Your e-mail as you typed it is not working.
Printable View
Here are ten techniques that are all found in the three major versions of Beng Bu:
01. The initial dodging step and strike.
02. The left thrusting palm strike followed by the step and right insert fist strike.
03. The right coiling elbow strike followed by a right crushing strike.
04. The left single or double palm strike to the rear followed by the arm lock.
05. The left thrusting palm strike and right insert fist strike followed by the arm lock.
06. The left sky facing elbow strike.
07. The eye gouge with two fingers.
08. The right hook hand strike or throw.
09. The double rubbing palms.
10. The final right waist chop.
I listed the techniques in their order of appearance in the three variations of the form. Note that all three forms have the techniques in the same order.
It was about nine years ago that I began studying the various versions of Beng Bu. In time I came to believe that there were three main lines that each of the variations fell within.
Now, after years of study and discussions with praying mantis practitioners around the world, I have come to the following conclusions:
The three versions of Beng Bu practiced today can probably be attributed to Jiang Hualong (as passed down by Cui Shoushan and his many other students), Sun Yuanchang (as passed down by Ren Feng Rui) and Wang Yunsheng (as passed down by Fan Xudong).
Each may have been initially inspired by the teaching of Liang Xuexiang, whose version is the earliest, verifiable, documented version of the form. Masters Jiang and Sun were disciples of Liang Xuexiang, so they would have received the teaching directly from Master Liang. While Wang Yunsheng was a friend of Jiang Hualong and may have adopted the form into his Qixing curriculum from the Meihua line of tanglangquan.
The original foundation of "beng bu" may have existed as a form or simply a group of shou fa/mi shou taught by Liang Xuexiang.
However, masters Jiang, Sun and Wang seem to be responsible for the direction and distinct flavor of each version as they expanded on the core techniques and/or the original structure of the ancient Beng Bu.
there is a copy of jiang hua long's quan pu floating around somewhere in yantai, but not sure whos got it or what's contained in it. zhou shifu told me he saw it before and it was very simple.
if we could find that, it would give us a clue as to what changes were made since jiangs time
Yes, that would be wonderful to see.
Changes are inevitable I think. Even if everyone were using the exact same quanpu there could be many variables.
For example, Cui Shoushan's quanpu gives the first move as 闪 步 闪 肋 臂 - shǎn bù shǎn lèi bì - Dodging Step, Dodge Ribs & Arm. Yet let's look at how three instructors interpret the same verse.
Zhou Zhendong executes double sweeping palm blocks as he steps out with his left foot. He ends in a left Small Hill Climbing stance with his left hand held in front of the right side of his chest and extends his right hook hand forward to strike the opponent in the groin.
Xia Shaolong executes a left hook hand grab to the enemy's wrist as he steps out with his left foot. He ends in a left Small Hill Climbing stance with his left hand held high in a raised hook hand and extends his right hook hand forward to strike the opponent in the groin.
Sun Zhibin executes two sets of double sweeping palm blocks as he steps out with his right foot. He ends in a right Small Hill Climbing stance with his left hand held in front of his right shoulder and extends his right hook hand forward to strike the opponent in the groin. Sun emphasizes that the right foot, left palm, right shoulder and right hook hand strike should all be lined up precisely.
Though each instructor uses the same verse for the movement, the footwork, blocking movement and final left hand positions vary.
While these small differences may seem insignificant, multiply the changes found in one verse by the number of verses in an entire form and the forms can begin to look quite different.
I may be oversimplifying your thesis, but I disagree with this statement of yours that I have highlighted.
I think Jiang Hualong altered Beng Bu and the majority of Beng Bu forms do not descend from him.
I don't think that HK Taiji tang lang and 7 Star Beng Bu descend from him.
Furthermore, other teachers with connections to Jiang Hualong dont even have beng bu
Li KUnshan
Zhang Dekui
Wei Shaotang -Eight Step Mantis
Ilya Profitilov once presented a more compelling hypothesis based on his research:
Jiang Hualong altered Beng Bu himself and that altered version was passed down the lineage of Cui Shoushan, Wang Yushan, Song Zide.
You didn't quote my full statement. Here is what I said:
I think it is possible that Jiang may have altered Beng Bu, but it cannot be said with certainty until we see a copy of his quanpu or have some other type of documentary evidence. So, my conclusion doesn't disagree with Ilya's in any way. I would just like to see more evidence.
I also doubt the Jiang had anything to do with the Beng Bu that was passed down from Sun Yuanchang. I did not say, nor infer that.
I agree that the idea that Wang Yunsheng may have received Jiang's Beng Bu and altered it is pure conjecture. Though it could be a possibility. And I think the idea should be explored by Qixing lineage practitioners.
The fact that some of Jiang's students do not teach Beng Bu is irrelevant to my conclusions. Though the fact is interesting.
I appreciate your feedback! I always find your research interesting.
I posted my "conclusions" for the express purpose of peer review. So, if someone can present facts that prove my theories wrong, I welcome the discussion. :) I am only looking for THE truth, not MY truth.