Principles and characteristics of Ying Shou Quan

Principles and characteristics of Ying Shou Quan

Ying Shou Quan (Hand of the Eagle) is one of the traditional styles of Chinese martial arts. It is referred to as Eagle Claw (Ying Zhao Quan) because it is reminiscent of the movements of an eagle when executing holds and locking techniques. However, it should be mentioned that Ying Shou Quan does not completely imitate the movements of an eagle, but only takes up the fast and powerful grasping movements of this proud bird. In this sense, traditional Ying Shou Quan differs from the modern eagle style, which has emerged in recent decades and imitates the eagle's flight and external movements and has little to do with martial arts. As already mentioned, Ying Shou Quan is a combination of the systems Yue Shi San Shou and Fan Zi Quan, which is why it is also known today as Ying Zhao Fan Zi. Both styles have their own characteristics and were already famous for their efficiency in combat at the end of the Ming Dynasty. Specifically, Yue Shi San Shou specializes in grasping and locking joints as well as striking and pressing sensitive points on the body (e.g. zhua, da, qin na). Fan Zi Quan is based on a series of continuous attacks, a combination of defensive and offensive movements and alternating techniques (e.g. fanbeng, gunza, gaotiao, diya).

During the Ming Dynasty, Fan Zi Quan was known as Ba Shan Fan (eight rapid changes). Fan (meaning change, turn, twist) is one of the most important features of the techniques used in the Fan Zi system, as it refers to the continuous changes in movement, which are: forward, backward, upward, downward, left, right, single and double changes. The fusion of Yue Shi San Shou and the strongest elements of Fan Zi Quan has made Ying Shou Quan an even more effective martial art. The secrets of its techniques are contained in two sets of fists: the “Fifty Ways of Lian Quan” and the “Ten Ways of Xing Quan”. The essence of the system also includes important forms (tao lu) such as Luo Han Quan, Ba Mian Zhui and Ba Bu Zhui, systematic training of locking techniques (qin na), pre-planned fights between two people (108 dui da), traditional forms with weapons, and a variety of internal exercises (nei gong).

Basic characteristics of the Eagle style technique:

1. Zhua / 抓 / Grasping

Grasping is the most important element of the Eagle technique. A grip can be executed with one or two hands, always actively (gripping and pulling). It is used to grasp the opponent's arm in order to stop their attack or to start one's own attack. An attack often begins with a fist or palm strike that immediately transitions into a grab of the opponent's arm, or with grabbing one arm and immediately striking the other. In addition, grabbing is an attack in itself, in which a sensitive part of the opponent's body, such as the neck, is grabbed or pressure is applied to joints. It is one of the most technically difficult elements, and takes a great deal of practice to master. Instead of grabbing, beginners may also push or pull by using the “hook” (gou shou) or “rake” (ba shou – a variation of grabbing in which the thumb remains closed alongside the other fingers) techniques.

2. Da / 打 / Strike

Strikes are delivered primarily with the fist, palm, forearm, and elbow. Kicks and sweeps are also common, while there are several techniques that utilize the knees, shoulders, and hips. Strikes are fast, explosive, and follow one another in rapid succession, and are almost always combined with grabs and locks. According to the Fan Zi Quan saying, the strikes should be delivered in succession, like fireworks exploding across the sky.

3. Qin na / 擒拿 / Hold and Control

By locking up your opponent, restricting their movement or locking their joints, you can control them or strike them directly. Locks are executed with one or two hands, and it is important that the body is positioned correctly. The execution should be fast and abrupt, with strength and flexibility being extremely important, especially in the wrists. Although locks are important in the Eagle system, it should not be forgotten that the goal is to beat your opponent, not to trap and hold them. Qin-Na techniques are not an end in themselves, but a means to gain an advantage, and should always be accompanied by attacks and strikes.

4. Fan / 翻 / Turning

Rotating In the eagle technique, the term fan refers to alternating blows. They are usually executed by rotating the arm around the elbow joint to deliver several consecutive strikes to different parts of the opponent's body, such as to the head and through the rotation of the arm to the groin or vice versa. The Fan Quan technique from the “Fifty Ways of Lian Quan” is a typical example

5. Beng / 崩 / Smashing

By extending your arm, you can strike your opponent abruptly and with explosive force. It can be used for both attack and defense. You can also perform an explosive Beng strike to “crush” your opponent's fighting position.

6. Zhou / 肘 / Elbow

You can use your elbow or forearm to hit or apply pressure to your opponent. Elbow strikes usually target the chest or face, while elbow pressure is usually applied to the joints, often leading to their dislocation. The use of elbow techniques is even more effective when accompanied by appropriate steps and hip turns.

7. Kao / 靠 / pressing

You can press with your forearm, arm or shoulder (usually on the opponent's arm). Pressing does not produce a hard force, but is executed quickly and at close range in conjunction with a turn of the hip. It is used both in attack and in defense.

Grasping (zhua) is the most important element of Ying Shou Quan technique. There are seven principles applied to its use:

1. Hao / 薅 / Lifting Up

Grab your opponent's arm and lift it abruptly upwards while pulling it backwards. Pull as if you want to dislocate something; this makes it difficult for him to attack and at the same time limits his defense.

2. Na / 拿 / Control

When you and your opponent have crossed arms over each other, hold on to them and control them by blocking them. This works best when one of you has attacked, the opponent is close to you, or has tried to grab your arm.

3. Jiang / 降 / Pull down

Pulling down. If your opponent attacks your chest or stomach area, you can grab them and pull them down and back to throw them off balance.

4. Shou / 守 / Defending

Anticipate Defend yourself while waiting for the opportunity to attack. Frequently release your opponent or provoke them to make the first move, and immediately counter their defensive gap or use the momentum of their strike to your advantage. You can also catch your opponent's hand to stop their attack and use their momentary inertia to launch an immediate attack. The Shou principle is not to be confused with passive defense; rather, it is a method of gaining an advantage over your opponent.

5. Fen jin cuo gu / 分筋错骨 / Separating Muscles and Ligaments, Dislocating Joints

With elbow and forearm grabs, locks and other techniques, you attack your opponent's joints, bones and muscles. This can lead to ligament injuries, tearing of muscles and tendons or dislocation of bones. Successfully applying these techniques can quickly end a fight.

6. Dian xue bi qi / 点穴 闭气 / Pushing the hollow spaces, blocking the air

Grab and press or strike sensitive points on the body and the channels in which the energy flows. Block breathing, press on nerve points, block blood flow in the vessels or qi energy in the channels. These techniques can cause severe pain, numbness, shortness of breath and loss of bodily control, and can even be fatal.

7. Nian yi ru hao mai / 粘衣如号脉 / Clinging to Clothes, Like Taking the Pulse

The principle of nian yi ru hao mai not only refers to the method of grasping, but also to the approach to combat as a whole. The principle can be interpreted as “clinging to the clothes like feeling the pulse” and implies a dual skill: first, you can feel the force and direction of your opponent's blows in direct contact with him, even before they have manifested themselves clearly (ting li = hearing the force), and second, you observe the opponent's movements as a whole. When observing the movements, it is not only about seeing how he moves, but also about perceiving even the smallest change or intensity of his body and expression, if possible. A fighter who has mastered Nian Yi Ru Hao Mai is able to recognize his opponent's intentions, which gives him the ability to defend and attack more effectively. It requires excellent technique, physical prowess and expertise, as well as high spiritual development. Fighters like Liu Shi Jun and Chen Zi Zheng, who had developed this skill, could incapacitate any opponent unable to attack as they wanted to, or “steal” their strength and use it against them to win without the opponent knowing how it happened. In this way, they confirmed the saying: “Shou jian shou wu chu zou” When the hands cross, there is no escape.

Seven types of power are used in the eagle technique:

The seven different types of power used in the eagle style are mostly interconnected. The type of power used in each strike depends on the technique you want to use and your opponent's reaction.

1. Yin li / 阴力 Hidden or inner strength

It has no obvious form, the blows are not violent; momentum and intensity are not easily recognized.

2. Yang li / 阳力 Apparent or external strength

It has an obvious form, the blows are hard, easily distinguished and have a longer range to cover. 3. Gang li / 刚力 Hard power, abrupt and very dynamic, with a greater range of motion.

4. Rou li / 柔力 Soft power, low, without obvious form, rich in changing movements

5. Tan li / 弹力 Explosive power with abrupt flicking movements

The intensity of the blows, which are not hard, is immediately alleviated. They have an “elastic” force (like a spring that shoots up).

6. Cun li / 寸力 Force at close range

The blows are precise and the force is delivered at close range by striking forward and quickly pulling the hand back.

7. Cui li / 脆力 Sharp Power It explodes clearly and quickly and penetrates the target. It is hard, but not as rough as the Gang Li. In general, one should avoid using a force that is too hard and rough (meng li / 猛力) or a complete and uninterrupted force (quan li / 全力). The reason for this is that it is difficult to control one's movements, to retreat or to change one's technique quickly enough when using these forces, and it is therefore easier for the opponent to control you. The goal of every Adlertraining student must be to master the various strengths that are the basis for the successful application of fighting techniques. Teacher Guo Xian He gives us some examples of where the seven strengths can be used (Guo 1987, pp. 28, 29): a. The Yin and Cui strengths are used for throws, locks (qin na) and techniques with the elbow (zhou kao). b. The Yin and Cun strengths are used for grabs (zhua). c. For palm-twisting strikes and abrupt strikes (fan beng), use tan strength or a combination of tan, yang, and gang strengths. d. For strikes with hand movement (shuai), use the tan strength. e. For attacks (da), use the yin, yang, gang, tan, cun, and cui strengths, or a combination of these, depending on the situation. However, you should never use rou strength to strike, unless you use it in combination with other strengths. Regarding grabbing, he says: “When you perform a forward grab (zhi diao), the force must be released when your fingers begin to bend to form the grab. This way, the cun strength is more efficient. When you turn your wrist to perform the grip (zhua), you should release the force at the moment your fingers almost touch your opponent's arm. In this way, the hidden power of yin becomes visible through the technique.” The development of force (both absolute and relevant) can be accelerated by traditional strength training methods (such as exercises with resistance equipment, weights, etc.). In addition, development can also be accelerated by special internal and external exercises (Nei Gong and Wai Gong) that are performed in Chinese martial arts. By training in Ying Shou Quan, you not only strive for maximum development of your strength, speed and technique, but also train the “spirit” (chen jing) and “naturalness” (zi ran). By spirit, we mean inner composure and peace, which should make a martial artist special: the psychological and mental state should help you to “withstand the collapse of the greatest mountain without blinking”. Naturalness refers to your own movements and positions, which should be in line with your body anatomy, with the breathing cycle and energy flow, and with the reactions to your opponent's movements. Based on the principles of chen jing and zi ran, you must strive to unify your hand (fast), gaze (sharp), body (agile), step (light), and concentration, balancing in a natural sense between the states of movement and rest, intensity and composure, avoiding impatience and haste. The “Eagle” is a dynamic and fast system that combines skill and explosiveness in its techniques. It is a wonderful martial art without complex movements and movements that have been designed for the optics, it has simple and concise techniques. The principles on which Ying Shou Quan are based were formed over time by many great teachers of our family. The efficiency of the system in combat is expressed by this saying: “Chu ru you men jin tui you fa” - There is a door for entering and leaving; there is a way in and out.