, Taizu ( 960-976 ).

He is said to have studied several forms of long-range combat and to have classified them into 32 distinct forms. Then, according to the historical records, we find a more detailed classification of this style under the Qing dynasty.

But it was under the Ming dynasty ( 1368-1644 ) that Chang Quan took on its almost definitive form.

General Qi Jignang and the Kung Fu teacher Cheng Chong Dou analysed the various existing forms of long boxing, as well as Emperor Taizu’s classification (known as Zhoa Taizu Chang Quan), and thus laid the structured foundations of this school.

They created a warm-up method as well as various specific exercises so that practitioners could develop the suppleness and the tone required by this school. This school is generally practised in a straight line, with a very wide amplitude of movement.

This boxing deploys its strength in fighting at medium and long range. Chang Quan boxing is abundant in content, rational in attack and defence, and varied in its movements. This form focuses on practicability and also on simple, direct sequences.

It is said that Chang Quan is long-range combat, and that long-range combat is Chang Quan. Chang Quan is a boxing style very well known in the martial arts world and widely spread.