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The original system of Daoqiquan, as taught to the Li family from 1600-1610, was comprised of the following: Five Circles Six Stances Double-edged Sword Snake Boxing Heron Boxing After generations of developing Daoqiquan, Li Family masters began the process of integrating other martial systems they found to be useful in their capacity as professional body and caravan guards (Baobiao). Master Li, Pajing (1655-1750) married the Daoqiquan system of Five Circles and Six Stances to spear and staff methods. Master Li, Fangfeng (1700-1790) did the same with the three-section staff and saber. Master Li, Zhanglai (1850-1946) introduced the Li Family methods of Zhan Zhuang (standing qigong) as well as firearms. His son, Li, Longdao (1880-1980) was an excellent pistol shot with the 9mm Mauser and is believed to have studied Dachengquan/Yiquan and have made use of these principles. In a similar process, the Li family eventually absorbed the "Big Three" of the internal arts: Baguazhang, Taijiquan and Xingyiquan. The results are martial styles unique to Li Family Daoqiquan. Master Li, Zhanglai (1850-1946) developed Jiulong ("Nine Dragon") Baguazhang from his cousin Li, Chingyuen's Daoist method of Baguazhang after living with him at Emei Mountain. Nine Dragon Baguazhang consists of learning how to utilize a series of palms or upper body positions and eight stances or stepping patterns for the lower body as special exercises to stimulate internal energy for health and martial power. The method of learning combative tactics in Jiulong Baguazhang begins with walking the circle holding the postures and visualizing the image of the associated Gua to create a mind energy link. This is like our Zhan Zhuang standing practice, only while circle walking. Later one learns to change from one posture to another matching the flow of movement, stepping and turning of the body with the changing of the palms to create tremendous whole body force or Jin. In this way the postures become paths of energy movement, permeating the total psychological and physiological makeup of the student. Now the student is ready to walk and change visualizing one or more imaginary opponents attacking from different angles. The goal here is to use the changes, turns, spins and flexibility to evade, strike, throw and lock the phantom opponents while walking around and through the circle. The practice now resembles a standard martial art form, except this "form" evolves and changes each time it is practiced. Beginners do this at a very slow pace paying attention to matching stepping with body and arm actions. These methods are further tested through increased intensity with the addition of partners, increased speed, training tools and/or challenging terrain. Master Li, Renma (1801-1913) developed the Li Taijiquan style by combining Chen and Yang Taijiquan with the Five Circles and Six Stances of Daoqiquan. Taijiquan is practiced daily by millions of people around the world for its benefits to health and relaxation. As a health exercise, taijiquan has been scientifically proven to stimulate the nervous system, improve balance, lower blood pressure, tone muscles and induce relaxation. Less well known is Taijiquan's martial side. Using "softness overcomes hardness" or "4 ounces to move 1000lbs" and guidelines, the Taijiquan practitioner seeks to neutralize any incoming attack and then to exploit the resultant imbalance. Li Family Taijiquan has three levels. Level one focuses on health and students will learn a series of postures linked in sequence to create a flowing exercise...smooth, continuous and round. Levels two and three introduce the martial principles through a series of solo and partner drills. Fast movement, multiple attackers and weapons are all addressed as the practitioner masters the foundational practices of Li Family Taijiquan. The first of the "Big Three" to be brought in to the Li Family method was Xingyiquan. Master Li, Zhang-Fu (1739-1829) called his merging of Xingyiquan and Daoqiquan "Lightning Fist Xingyiquan". This system was further refined by Li, Zhang-Lai (1850-1946) and consequently renamed Ziran ("Natural Style") Xingyiquan. Xingyiquan is a no-nonsense fighting system - relatively easy to learn, but difficult and long to master. Proper body mechanics and quieting of the mind and body are of utmost importance to excel in this art. The key to proper body mechanics and a quiet mind is Santi. It is only through the proper, persistent practice of Santi that the practitioner will develop the power for which Xingyiquan is renowned. Born of Santi, the Wuxing ("Five Elements") teach us to bring the qualities developed from stillness into motion. Simple in appearance, the Wuxing hold depth and subtle circularity that requires correct instruction and dedicated practice to realize. The power is generated from the ground with the legs and transmitted through the body and arms. The Xingyiquan stylist strikes with the entire body and mind, not merely the hand. Below you will find an overview of the Daoqiquan methods of Baguazhang, Taijiquan and Xingyiquan. Call or e-mail us today to reserve your space. |
| Baguazhang |  | Taijiquan | | Xingyiquan |
Rolling the Pearl Heaven Palm Lake Palm Fire Palm Thunder Palm Wind Palm Water Palm Mountain Palm Earth Palm Nine Dragon Palm Traditional Weapons Iron Palm Iron Shirt Nine Post Training |
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Five Treasures Short Form Ward Off Roll Back Press/Squeeze Push/Press Down Pluck Split Elbow Power Body Power Li Family Long Form Traditional Weapons |
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Santi Splitting Fist Crushing Fist Drilling Fist Pounding Fist Crossing Fist Five Elements Form Ziranquan Traditional Weapons Nine Post Training |
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