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July 2011

The Origins of Chun Yuen Quan

Chun Yuen Quan (or elegant set fist) is actually a modern name for a set of unique traditional Chinese martial art skills that were taught to Master Michael Tse by the late Grandmaster Wu Chun Yuen (1925-2002). Their history is shrouded in mystery, but the skills originated from the Northern Shaolin Temple before being heavily influenced by the Peking Opera (unlike Western opera, Chinese opera performers were required to be very strong, flexible and proficient in martial arts). In the early 1930s, these skills were passed down to Master Wang Ping, a leading exponent in the Peking Opera, who in turn taught Wu Chun Yuen in the 1950s. Originally the routines were simply known as 'Shaolin Quan', but following the death of Grandmaster Wu in February 2002 (who still practised at 77 years of age!), my Sifu decided to name these skills Chun Yuen Quan (Chun Yuen Fist).

Chun Yuen Quan is good for your health. It is suitable for men and women of all ages and abilities, and will help to develop your strength, posture, flexibility and balance.

In the Chun Yuen Class you will learn the following routines:

• Chun Yuen Warm-Up; Levels I, II & III
• Xing Shou (Style Hand)
• Da Bei Gong (Great Sadness)
• Da Mo Staff

Warm-UPs

These exercises are the first routines to be learned in the Chun Yuen class. They work in a systematic way to warm-up the body, open the joints, stretch the muscles and help prevent injury. They can be performed at different levels (high, medium or low) to reflect the ability and progress of the student.

Forms

Xing Shou (形手) is the first form of Chun Yuen Quan, which trains the basic stances and the importance of correct posture; whilst the second form, Da Bei Gong (大悲功), promotes coordination and the release of negative Qi. These forms are fun to learn and will help to improve your strength and flexibility.

Later on, there are other forms, such as 5 Tigers Breaking the Gate Knife, Green Dragon Sword and Mi Ju Quan (Secret Ancestor Fist).

少

林

俊

元

拳

Master Tse said, "In remembrance of my Sifu, Grandmaster Wu, and also because of its traditional history, I call the skill Chun Yuen Quan, because he took such care to keep the skill alive."