Tsuruken
04-12-2001, 05:04 AM
FEEDING CRANE KUNG-FU
By: Paul Wollos. Crane-Fist Adviser: Kokusai Okinawa Butoryu Gohokan
1. Feeding Crane: Brief History - China
Based on information received from Lio, Chin-Long Shifu (Headmaster of Shihequan / Feeding Crane Fist), and book of his father Lio, Yin-Shan Shifu: "Zhengzhong Nanpai Shaolin: Paihemen Shihequan" ("The Orthodox/Original Southern Shaolin Style: White Crane Gates - Feeding Crane Fist"). All information here comes from "Shaolin Bronze Man Book".
Originally, Feeding Crane Fist, uses terms in Chinese dialect called Taigi, used in a south, in places such Fukien, and Taiwan. Thus I will provide all names in both, Taigi, and Madarin Chinese.
1.THE ORIGINS OF WHITE CRANE
At the beginning of Chin dynasty in Jiolien Mountains (Fukien province of China), the temple of Shaolin became a place of conflict between opressed nation (supported by Shaolin Buddhist Monastery in Southern China) and the government of foreign origins, the Mongols. The government therefore ordered to burn the temple. Monks who escaped death had to run away.
After the destruction of Shaolin one monk named Fongn, Huei-shi escaped, and hided in Fuzhou branch of Shaolin. He possessed the knowledge of Shaolin Shipa Lohan Quan (18 Monk Fists) style. Fong, Huei-shi had a daughter named Chi Nian, who lived in Bizuei Lien-An in Shaolin Temple. Since childhood she learned Wushu from her father. Chi Nian was very fast learner, improving so quickly, that she understood the sentence of Shaolin Wushu in only four years.
It is said that Fong, Hue-Shi was murdered by neighboring village’s members, who were jealous for his Quanfa (Fist Art) skills. From that moment on, Fong, Chi-Nian promised herself to revenge her father.
On one day, while on a way back from the river where she was washing clothes, she saw a white crane sitting on the roof. Worried that bird may dirt her washing, she tried to scare it away with a stick. White attempting to hit crane's head, bird suddenly moved, sliding his body away and blocking the attack with his wing.
Bird swiftly defended itself from Chi-Nian attacks. The crane used to come back everyday to fight with her.
From crane’s attack and defence Chi-Nian derived her methods of defence and combined the way of the white crane (female small step techniques) and Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands to create a complete system, Bai Ho Men / Pai He Men.
The legend says that this crane was indeed a deity of Beihopai / Paihepai (White Crane Style) who descending to earth took form of a crane body to teach Chi-Nian its method.
Beihomen / Paihemen Description
To describe Beiho / Paihe we can use a living crane in the nature to picture it: that means if crane wants to eat (Shi), he must look for food, and in order to do so he needs to fly (Hui/Fei), whoop (Mien/Min) and sleep (Su). White Crane (Beiho/Paihe) after eating (Shi) will fly (Hui), and doing so he will also whoop (Mien), finally returning to rest in sleep (Su). Therefore Beihomen has the methods of flying, eating, whooping and sleeping, and any kind of method.
Representing Quanfa (called Goontao/Kuntao in Taiwan) we could describe Paihemen in four styles:
Beihomen Huihogoon / Paihemen Feihequan - represents open ways and flying, emphasizing high positions in forms and "long hand" practice.
Beihomen Mienhogoon / Paihemen Minhequan - represents the whoop, or a sound of a crane, emphasizing the power of a breathing in and out.
Beihomen Suhogoon / Paihemen Suhequan - represents the claws of a living crane, emphasizing single leg stances.
Beihomen Shihogoon / Paihemen Shihequan - represents all ways of crane's body movements.
Shihogoon possesses all ways of Beihomen. Crane needs to fly, sleep, whoop - all for a single aim - to feed himself. As all creatures, it needs food to survive it is unchangeable truth.
2. WHITE CRANE KUNG-FU : FEEDING CRANE STYLE
Perhaps many wonder about the techniques being used in Feeding Crane Fist (Shihogoon / Shihequan), and similarities to other Crane schools, both: in China and Okinawa.
I cannot really speak about Tsuruken of Okinawa, neither much about other styles of Crane Fist in China.
The original styles of Crane Fist (as descended from the founder: Fong, Chi-Nian) are the following:
- Flying Crane / Huihogoon / Feihequan
- Whooping Crane / Mienhogoon / Minhequan
- Sleeping Crane / Suhogoon / Suhequan
- Feeding Crane / Shihogoon / Shihequan
Feeding Crane Fist’s basics look very simple. There are actually very few of them. However, it takes a good deal of practice to achieve a real power in them. Power used in Shihogoon cannot be muscular. All movements are performed with complete relaxation. At the beginning students are required to perform them without any power, in sort of soft, loose movement. This way the "life power" (as opposed to "dead power" of some other Chinese MA) can be achieved.
I will name the techniques using Taiwanese language (Taigi) terms, as it is the way I was taught..
There are only 2 major stances. One training stance: Mbepo (Mabu in Chinese / Kibadachi in Japanese); one fighting as well as training stance: Saga mbepo (Sanjia mabu / similar to Sanchindachi, but feet point forward). The ultimate stance is actually... no stance at all - just simply standing relaxed.
There are 5 major basic techniques, named after 5 elements of Chinese philosophy:
1. Gimchiu (Jinshou / Metal Hands) - performed using strike with top of the hands.
2. Bokchiu (Mushou / Wood Hands) - striking with fingertips
3. Tsuichiu (Shueishou / Water Hands) - using outer and forward movement of inner parts of forearms.
4. Hueichiu (Huoshou / Fire Hands) - palms' strike, similar to Japanese Mae-Mawashi-uke, but finishing differs.
5. Tochiu (Tushou / Earth Hands) - fists strikes.
Frome here, all other methods and variations are developed.
However, given that we have an explanation and even images, it is still impossible to learn them without a teacher (believe me, I've tried...).
There were originally 21 forms in Feeding Crane Fist. The sad fact is that only 12 survived until today. However, my teacher, Lio, Chin-Long Shifu, says that all techniques and methods of Shihogoon are contained in only these 12 forms. Others are rather a combinations.
Additionally to forms (Teu-Goon), we have also "pre-forms", a combinations called Him. These are just basic techniques performed in series of movements.
3. FEEDING CRANE FIST: DEFENSIVE TACTICS
In Shihequan we have only one combative stance, so called "triangle horse stance" (saga mbepo). From there main shifting movement is excutes: pivoting to face opponent sideway in order to enter or move away from his line of attack. There are also additional movements, such as side entry (similar to aikido's irimi), plus moving forward and backward.
Shihequan theory is to absorb opponent's power, style, and use them agaist him. In hard part of Shihogoon, every block and strike should be performed with 100% of power, so even simple block is painful to receive.
However, there also exists a "soft" part, where very light blocking techniques are used.
Many movements of the Feeding Crane actually resemble "female"-like approach to the attack. Many movements, steps, etc, all are rather strange in their nature and outlook, therefore we believe, that Shihogoon may be the original Crane System as developed by Fong, Chi-Nian.
Use of fists is preferred, however there are also finger strikes, open palm, elbows, shoulders, entire body serves as weapon.
Initial block should serve already as a shock to opponent as to weaken his further attacks, however, almost every block is followed by strike or series of offensive movements, violent in their nature.
"We, in Shihogoon, are the actual Feeding Crane. Behave like that crane. Eat attacker bit by bit. Eat his eyes, ears, throat. Always move for final kill. Absorb any skills that may help you - because it's Feeding Crane - the style to which anything can be absorbed, if it serves as means of defense" - Lio, Chin-Long.
There are no traditional weapons taught in Feeding Crane Style. Every weapon, any object, can be treated as hand's extenstion, let it be stave, sword, or…a pen. The same power and principles are employed in all techniques.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is taught additionally to Martial Art aspects. All history and principles of Shihogoon are contained in a book "Shaolin Tongjen Bu" (Shaolin Bronze Man Book), which in 70% is dedicated to herbal medicine rather than martial arts.
4. THE FEEDING CRANE FIST - CHARACTERISTICS
"Inside soft, outside hard"
The school of Feeding Crane looks hard from outside, but inside it presents the elements of softness, gentleness and peace.
Hard:
The power comes from relaxation, real strength comes from softness.
Applying interchanging theory of soft - hard breathing can bring most astonishing results in form of defeating against a great threat. The soft breath can take power from the enemy and reverse it against him, in a form of attack with hard breath, or hard power (Gong).
Shihogoon's breathing methods used in forms are in total harmony and balance. When exhaling crane creates special sound, which is not a force but comes from natural breath power. This is a specific point used only in Shihogoon and not present in other arts.
Some people think that Northern Styles (Beipai) of Chinese Kuoshu are powerful styles, while Southern Styles (Nanpai) have not much power. Others think that Beipai use speed and Nanpai use power. The truth is that in Nanpai (Southern Styles) the power is used in two ways: Death Force and Life Force. Death Force is hard, stiff, straight, tense, with lack of changes. Active power is the Life Force, which is flexible, and rich in changes, so Hard-Soft Power (Gong-Ju) is stiffen yet always changing.
When Shihogoon attacks it uses mainly active power, because from a short distance to attack with passive force will bring no results. In other words using Feeding Crane’s Life Force only, can result in specific body shock, and Death Force alone cannot achieve that result.
From self-defence point of view Beipai Quanshu use mostly all power of Yin and Yang, with a lot of distraction tactics in order to defend.
Equally, Shihogoon uses External Force (Waigong) changing to Yin-Yang in order to create distraction in particular situation. If one wishes to use Internal Force (Neigong) alone in self-defence, one must spend a very long time of practice. However, if you practice External Strength (Waigong) and use herbal medicine, in relatively short time you may strengthen the weak points of your body through practice. The way of incredible defence tactics has extraordinary methods to attack the enemy.
In Shihequan there is a special scale used:
~ Weak can overcome the strong (Ssiliam bo chienchin) ~ attacking the enemy with little use of power
~ To absorb power (Yili jioli) ~ using enemy's power against him
~ To absorb style (Yimen jiomen) ~ to attack the enemy in his own style, follow his action and find the weak points to attack (observing his movements will show you his weakness)
Shihequan also includes soft Quanfa, and one can practice can practice it despite of age or sex; additionally this art's movements are small, therefore one can easily practice it at home.
"Feed the soldier for one thousand days to use him for just one day".
5. Meaning of the Fist (Quan):
As the opponent attacks crane has in his arsenal not only defence, but also variety attacks. When the enemy starts his defence, you must continue to attack him, eventually attacking while being attacked. Therefore the meaning of Shiho (Feeding Crane) is not only to chase and attack its victim but also to kill that creature, in order to eat it. As we can see Shiho Goontao already includes all four elements of White Crane School (Flying, Whooping, Sleeping, Feeding). Fong, Chi-Nian has created a technique called Suei Pohuat (Lady Step Method), making Shihogoon to have smaller movements, thus requiring very high level of skill to understand its secrets, being rich in defence and offence used in fusion. Therefore we could say that Shihogoon is the essence and central point of the entire White Crane System.
Kuntao of Huiho (Fying Crane), Mienho (Whooping Crane), Suho (Sleeping Crane) and Shiho (Feeding Crane) were created by Fong, Chi-Nian in Shaolin Temple (in a place named Bizuei Lien-An). Shihogoon is sometimes considered as style named Shimen Lienhuat Goon / Shimen Lienhua Quan - Four School Lotus Fist.
”Fly like a Phoenix opening its wings
Whoop as you were singing with head raised high
Sleep like a huge bear unawaken
Eat like a White Crane does - using its beak.”
Based on:
"Nanpai Shaolinquan - Miquan Paihemen Shihequan" by Lio, Yin-Shan Shifu "Shaolin Bronze Man Book" - brought from Shaolin by Master Lin, De-Sun, and given to Lio-Gu Shifu. Conversation with Lio, Chin-Long Shifu and Lio, Song-Shan Shifu
6. Feeding Crane - Short history - Taiwan
1.THE LEGEND OF CRANE FIST & OTHER STYLES IN TAIWAN
The Crane Fist (Hequan) on Taiwan includes the following styles:
- Deng-gi Hogoon / Zhang-zhi Hequan - Long Technique Crane Fist
- De-gi Hogoon / Tuan-zhi Hequan - Short Technique Crane Fist
- Tzionghogoon / Tzonghequan - Jumping Crane Fist
- Feihequan – Flying Crane Fist
- Dokkahogoon / Dujiaohequan - Single Leg Crane Fist
- Daitzohogoon / Taitsuhequan - Great Ancient Crane Fist
- Yongtsun Hegoon / Yongchun Hequan – Yong Chun Village Crane Fist
Some others, like Mienhogoon (Whooping Crane), were also introduced much earlier, however seem to be no longer present on Taiwan.
All these styles have their own good points. Many combined White Crane Fist with other Kung-Fu styles. Actually, when Beiho Goontao / Paihe Quanfa was created, there were only four major schools: Huihogoon, Mienhogoon, Suhogoon and Shihogoon.
In the year 11th (counted from the origins of independent Taiwan, the year 2001 is Taiwan’s year 90), four masters of Crane Fist arrived on Taiwan from mainland China's Fuzhou city. They were:
- Great Master Er-Gau
- Great Master Yi-Gau
- Great Master A-Fong
- Great Master Lin, De-sun
Master Er-Gau taught in Taichung, Yi-Gou taught in Huwei, A-Fong in Xhinyin Yenshuei of Tainan.
However, only Master Lin, De-sun (second name: Master Rey) has been invited by Lio family to teach martial arts.
Other three masters were specialists in Flying Crane Goontao. Master Rey specialty was Feeding Crane Goontao. The true tradition of White Crane School in Taiwan was taught by these four masters.
Originally White Crane Fist did not have separate branches or schools. However, many who has learned the original White Crane Fist went to form their own branches of Crane Fist after long time of learning and research. Nowdays every school has different master (each school has their own requirements and syllabus passed from previous generations, yet all based on the same rules), and unique teaching system which is the essence of their Quan-fa.
2.THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHI HE QUAN ON TAIWAN.
After arrival to Taiwan Lin, De-sun, the Master of Shihogoon started to work for sugar company in Jia-yi Nanjing in Tainan province. In 1927, Lio-Gu heard about the skills of that master, at that time employed by him as carpenter. After knowing about the skills of Lin, De-Sun, Lio-Gu immediately invited him and offered a gift, thinking that such chance to meet a real master will not come again. Lio-Gu learned all Shihogoon from Master Lin. It was the time of Japanese occupation on Taiwan. The Japanese government applied very hard pressure policy, which included prevention of practice of any Chinese martial arts. The situation between Chinese and Japanese was getting very tense. Japanese army and police suspected Master Lin of preparing to fight Japanese regime, additionally they knew about his excellent fighting abilities. His reputation of being undefeated was known widely in Chinese community, which caused a growing jealousy, to the point that some who lost against him, went to the Japanese to report against Master Lin, seeking of vengeance. The Japanese police attempted to arrest Lin, De-sun on many occasions, yet unsuccessfully, since his skills in Goontao prevented them every time. Finally Japanese decided to capture him using a gun threat. Original plan was to inject him with some sleeping drug and deport him back to Fuzhou in China. Unfortunately this plan turned into disaster, as the amount of injected substance proved to be too large. Master Lin died on the boat during deportation to China.
After this event the Feeding Crane Fist became Lio family's martial art. My teacher’s grandfather became the only student taught by Master Lin.
It is said that around 1984 Shihogoon had many followers in Taiwan (over 10,000), and it is the biggest school of White Crane. It is however, a claim of Lio, Yin-Shan, quite argumentative.
3. PRESENT SITUATION
To my knowledge, many trained sometimes as little as few days. Some studied longer, but seldom over 1 year, considering Shihogoon to be “boring” and “useless” style. Presently, many of these students turned to be a “masters” of their own schools, named: Paihequan (White Crane Fist), Hexinquan (Crane Element Fist), Tai Paihequan (Great/Original White Crane Fist), Fongchinian-de Paihequan (White Crane Fist of Fong, Chi-Nian), and many others.
Flying Crane, Great Ancient/Ancestral Crane, and Jumping Crane are still practiced in Taiwan. Crane Fist can be divided into 2 major groups: Waigong (External) and Neigong (Internal). Styles like Ancestral Crane are considered to be Waigong. Neigong styles were originally practiced only by aristocrats in China, or very wealthy people. The Feeding Crane falls into this cathegory.
Lio-Gu’ son, Lio,Yin-Shan, allowed 3 foreign students: 2 Japanese (or Okinawan), and one French-Taiwanese. All for promotion of the Feeding Crane Fist, as our society and school name is Buyongkuan / Wuyangkuan (Place of Martial Arts Promotion). However, the results were sad: no school prospered in France (as the student eventually settled in Taiwan), and both of the Japanese stop contact after returning to their home (training Shihequan for about 2-3, but… gaining a permission to publish a book of Lio, Yin-Shan, entitled in Japan: “Hakutsuru-Mon Shokutsuru-Ken”). Contact was lost, and Lio family, feeling betrayed by many students (including Taiwanese), decided to limit outsiders’ entry to the school. This wish was carried by my teacher, Lio, Chin-Long (son of Lio, Yin-Shan and successor of the style), who, after his own experiences with not loyal students, decided to make entry to the style even more difficult, teaching handful of students and his 2 sons. Presently, there are only 2 students, besides Lio Shifu’ sons. However, there are still some living students of Lio-Gu, most of them being in very advanced age, and not teaching or training Shihequan any longer. The style could be completely lost. From 21 original forms, only 12 survived until present day. I’ve heard that Lio-Gu himself advised reduction of the forms in number, due to the fact that all techniques and secrets of the art can be mastered in these 12 forms, the rest were additional combinations or variations. The truth however, will never be known.
In March 2000, after some time of being tested, I was allowed to take part in ceremony called Paishi. It is an official pledge of the student, asking master for permission to be taught, becoming his “internal student” (uchideshi in Japanese, neixiesen in Chinese).
I don’t know what was the actual reason of exception for me, being allowed to learn Shihogoon under it’s present Headmaster, Lio, Chin-Long, but I am forever grateful to my teacher, and will respect his wish always. Right now, Lio, Chin-Long Shifu has decided to give me permission to promote the Feeding Crane outside Taiwan. I hope I will not disappoint him in this difficult task. Maybe one day Shihogoon is appreciated and practiced by many… this is my (and my Shifu’s) greatest wish.
NOTE: Shifu Paul Wollos is the Official Crane-Fist Boxing Adviser to Goninan Shinshii and the Kokusai Okinawa Butoryu Gohokan Karatedo Kyokai ĂŁ. He is authorised to teach the following arts:-
· Paihemen Shihequan / Feeding Crane-Fist (original Lio family style)
· Daito Ryu Aiki-jujutsu
· Baguazhang / Pa Kua Chang (Chen, Pan-Ling style, including empty hands, stave, and double swords, the complete system)
· Xingyiquan / Hsing Yi Chuan (Chen, Pan-Ling style)
· Jiojio Jenkang Gong Qi-Gong (Chen, Pan-Ling creation) Chinese Kuoshu Synthesis (heavily based on Shaolin Quan and Baji Quan - created by group of masters under the leadership of Lio, Yin-Chiao from Wu Tang Martial Arts Association).
· Taijiquan (Chen family)
Besides Taiji, none of above arts were taught outside Japan/Taiwan.
Additionally Shifu Wollos holds a licence to open / practice Chinese Chiropractice (Chinese Kuoshu Deparetment of Sport Injury Rehabilitation).
Shifu Wollos is a member of the Wu Yang (or Wuyangkuan [Buyonkuan in Taiwanese]) - which translates into: “Place of Promotion of Martial Arts”.
Ron Goninan - Chairman
Okinawa Butoryu Gohokan
Australia
By: Paul Wollos. Crane-Fist Adviser: Kokusai Okinawa Butoryu Gohokan
1. Feeding Crane: Brief History - China
Based on information received from Lio, Chin-Long Shifu (Headmaster of Shihequan / Feeding Crane Fist), and book of his father Lio, Yin-Shan Shifu: "Zhengzhong Nanpai Shaolin: Paihemen Shihequan" ("The Orthodox/Original Southern Shaolin Style: White Crane Gates - Feeding Crane Fist"). All information here comes from "Shaolin Bronze Man Book".
Originally, Feeding Crane Fist, uses terms in Chinese dialect called Taigi, used in a south, in places such Fukien, and Taiwan. Thus I will provide all names in both, Taigi, and Madarin Chinese.
1.THE ORIGINS OF WHITE CRANE
At the beginning of Chin dynasty in Jiolien Mountains (Fukien province of China), the temple of Shaolin became a place of conflict between opressed nation (supported by Shaolin Buddhist Monastery in Southern China) and the government of foreign origins, the Mongols. The government therefore ordered to burn the temple. Monks who escaped death had to run away.
After the destruction of Shaolin one monk named Fongn, Huei-shi escaped, and hided in Fuzhou branch of Shaolin. He possessed the knowledge of Shaolin Shipa Lohan Quan (18 Monk Fists) style. Fong, Huei-shi had a daughter named Chi Nian, who lived in Bizuei Lien-An in Shaolin Temple. Since childhood she learned Wushu from her father. Chi Nian was very fast learner, improving so quickly, that she understood the sentence of Shaolin Wushu in only four years.
It is said that Fong, Hue-Shi was murdered by neighboring village’s members, who were jealous for his Quanfa (Fist Art) skills. From that moment on, Fong, Chi-Nian promised herself to revenge her father.
On one day, while on a way back from the river where she was washing clothes, she saw a white crane sitting on the roof. Worried that bird may dirt her washing, she tried to scare it away with a stick. White attempting to hit crane's head, bird suddenly moved, sliding his body away and blocking the attack with his wing.
Bird swiftly defended itself from Chi-Nian attacks. The crane used to come back everyday to fight with her.
From crane’s attack and defence Chi-Nian derived her methods of defence and combined the way of the white crane (female small step techniques) and Shaolin 18 Lohan Hands to create a complete system, Bai Ho Men / Pai He Men.
The legend says that this crane was indeed a deity of Beihopai / Paihepai (White Crane Style) who descending to earth took form of a crane body to teach Chi-Nian its method.
Beihomen / Paihemen Description
To describe Beiho / Paihe we can use a living crane in the nature to picture it: that means if crane wants to eat (Shi), he must look for food, and in order to do so he needs to fly (Hui/Fei), whoop (Mien/Min) and sleep (Su). White Crane (Beiho/Paihe) after eating (Shi) will fly (Hui), and doing so he will also whoop (Mien), finally returning to rest in sleep (Su). Therefore Beihomen has the methods of flying, eating, whooping and sleeping, and any kind of method.
Representing Quanfa (called Goontao/Kuntao in Taiwan) we could describe Paihemen in four styles:
Beihomen Huihogoon / Paihemen Feihequan - represents open ways and flying, emphasizing high positions in forms and "long hand" practice.
Beihomen Mienhogoon / Paihemen Minhequan - represents the whoop, or a sound of a crane, emphasizing the power of a breathing in and out.
Beihomen Suhogoon / Paihemen Suhequan - represents the claws of a living crane, emphasizing single leg stances.
Beihomen Shihogoon / Paihemen Shihequan - represents all ways of crane's body movements.
Shihogoon possesses all ways of Beihomen. Crane needs to fly, sleep, whoop - all for a single aim - to feed himself. As all creatures, it needs food to survive it is unchangeable truth.
2. WHITE CRANE KUNG-FU : FEEDING CRANE STYLE
Perhaps many wonder about the techniques being used in Feeding Crane Fist (Shihogoon / Shihequan), and similarities to other Crane schools, both: in China and Okinawa.
I cannot really speak about Tsuruken of Okinawa, neither much about other styles of Crane Fist in China.
The original styles of Crane Fist (as descended from the founder: Fong, Chi-Nian) are the following:
- Flying Crane / Huihogoon / Feihequan
- Whooping Crane / Mienhogoon / Minhequan
- Sleeping Crane / Suhogoon / Suhequan
- Feeding Crane / Shihogoon / Shihequan
Feeding Crane Fist’s basics look very simple. There are actually very few of them. However, it takes a good deal of practice to achieve a real power in them. Power used in Shihogoon cannot be muscular. All movements are performed with complete relaxation. At the beginning students are required to perform them without any power, in sort of soft, loose movement. This way the "life power" (as opposed to "dead power" of some other Chinese MA) can be achieved.
I will name the techniques using Taiwanese language (Taigi) terms, as it is the way I was taught..
There are only 2 major stances. One training stance: Mbepo (Mabu in Chinese / Kibadachi in Japanese); one fighting as well as training stance: Saga mbepo (Sanjia mabu / similar to Sanchindachi, but feet point forward). The ultimate stance is actually... no stance at all - just simply standing relaxed.
There are 5 major basic techniques, named after 5 elements of Chinese philosophy:
1. Gimchiu (Jinshou / Metal Hands) - performed using strike with top of the hands.
2. Bokchiu (Mushou / Wood Hands) - striking with fingertips
3. Tsuichiu (Shueishou / Water Hands) - using outer and forward movement of inner parts of forearms.
4. Hueichiu (Huoshou / Fire Hands) - palms' strike, similar to Japanese Mae-Mawashi-uke, but finishing differs.
5. Tochiu (Tushou / Earth Hands) - fists strikes.
Frome here, all other methods and variations are developed.
However, given that we have an explanation and even images, it is still impossible to learn them without a teacher (believe me, I've tried...).
There were originally 21 forms in Feeding Crane Fist. The sad fact is that only 12 survived until today. However, my teacher, Lio, Chin-Long Shifu, says that all techniques and methods of Shihogoon are contained in only these 12 forms. Others are rather a combinations.
Additionally to forms (Teu-Goon), we have also "pre-forms", a combinations called Him. These are just basic techniques performed in series of movements.
3. FEEDING CRANE FIST: DEFENSIVE TACTICS
In Shihequan we have only one combative stance, so called "triangle horse stance" (saga mbepo). From there main shifting movement is excutes: pivoting to face opponent sideway in order to enter or move away from his line of attack. There are also additional movements, such as side entry (similar to aikido's irimi), plus moving forward and backward.
Shihequan theory is to absorb opponent's power, style, and use them agaist him. In hard part of Shihogoon, every block and strike should be performed with 100% of power, so even simple block is painful to receive.
However, there also exists a "soft" part, where very light blocking techniques are used.
Many movements of the Feeding Crane actually resemble "female"-like approach to the attack. Many movements, steps, etc, all are rather strange in their nature and outlook, therefore we believe, that Shihogoon may be the original Crane System as developed by Fong, Chi-Nian.
Use of fists is preferred, however there are also finger strikes, open palm, elbows, shoulders, entire body serves as weapon.
Initial block should serve already as a shock to opponent as to weaken his further attacks, however, almost every block is followed by strike or series of offensive movements, violent in their nature.
"We, in Shihogoon, are the actual Feeding Crane. Behave like that crane. Eat attacker bit by bit. Eat his eyes, ears, throat. Always move for final kill. Absorb any skills that may help you - because it's Feeding Crane - the style to which anything can be absorbed, if it serves as means of defense" - Lio, Chin-Long.
There are no traditional weapons taught in Feeding Crane Style. Every weapon, any object, can be treated as hand's extenstion, let it be stave, sword, or…a pen. The same power and principles are employed in all techniques.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is taught additionally to Martial Art aspects. All history and principles of Shihogoon are contained in a book "Shaolin Tongjen Bu" (Shaolin Bronze Man Book), which in 70% is dedicated to herbal medicine rather than martial arts.
4. THE FEEDING CRANE FIST - CHARACTERISTICS
"Inside soft, outside hard"
The school of Feeding Crane looks hard from outside, but inside it presents the elements of softness, gentleness and peace.
Hard:
The power comes from relaxation, real strength comes from softness.
Applying interchanging theory of soft - hard breathing can bring most astonishing results in form of defeating against a great threat. The soft breath can take power from the enemy and reverse it against him, in a form of attack with hard breath, or hard power (Gong).
Shihogoon's breathing methods used in forms are in total harmony and balance. When exhaling crane creates special sound, which is not a force but comes from natural breath power. This is a specific point used only in Shihogoon and not present in other arts.
Some people think that Northern Styles (Beipai) of Chinese Kuoshu are powerful styles, while Southern Styles (Nanpai) have not much power. Others think that Beipai use speed and Nanpai use power. The truth is that in Nanpai (Southern Styles) the power is used in two ways: Death Force and Life Force. Death Force is hard, stiff, straight, tense, with lack of changes. Active power is the Life Force, which is flexible, and rich in changes, so Hard-Soft Power (Gong-Ju) is stiffen yet always changing.
When Shihogoon attacks it uses mainly active power, because from a short distance to attack with passive force will bring no results. In other words using Feeding Crane’s Life Force only, can result in specific body shock, and Death Force alone cannot achieve that result.
From self-defence point of view Beipai Quanshu use mostly all power of Yin and Yang, with a lot of distraction tactics in order to defend.
Equally, Shihogoon uses External Force (Waigong) changing to Yin-Yang in order to create distraction in particular situation. If one wishes to use Internal Force (Neigong) alone in self-defence, one must spend a very long time of practice. However, if you practice External Strength (Waigong) and use herbal medicine, in relatively short time you may strengthen the weak points of your body through practice. The way of incredible defence tactics has extraordinary methods to attack the enemy.
In Shihequan there is a special scale used:
~ Weak can overcome the strong (Ssiliam bo chienchin) ~ attacking the enemy with little use of power
~ To absorb power (Yili jioli) ~ using enemy's power against him
~ To absorb style (Yimen jiomen) ~ to attack the enemy in his own style, follow his action and find the weak points to attack (observing his movements will show you his weakness)
Shihequan also includes soft Quanfa, and one can practice can practice it despite of age or sex; additionally this art's movements are small, therefore one can easily practice it at home.
"Feed the soldier for one thousand days to use him for just one day".
5. Meaning of the Fist (Quan):
As the opponent attacks crane has in his arsenal not only defence, but also variety attacks. When the enemy starts his defence, you must continue to attack him, eventually attacking while being attacked. Therefore the meaning of Shiho (Feeding Crane) is not only to chase and attack its victim but also to kill that creature, in order to eat it. As we can see Shiho Goontao already includes all four elements of White Crane School (Flying, Whooping, Sleeping, Feeding). Fong, Chi-Nian has created a technique called Suei Pohuat (Lady Step Method), making Shihogoon to have smaller movements, thus requiring very high level of skill to understand its secrets, being rich in defence and offence used in fusion. Therefore we could say that Shihogoon is the essence and central point of the entire White Crane System.
Kuntao of Huiho (Fying Crane), Mienho (Whooping Crane), Suho (Sleeping Crane) and Shiho (Feeding Crane) were created by Fong, Chi-Nian in Shaolin Temple (in a place named Bizuei Lien-An). Shihogoon is sometimes considered as style named Shimen Lienhuat Goon / Shimen Lienhua Quan - Four School Lotus Fist.
”Fly like a Phoenix opening its wings
Whoop as you were singing with head raised high
Sleep like a huge bear unawaken
Eat like a White Crane does - using its beak.”
Based on:
"Nanpai Shaolinquan - Miquan Paihemen Shihequan" by Lio, Yin-Shan Shifu "Shaolin Bronze Man Book" - brought from Shaolin by Master Lin, De-Sun, and given to Lio-Gu Shifu. Conversation with Lio, Chin-Long Shifu and Lio, Song-Shan Shifu
6. Feeding Crane - Short history - Taiwan
1.THE LEGEND OF CRANE FIST & OTHER STYLES IN TAIWAN
The Crane Fist (Hequan) on Taiwan includes the following styles:
- Deng-gi Hogoon / Zhang-zhi Hequan - Long Technique Crane Fist
- De-gi Hogoon / Tuan-zhi Hequan - Short Technique Crane Fist
- Tzionghogoon / Tzonghequan - Jumping Crane Fist
- Feihequan – Flying Crane Fist
- Dokkahogoon / Dujiaohequan - Single Leg Crane Fist
- Daitzohogoon / Taitsuhequan - Great Ancient Crane Fist
- Yongtsun Hegoon / Yongchun Hequan – Yong Chun Village Crane Fist
Some others, like Mienhogoon (Whooping Crane), were also introduced much earlier, however seem to be no longer present on Taiwan.
All these styles have their own good points. Many combined White Crane Fist with other Kung-Fu styles. Actually, when Beiho Goontao / Paihe Quanfa was created, there were only four major schools: Huihogoon, Mienhogoon, Suhogoon and Shihogoon.
In the year 11th (counted from the origins of independent Taiwan, the year 2001 is Taiwan’s year 90), four masters of Crane Fist arrived on Taiwan from mainland China's Fuzhou city. They were:
- Great Master Er-Gau
- Great Master Yi-Gau
- Great Master A-Fong
- Great Master Lin, De-sun
Master Er-Gau taught in Taichung, Yi-Gou taught in Huwei, A-Fong in Xhinyin Yenshuei of Tainan.
However, only Master Lin, De-sun (second name: Master Rey) has been invited by Lio family to teach martial arts.
Other three masters were specialists in Flying Crane Goontao. Master Rey specialty was Feeding Crane Goontao. The true tradition of White Crane School in Taiwan was taught by these four masters.
Originally White Crane Fist did not have separate branches or schools. However, many who has learned the original White Crane Fist went to form their own branches of Crane Fist after long time of learning and research. Nowdays every school has different master (each school has their own requirements and syllabus passed from previous generations, yet all based on the same rules), and unique teaching system which is the essence of their Quan-fa.
2.THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHI HE QUAN ON TAIWAN.
After arrival to Taiwan Lin, De-sun, the Master of Shihogoon started to work for sugar company in Jia-yi Nanjing in Tainan province. In 1927, Lio-Gu heard about the skills of that master, at that time employed by him as carpenter. After knowing about the skills of Lin, De-Sun, Lio-Gu immediately invited him and offered a gift, thinking that such chance to meet a real master will not come again. Lio-Gu learned all Shihogoon from Master Lin. It was the time of Japanese occupation on Taiwan. The Japanese government applied very hard pressure policy, which included prevention of practice of any Chinese martial arts. The situation between Chinese and Japanese was getting very tense. Japanese army and police suspected Master Lin of preparing to fight Japanese regime, additionally they knew about his excellent fighting abilities. His reputation of being undefeated was known widely in Chinese community, which caused a growing jealousy, to the point that some who lost against him, went to the Japanese to report against Master Lin, seeking of vengeance. The Japanese police attempted to arrest Lin, De-sun on many occasions, yet unsuccessfully, since his skills in Goontao prevented them every time. Finally Japanese decided to capture him using a gun threat. Original plan was to inject him with some sleeping drug and deport him back to Fuzhou in China. Unfortunately this plan turned into disaster, as the amount of injected substance proved to be too large. Master Lin died on the boat during deportation to China.
After this event the Feeding Crane Fist became Lio family's martial art. My teacher’s grandfather became the only student taught by Master Lin.
It is said that around 1984 Shihogoon had many followers in Taiwan (over 10,000), and it is the biggest school of White Crane. It is however, a claim of Lio, Yin-Shan, quite argumentative.
3. PRESENT SITUATION
To my knowledge, many trained sometimes as little as few days. Some studied longer, but seldom over 1 year, considering Shihogoon to be “boring” and “useless” style. Presently, many of these students turned to be a “masters” of their own schools, named: Paihequan (White Crane Fist), Hexinquan (Crane Element Fist), Tai Paihequan (Great/Original White Crane Fist), Fongchinian-de Paihequan (White Crane Fist of Fong, Chi-Nian), and many others.
Flying Crane, Great Ancient/Ancestral Crane, and Jumping Crane are still practiced in Taiwan. Crane Fist can be divided into 2 major groups: Waigong (External) and Neigong (Internal). Styles like Ancestral Crane are considered to be Waigong. Neigong styles were originally practiced only by aristocrats in China, or very wealthy people. The Feeding Crane falls into this cathegory.
Lio-Gu’ son, Lio,Yin-Shan, allowed 3 foreign students: 2 Japanese (or Okinawan), and one French-Taiwanese. All for promotion of the Feeding Crane Fist, as our society and school name is Buyongkuan / Wuyangkuan (Place of Martial Arts Promotion). However, the results were sad: no school prospered in France (as the student eventually settled in Taiwan), and both of the Japanese stop contact after returning to their home (training Shihequan for about 2-3, but… gaining a permission to publish a book of Lio, Yin-Shan, entitled in Japan: “Hakutsuru-Mon Shokutsuru-Ken”). Contact was lost, and Lio family, feeling betrayed by many students (including Taiwanese), decided to limit outsiders’ entry to the school. This wish was carried by my teacher, Lio, Chin-Long (son of Lio, Yin-Shan and successor of the style), who, after his own experiences with not loyal students, decided to make entry to the style even more difficult, teaching handful of students and his 2 sons. Presently, there are only 2 students, besides Lio Shifu’ sons. However, there are still some living students of Lio-Gu, most of them being in very advanced age, and not teaching or training Shihequan any longer. The style could be completely lost. From 21 original forms, only 12 survived until present day. I’ve heard that Lio-Gu himself advised reduction of the forms in number, due to the fact that all techniques and secrets of the art can be mastered in these 12 forms, the rest were additional combinations or variations. The truth however, will never be known.
In March 2000, after some time of being tested, I was allowed to take part in ceremony called Paishi. It is an official pledge of the student, asking master for permission to be taught, becoming his “internal student” (uchideshi in Japanese, neixiesen in Chinese).
I don’t know what was the actual reason of exception for me, being allowed to learn Shihogoon under it’s present Headmaster, Lio, Chin-Long, but I am forever grateful to my teacher, and will respect his wish always. Right now, Lio, Chin-Long Shifu has decided to give me permission to promote the Feeding Crane outside Taiwan. I hope I will not disappoint him in this difficult task. Maybe one day Shihogoon is appreciated and practiced by many… this is my (and my Shifu’s) greatest wish.
NOTE: Shifu Paul Wollos is the Official Crane-Fist Boxing Adviser to Goninan Shinshii and the Kokusai Okinawa Butoryu Gohokan Karatedo Kyokai ĂŁ. He is authorised to teach the following arts:-
· Paihemen Shihequan / Feeding Crane-Fist (original Lio family style)
· Daito Ryu Aiki-jujutsu
· Baguazhang / Pa Kua Chang (Chen, Pan-Ling style, including empty hands, stave, and double swords, the complete system)
· Xingyiquan / Hsing Yi Chuan (Chen, Pan-Ling style)
· Jiojio Jenkang Gong Qi-Gong (Chen, Pan-Ling creation) Chinese Kuoshu Synthesis (heavily based on Shaolin Quan and Baji Quan - created by group of masters under the leadership of Lio, Yin-Chiao from Wu Tang Martial Arts Association).
· Taijiquan (Chen family)
Besides Taiji, none of above arts were taught outside Japan/Taiwan.
Additionally Shifu Wollos holds a licence to open / practice Chinese Chiropractice (Chinese Kuoshu Deparetment of Sport Injury Rehabilitation).
Shifu Wollos is a member of the Wu Yang (or Wuyangkuan [Buyonkuan in Taiwanese]) - which translates into: “Place of Promotion of Martial Arts”.
Ron Goninan - Chairman
Okinawa Butoryu Gohokan
Australia