From the website: http://www.satirio.com/ma/article/BeijingChuojiao001.html
Chuojiao Fanzi - Introduction to Master Wu Binlou and Chuojiao in Beijing
by Nephy Perez
Chuojiao Fanziquan (戳脚翻子拳), is the name of Chuojiao from the capital, Beijing of China. It has evolved into distinct features with much of this attributed to its renowned masters. Chuojiao is one of the older boxing methods of China, known for its comprehensive martial skills which emphasise both kick/legs and hands, as well as ground fighting (Ditanquan). In Li County, Hebei Province the great Master Feng Keshan (冯克善), was the private instructor of the Liu family household, at which time he also took on other disciples from the town. One such disciple was Wei Changyi.
Wei Cangyi (魏昌义) was from Jijiazhuang (Jijia Village) in Lixian and when Feng Keshan was in Lixian as the instructor of the Liu family in nearby Zhao duan zhuang, Wei Changyi sought out Master Feng and studied the great art of Chuojiao. Master Wei also travelled to nearby Shanxi province and had picked up skills of various other martial arts. He became a well known martial artist, a famous Biaoshi (Security escorted Logistics Expert) and also was employed as bodyguard for the imperial family. As a result of these posts/careeers, Wei Changyi did not have as many disciples, but did become a renowned fighter. A sample incident is when a famous Xingyi Master Li Fuzhen had a friendly challenge with Wei Changyi, and was so impressed by the powerful kicks of Chuojiao, that he asked Wei Changyi to teach him some methods. Li Fuzhen then developed a set of Yuanyangquan which he incorporated into his branch of Xingyiquan.
The Imperial Legend - Wei Zankui
Wei Zankui (魏赞魁,1854-1951) was the nephew of Wei Chanyi, who studied daily with the great Master for over 10 years and became an expert of the style. There are many legends of Wei Zankui including one in 1900 when the 8 foreign nations inv aded Tianjin, 20,000 Qing soldiers were sent to battle the invaders at Tongzhou Zhangjia Bay. Since Wei Zankui was so skilled in battle he became a captain and lead the soldiers to victory, forcing the foreign armies to retreat. The Foreign armies returned with a greater expanded force. Generals of the Qing armies such as Ma Yukun, Chen Zilin, Zhang Chunfaand others abandoned the battle. Only general Li Binheng was trapped and surrounded. Wei Zankui then led the remaining armies to battle all night long to find a way to out maneuver the foreign armies. Wei Zankui with his Yue Dang(Moon Knives) protected the general Li and the armies to safety. He earned great merit for this feat. After returning to the imperial palace, he also protected the Empress Dowager Cixi to safety to the west of the imperial palace. Again earning merit for his bravery. As a result of these achievements he achieved a great rank (Si Jing Daidao) and Chuojiaofanzi became respected as Yu Fanzi ('Yu' used for imperial purposes).
Wei Zankui was a very direct and did not engage in flattery, once upon a time he travelled to Guanghelou to watch a performance of classical chinese opera and after a dispute with Huang Daizi (a royal family member), he killed one of the parties with the royal family member. As a result he was sent to the army front as punishment. On the way, his group was ambushed and as result, Wei Zankui did not end up going to the front and decided to leave service returning to his birth home in Li County.
After leaving his post, Wei Zankui returned to Li county where he lived in seclusion and accepted some disciples and taught many his Chuojiaofanzi. Wei Zankui was an extraordinary martial artist and therefore gained the nickname if "Iron Leg", he not only could move trees off their roots with a kick but could also withstand iron or cart rolling over his legs.
Even at the advanced age of 94, he could still demonstrate his Chuojiao and ditangquan which includes many aerial tumbles and falls with ease. In 1950, when Wei Zankui was 97 years all his friends and students celebrated his birthday and as a result of his excitement as he stood up to perform some routines of Chuojiao and fell accidently, he felt useless in his age not being able to perform his skilled martial art. Not long after, he passed away. There were countless thousands that came to mourn his passing from all the villages around and all the streets were blocked when his coffin was moved through the towns.
Wei Zankui's disciples included: Wei Xing, Wei Youcai, Wei Xishen, Wu Zhentang, Xiao Chunrong and Wu Binlou. In Li county, the descendants of Wei Zankui which were the majority of the disciples above practiced what is referred to as Li County Chuojiao. An exception was Wu Binlou who taught many in Beijing, his style thereafter referred to as Beijing Chuojiaofanzi.
Beiping Chuojiao Master - Wu Binlou
Wu Binlou (吴斌楼, 1898-1977) was born on the 12th December 1898 in Qijiazhuang, Li county western bridge district with the Baoding municipality. Li county is recognised as one of the Chuo Jiaomartial arts area of concentration and practice. In 1905 Wu Binlou at the age of 6, he commenced the practice of Chuojiao with tutelage from “Iron Leg” Wei Zankui, at the same time he commenced his general education. He studied for ten years Chuojiao, Cunfanzi, Xiaofanzi, Dafanzi, Kaozhanlian and Weapons. In addition he was fortunate to be taught some methods from his grandmaster Wei Chang Yi (Direct Disciple of Feng Keshan).
In 1915,Wu Binlou followed his father to Beijing assisting in the family business. In addition to helping the business, he also trained his martial arts daily. In 1920, he became the Bureau Teacher for the Ren Mau Biao Jue (Ren Mau Security Bureau). In olden days, security bureaus were used to transport goods, property and offer escort security services. They hired the best martial artists to ensure their reputation was maintained. It is during this time that Wu Bin Lou earned the name as “Hua Bian” (Flower Chain Whip) Wu Binlou.
In 1921, the bureau closed down as a result of changes to the economic structure of the region and of commercial enterprising. Since Wu Binlou always intended to complete his studies he returned to Li county in Hebei province and followed his master Wei Zankui in progressing and analysing the deeper aspects of Chuo Jiao. He progressed quickly and improved his knowledge and skill considerably.
Master Wu Binlou was a great talent and at not even thirty years of age grasped the essence of the martial arts, and his uniquely specialised Chuojiao Fanzi was heard across the martial world. In 1935, he was honored amongst other great martial artists such as Heng Shoushan, ZhaoXinyuan, Liu Desheng, Liu Yueting (Qi Family Tongbeiquan), Wang Rongbiao and Shang Yunxiang (Xing Yi Quan) - as the 10 experts of martial arts in Beijing. In that same year, Wu Binlou whilst in Nanjing met with a master Yao Zhiguang from Hubei Province who was descendant from Yao Zhenfang, whom was associated with Wei Changyi from earlier times. This was a great meet and the two masters Wu Binlou and Yao Zhiguang spent much time together researching to re establish the 18 sets of Yanqing Fanzi further enhancing the repetoire of the style. This project was not completed but in addition to Wu binlou adding the set from Yao Zhiguang and one newly created, he also created an additional 9 sets (totalling 11) under the title Yanqing Fanzi Quan.
In 1939, the Japanese armies had encroached parts of Northern China and Wu Binlou was tasked with leading a delegation to Japan to participate in Martial Arts competitions. At the time many martial arts colleagues had tried to persuade him no to go mainly out of concerns of being misinterpreted as support to the Japanese. Wu Binlou thought for long over the matter and finally decided to go proclaiming "This time travelling eastward the intentions are complicated and difficult to assess, irrespectively I want martial arts to bring courage to our nation".
As soon as the delegation arrived to the Tokyo martial arts union which was filled with spectators and military academy personnel. A proud Japanese Yoshimi stood in the ring with a look of arrogance upon the humbly dressed Wu Binlou. The Japanese fighting then screamed with a multitude of punches and hand strikes ferociously, Master Wu resolved the attacks with ease and patience which completely frustrated the fighter. From this frustration the fighter resulted to Jujitsu tecniques and grappling, but yet again Wu Binlou countered them with ease and floored the Japanese to which the crowds reacted loudly. The Japanese fighter had no choice but to resort to kicks (which were not allowed according to the rules) with a multitude sweeping, axing and spinning kicks. Ironically, the master of Chuojiao of kicks themselves was bombarded by a series of kicks that were easily avoided. Master smiled and then showed some of the most amazing series of leg skills from Jiuezi kick, Dengzi kicks and many more which broked down Yoshimi helplessly as he laid on the ground stumbling to stand but then fell down before being able to.There were many such scenes and at this the Japanese were both astounded but humiliated, as victorious in the battlefield they could not defeat the chinese marttial arts.
After returning from Japan by ship - another incident confronted Master Wu Binlou, this time it was with a German who challenged him wielding a sword. With nothing at his side, Master Wu obtained the Long handled pipe (one of the specialised weapons of Chuojiao) and calmly defended, disarmed and defeated the German swordsmen. The proudness shown by both the Japanese and German challenges left a significant impact on Master Wu, who later ensured the importance of humility amongst his students and disciples.
There are many similar stories about about Master Wu, which had cemented his reputation amongst martial arts circles in Beijing. He setup a research society and partcipated in many events in the promotion of traditional chinese martial arts. He promoted an open and humble nature in his students of using the martial arts to establish friendships. In 1977, he passed away ending his miraculous and exemplary life, leaving a legacy in Chuojiao Fanzi Quan. Overview of Chuojiao Fanzi
The contents of Chuojiao Fanzi have much in common with Chuojiao in general which is depicted in our Chuojiao methodology section. Here we therefore outline the content in consideration of that and highlight some key divergences or developments with a focus on the empty hand methods.
Chuojiao Fanzi consists of the following forms contents:
Chuojiao - 9 sequences/routines: The first five are sometimes called Baishe Tuxin (White snake expels poison) and the latter 4 are Huangying Nasu (Eagle catches prey). The first four sequences are close (almost identical) to the Jiu Zhizi (or Wutangzi)i, However the later sequences 5-9 are quite different, being more of a rearrangement of techniques/movements from sequences 1-4 as opposed to new methods which appear in each of the sequences of Jiu Zhizi.
Cun Fanzi - 6 sequences/routines: Cunshou (1 & 2), Taiyangquan, WuFengsuo, Dan Fengquan, and San Jieshou. The Cun Fanzi routines are conceptually similar to the Liu Tang Gen (or Liuhe Gen) of Chuojiao. Both consist of 6 sequences and contain some of the inch and trembling power methods, as well as abundance of basic hand techniques. Some of the kicks and opening/closing sections do not exist in Liu Tang Gen and are likely just stylistic variations with the Beijing Chuojiao Fanzi methods.
Yanqingfanzi - 18 sequences/routines: As propagated by Wu Binlou in collaboration with Hubei Master Yao Zhiguang, The first 8 referred to as Ba Da Kai (8 Great Openings) and the latter 10 are Yi Tiao Long (A Dragon). It must be noted that only 11 sequences are known to exist as Master Wu Binlou and Yao Zhiguang did not complete the reconstruction. Although a book was released in 2007 by Cai Jinghe showing 18 sequences, these were in fact recently made up by Cai Jinghe (only a short time later student of Wu Binlou) to fill the gap. All these sets are essentially new developments. In older Hebei Chuojiao there has only ever been one set called Yanxing Quan or Yanqingquan, which is thought to be influenced by the style of the same name. Da Fanzi - 8 Routines in theory, but in actuality Wu Binlou only taught 2: Jiazichui and Sanlanshou. These although quite different in arrangement share common names with like sequences in general Chuojiao.
Xiao Fanzi - 2 Routines: The two routines are Xiehuanbu and Yaomotui. These methods are resembling the Wen Tangzi in name (Xie Huan Bu and Rao Ma Tui) and in part arrangement. Since Wei Changyi was also a student in Li county, it is likely that these developments from the founder Feng Keshan had not yet been completed and thus the difference.
Kaozhanlian - 2 Routines: According to the documented records, there are 18 sets of Kaozhanlian which is also referred to as 18 Luohanying. But this was just for the sake of theoretical completeness. In actuality there have only ever been 2 sets of Kao Zhan Lian, and most only ever learned the first set. The second was inherited by very few disciples since it said that it was created by Wu Binlou later in his life, thus earlier students did not have a chance to learn it. A single set of Kao Zhanlian also exists in Hebei Chuojiao which is substantially similar both in method and arrangement to the Hebei Chuojiao Fanzi Set.
Ditangquan 6 Routines: There are six routines of Ditangquan or ground boxing which include Zisundan, Feiqian, Yanzika, Xiaobaxian and Jinsishou. These are in common with Hebei Chuojiao, although some movements and sequencing has had some evolutionary change.
References :
Liu, Xuebo (2004), "Chuojiao Complete works", Shanxi Science and Technology Press
Zhang Dawei, Hong, Zhitian and Zhong Haiming (2002), "Wu Binlou Chuojiao Fanzi Complete Text", People's Sports Publishing Society
Chuojiao Fanzi - Introduction to Master Wu Binlou and Chuojiao in Beijing
by Nephy Perez
Chuojiao Fanziquan (戳脚翻子拳), is the name of Chuojiao from the capital, Beijing of China. It has evolved into distinct features with much of this attributed to its renowned masters. Chuojiao is one of the older boxing methods of China, known for its comprehensive martial skills which emphasise both kick/legs and hands, as well as ground fighting (Ditanquan). In Li County, Hebei Province the great Master Feng Keshan (冯克善), was the private instructor of the Liu family household, at which time he also took on other disciples from the town. One such disciple was Wei Changyi.
Wei Cangyi (魏昌义) was from Jijiazhuang (Jijia Village) in Lixian and when Feng Keshan was in Lixian as the instructor of the Liu family in nearby Zhao duan zhuang, Wei Changyi sought out Master Feng and studied the great art of Chuojiao. Master Wei also travelled to nearby Shanxi province and had picked up skills of various other martial arts. He became a well known martial artist, a famous Biaoshi (Security escorted Logistics Expert) and also was employed as bodyguard for the imperial family. As a result of these posts/careeers, Wei Changyi did not have as many disciples, but did become a renowned fighter. A sample incident is when a famous Xingyi Master Li Fuzhen had a friendly challenge with Wei Changyi, and was so impressed by the powerful kicks of Chuojiao, that he asked Wei Changyi to teach him some methods. Li Fuzhen then developed a set of Yuanyangquan which he incorporated into his branch of Xingyiquan.
The Imperial Legend - Wei Zankui
Wei Zankui (魏赞魁,1854-1951) was the nephew of Wei Chanyi, who studied daily with the great Master for over 10 years and became an expert of the style. There are many legends of Wei Zankui including one in 1900 when the 8 foreign nations inv aded Tianjin, 20,000 Qing soldiers were sent to battle the invaders at Tongzhou Zhangjia Bay. Since Wei Zankui was so skilled in battle he became a captain and lead the soldiers to victory, forcing the foreign armies to retreat. The Foreign armies returned with a greater expanded force. Generals of the Qing armies such as Ma Yukun, Chen Zilin, Zhang Chunfaand others abandoned the battle. Only general Li Binheng was trapped and surrounded. Wei Zankui then led the remaining armies to battle all night long to find a way to out maneuver the foreign armies. Wei Zankui with his Yue Dang(Moon Knives) protected the general Li and the armies to safety. He earned great merit for this feat. After returning to the imperial palace, he also protected the Empress Dowager Cixi to safety to the west of the imperial palace. Again earning merit for his bravery. As a result of these achievements he achieved a great rank (Si Jing Daidao) and Chuojiaofanzi became respected as Yu Fanzi ('Yu' used for imperial purposes).
Wei Zankui was a very direct and did not engage in flattery, once upon a time he travelled to Guanghelou to watch a performance of classical chinese opera and after a dispute with Huang Daizi (a royal family member), he killed one of the parties with the royal family member. As a result he was sent to the army front as punishment. On the way, his group was ambushed and as result, Wei Zankui did not end up going to the front and decided to leave service returning to his birth home in Li County.
After leaving his post, Wei Zankui returned to Li county where he lived in seclusion and accepted some disciples and taught many his Chuojiaofanzi. Wei Zankui was an extraordinary martial artist and therefore gained the nickname if "Iron Leg", he not only could move trees off their roots with a kick but could also withstand iron or cart rolling over his legs.
Even at the advanced age of 94, he could still demonstrate his Chuojiao and ditangquan which includes many aerial tumbles and falls with ease. In 1950, when Wei Zankui was 97 years all his friends and students celebrated his birthday and as a result of his excitement as he stood up to perform some routines of Chuojiao and fell accidently, he felt useless in his age not being able to perform his skilled martial art. Not long after, he passed away. There were countless thousands that came to mourn his passing from all the villages around and all the streets were blocked when his coffin was moved through the towns.
Wei Zankui's disciples included: Wei Xing, Wei Youcai, Wei Xishen, Wu Zhentang, Xiao Chunrong and Wu Binlou. In Li county, the descendants of Wei Zankui which were the majority of the disciples above practiced what is referred to as Li County Chuojiao. An exception was Wu Binlou who taught many in Beijing, his style thereafter referred to as Beijing Chuojiaofanzi.
Beiping Chuojiao Master - Wu Binlou
Wu Binlou (吴斌楼, 1898-1977) was born on the 12th December 1898 in Qijiazhuang, Li county western bridge district with the Baoding municipality. Li county is recognised as one of the Chuo Jiaomartial arts area of concentration and practice. In 1905 Wu Binlou at the age of 6, he commenced the practice of Chuojiao with tutelage from “Iron Leg” Wei Zankui, at the same time he commenced his general education. He studied for ten years Chuojiao, Cunfanzi, Xiaofanzi, Dafanzi, Kaozhanlian and Weapons. In addition he was fortunate to be taught some methods from his grandmaster Wei Chang Yi (Direct Disciple of Feng Keshan).
In 1915,Wu Binlou followed his father to Beijing assisting in the family business. In addition to helping the business, he also trained his martial arts daily. In 1920, he became the Bureau Teacher for the Ren Mau Biao Jue (Ren Mau Security Bureau). In olden days, security bureaus were used to transport goods, property and offer escort security services. They hired the best martial artists to ensure their reputation was maintained. It is during this time that Wu Bin Lou earned the name as “Hua Bian” (Flower Chain Whip) Wu Binlou.
In 1921, the bureau closed down as a result of changes to the economic structure of the region and of commercial enterprising. Since Wu Binlou always intended to complete his studies he returned to Li county in Hebei province and followed his master Wei Zankui in progressing and analysing the deeper aspects of Chuo Jiao. He progressed quickly and improved his knowledge and skill considerably.
Master Wu Binlou was a great talent and at not even thirty years of age grasped the essence of the martial arts, and his uniquely specialised Chuojiao Fanzi was heard across the martial world. In 1935, he was honored amongst other great martial artists such as Heng Shoushan, ZhaoXinyuan, Liu Desheng, Liu Yueting (Qi Family Tongbeiquan), Wang Rongbiao and Shang Yunxiang (Xing Yi Quan) - as the 10 experts of martial arts in Beijing. In that same year, Wu Binlou whilst in Nanjing met with a master Yao Zhiguang from Hubei Province who was descendant from Yao Zhenfang, whom was associated with Wei Changyi from earlier times. This was a great meet and the two masters Wu Binlou and Yao Zhiguang spent much time together researching to re establish the 18 sets of Yanqing Fanzi further enhancing the repetoire of the style. This project was not completed but in addition to Wu binlou adding the set from Yao Zhiguang and one newly created, he also created an additional 9 sets (totalling 11) under the title Yanqing Fanzi Quan.
In 1939, the Japanese armies had encroached parts of Northern China and Wu Binlou was tasked with leading a delegation to Japan to participate in Martial Arts competitions. At the time many martial arts colleagues had tried to persuade him no to go mainly out of concerns of being misinterpreted as support to the Japanese. Wu Binlou thought for long over the matter and finally decided to go proclaiming "This time travelling eastward the intentions are complicated and difficult to assess, irrespectively I want martial arts to bring courage to our nation".
As soon as the delegation arrived to the Tokyo martial arts union which was filled with spectators and military academy personnel. A proud Japanese Yoshimi stood in the ring with a look of arrogance upon the humbly dressed Wu Binlou. The Japanese fighting then screamed with a multitude of punches and hand strikes ferociously, Master Wu resolved the attacks with ease and patience which completely frustrated the fighter. From this frustration the fighter resulted to Jujitsu tecniques and grappling, but yet again Wu Binlou countered them with ease and floored the Japanese to which the crowds reacted loudly. The Japanese fighter had no choice but to resort to kicks (which were not allowed according to the rules) with a multitude sweeping, axing and spinning kicks. Ironically, the master of Chuojiao of kicks themselves was bombarded by a series of kicks that were easily avoided. Master smiled and then showed some of the most amazing series of leg skills from Jiuezi kick, Dengzi kicks and many more which broked down Yoshimi helplessly as he laid on the ground stumbling to stand but then fell down before being able to.There were many such scenes and at this the Japanese were both astounded but humiliated, as victorious in the battlefield they could not defeat the chinese marttial arts.
After returning from Japan by ship - another incident confronted Master Wu Binlou, this time it was with a German who challenged him wielding a sword. With nothing at his side, Master Wu obtained the Long handled pipe (one of the specialised weapons of Chuojiao) and calmly defended, disarmed and defeated the German swordsmen. The proudness shown by both the Japanese and German challenges left a significant impact on Master Wu, who later ensured the importance of humility amongst his students and disciples.
There are many similar stories about about Master Wu, which had cemented his reputation amongst martial arts circles in Beijing. He setup a research society and partcipated in many events in the promotion of traditional chinese martial arts. He promoted an open and humble nature in his students of using the martial arts to establish friendships. In 1977, he passed away ending his miraculous and exemplary life, leaving a legacy in Chuojiao Fanzi Quan. Overview of Chuojiao Fanzi
The contents of Chuojiao Fanzi have much in common with Chuojiao in general which is depicted in our Chuojiao methodology section. Here we therefore outline the content in consideration of that and highlight some key divergences or developments with a focus on the empty hand methods.
Chuojiao Fanzi consists of the following forms contents:
Chuojiao - 9 sequences/routines: The first five are sometimes called Baishe Tuxin (White snake expels poison) and the latter 4 are Huangying Nasu (Eagle catches prey). The first four sequences are close (almost identical) to the Jiu Zhizi (or Wutangzi)i, However the later sequences 5-9 are quite different, being more of a rearrangement of techniques/movements from sequences 1-4 as opposed to new methods which appear in each of the sequences of Jiu Zhizi.
Cun Fanzi - 6 sequences/routines: Cunshou (1 & 2), Taiyangquan, WuFengsuo, Dan Fengquan, and San Jieshou. The Cun Fanzi routines are conceptually similar to the Liu Tang Gen (or Liuhe Gen) of Chuojiao. Both consist of 6 sequences and contain some of the inch and trembling power methods, as well as abundance of basic hand techniques. Some of the kicks and opening/closing sections do not exist in Liu Tang Gen and are likely just stylistic variations with the Beijing Chuojiao Fanzi methods.
Yanqingfanzi - 18 sequences/routines: As propagated by Wu Binlou in collaboration with Hubei Master Yao Zhiguang, The first 8 referred to as Ba Da Kai (8 Great Openings) and the latter 10 are Yi Tiao Long (A Dragon). It must be noted that only 11 sequences are known to exist as Master Wu Binlou and Yao Zhiguang did not complete the reconstruction. Although a book was released in 2007 by Cai Jinghe showing 18 sequences, these were in fact recently made up by Cai Jinghe (only a short time later student of Wu Binlou) to fill the gap. All these sets are essentially new developments. In older Hebei Chuojiao there has only ever been one set called Yanxing Quan or Yanqingquan, which is thought to be influenced by the style of the same name. Da Fanzi - 8 Routines in theory, but in actuality Wu Binlou only taught 2: Jiazichui and Sanlanshou. These although quite different in arrangement share common names with like sequences in general Chuojiao.
Xiao Fanzi - 2 Routines: The two routines are Xiehuanbu and Yaomotui. These methods are resembling the Wen Tangzi in name (Xie Huan Bu and Rao Ma Tui) and in part arrangement. Since Wei Changyi was also a student in Li county, it is likely that these developments from the founder Feng Keshan had not yet been completed and thus the difference.
Kaozhanlian - 2 Routines: According to the documented records, there are 18 sets of Kaozhanlian which is also referred to as 18 Luohanying. But this was just for the sake of theoretical completeness. In actuality there have only ever been 2 sets of Kao Zhan Lian, and most only ever learned the first set. The second was inherited by very few disciples since it said that it was created by Wu Binlou later in his life, thus earlier students did not have a chance to learn it. A single set of Kao Zhanlian also exists in Hebei Chuojiao which is substantially similar both in method and arrangement to the Hebei Chuojiao Fanzi Set.
Ditangquan 6 Routines: There are six routines of Ditangquan or ground boxing which include Zisundan, Feiqian, Yanzika, Xiaobaxian and Jinsishou. These are in common with Hebei Chuojiao, although some movements and sequencing has had some evolutionary change.
References :
Liu, Xuebo (2004), "Chuojiao Complete works", Shanxi Science and Technology Press
Zhang Dawei, Hong, Zhitian and Zhong Haiming (2002), "Wu Binlou Chuojiao Fanzi Complete Text", People's Sports Publishing Society
From the website: http://www.plumpub.com/kaimen/?p=1804
Chuo Jiao Boxing
CHUO JIAO (Foot Poking, pronounced CH-WOE JI-OW) Kung Fu: This style is said to be one of the oldest forms of boxing practiced in Northern China. It is known for its clever footwork and kicking and follows the adage of “Northern Feet, Southern Hands”.
Chuo (Poke) Jiao (Foot or Feet) Boxing originated in the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) when it was called “Xia Quan” (Knight Boxing) or “Ti Quan” (Kick Boxing). It became popular in the Ming and Ch’ing Dynasties over the next six hundred plus years. One legend says a man named Deng Liang created the style according to combinatorics developed from the abacus starting with 18 basic foot actions and making 108 variations. From Deng it passed to Zhou Tong who taught it to folk hero and real life solider Yuen Fei. As with many Kung Fu styles, Yuen Fei’s name is so prestigious people soon venerated him as having created the style. Another claim to fame is that a number of fighters in the world-famous novel Outlaws of the Marsh (Water Margin) are Chuo jiao practitioners: also binding the name Water Margin Outlaw Boxing to it.
Shi Da Kai, a leader of the huge TaiPing rebellion (1851-1864) – a national rebellion that actually took over and held parts of China and involved more people than the American Civil War – was known for his scholastic and martial interests (Wen/Wu). He taught his crack troops, the famous Shi Battalion, to perform Chuo Jiao’s Mandarin Duck kicks which they actually used against Imperial troops in battle.
Another military commander from the TaiPing heavenly Kingdom Rebellion, Zhao Can-Yi, also practiced Chuo jiao. After the TaiPing army failed to conquer the city of TianJin, Zhao hid out at RaoYang in HeBei and taught Chuo Jiao to Duan Yong-He and Duan Yong-Qing and Yen Ching Fan Zi to Want Zhan-Ao and Wang Lao-Zi. The two groups cross-taught each other and developed the now widely known combination: Chuo Jiao Fan Zi.
As it spread different sub-systems developed. The NorthEast ChuoJiao falls into two branches: Wen (scholarly) and Wu (martial). The Beijing Chuo Jiao doesn’t have this division. It is simply known as Chuo Jiao Fan Zi.
There is a Hao style of Chuo Jiao in ShenYang named after the creator Hao Ming-Jiu. This art is based on hardness but with quick and tricky changes. It takes as its core a set of nine twin leg actions. These routines require cooperation between the two feet. There is another style called Nine Routine and Eighteen Falls Chuo Jiao like that shown in the old Kung Fu movie “All Men are Brothers” with David Chiang in the sixties.
The scholarly Chuo Jiao (created as was often encouraged during the Ching Dynasty) was developed by a boxer named Hu Feng San who traveled 500 miles to learn Chuo Jiao from the Duan brothers. After years of study he developed the Hu style Chuo Jiao with small stances and fast movement. It encompasses some of the following formsÉ
12 Move Boxing
18 Move Boxing
Flying Swallow Boxing
Arm Boxing
Turning Ring Boxing
Jade Ring Boxing
Six Method Boxing
Two-Eight Boxing
Two Eight Foot Maneuvers
Shaolin Boxing
16 Move Boxing
24 Move Boxing
32 Move Boxing
Soft Tumbling Boxing
One Legged 80 Move Boxing
One Handed 81 Move Boxing
And more
Weapons from various Chuo Jiao instructors are, partially,
Back-touching-ground sword
Five-Tiger Twelve Forms of spear
Continuous Procession of Kwan-sword
Qingyun Straight Sword
Yin-yang Rapid Stick
Tiger-end Hook Blades
These all encompass the distinctive leg actions of Chuo Jiao which include:Heel kicking, Entangling, Stomping, Pointing, Juggling, Treading and Grinding. All this not to mention Chuo Jiao’s famous and distinctive back kick which flips the toe rearward while arching the back. Hands and feet alternate rapidly and the distinctive stance of much of Chuo Jiao resembling Xing Yi allows from quick and un-telegraphed leg actions.
Nowadays many people practice the Wen/Wu combination of Chuo Jiao with strengths from both parents. Among modern practitioners is Liu Xue Bo from HeBei Province in China who plays Chuo Jiao Fan Zi Boxing. He learned from Lee Yong He. Master Liu appeared in “China’s Living Treasures” Volume 5 and the memorable Martial Arts Of China Vol 1. No. 9 1990. Besides being a president of a well known Chuo Jiao research society in China he has spent much time trying to record and revive lost Kung Fu styles.
Other names to research:
Niu Liang Chen taught Ping Ke Shan (1811)
Our online sources:
Chuo Jiao Style VCDs
Chuo Jiao Books (Simplified Chinese)
Chuo Jiao Book of Wu Bin Lou’s teaching
Large Hardbound volume in Traditional Chinese
Chuo (Poke) Jiao (Foot or Feet) Boxing originated in the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) when it was called “Xia Quan” (Knight Boxing) or “Ti Quan” (Kick Boxing). It became popular in the Ming and Ch’ing Dynasties over the next six hundred plus years. One legend says a man named Deng Liang created the style according to combinatorics developed from the abacus starting with 18 basic foot actions and making 108 variations. From Deng it passed to Zhou Tong who taught it to folk hero and real life solider Yuen Fei. As with many Kung Fu styles, Yuen Fei’s name is so prestigious people soon venerated him as having created the style. Another claim to fame is that a number of fighters in the world-famous novel Outlaws of the Marsh (Water Margin) are Chuo jiao practitioners: also binding the name Water Margin Outlaw Boxing to it.
Shi Da Kai, a leader of the huge TaiPing rebellion (1851-1864) – a national rebellion that actually took over and held parts of China and involved more people than the American Civil War – was known for his scholastic and martial interests (Wen/Wu). He taught his crack troops, the famous Shi Battalion, to perform Chuo Jiao’s Mandarin Duck kicks which they actually used against Imperial troops in battle.
Another military commander from the TaiPing heavenly Kingdom Rebellion, Zhao Can-Yi, also practiced Chuo jiao. After the TaiPing army failed to conquer the city of TianJin, Zhao hid out at RaoYang in HeBei and taught Chuo Jiao to Duan Yong-He and Duan Yong-Qing and Yen Ching Fan Zi to Want Zhan-Ao and Wang Lao-Zi. The two groups cross-taught each other and developed the now widely known combination: Chuo Jiao Fan Zi.
As it spread different sub-systems developed. The NorthEast ChuoJiao falls into two branches: Wen (scholarly) and Wu (martial). The Beijing Chuo Jiao doesn’t have this division. It is simply known as Chuo Jiao Fan Zi.
There is a Hao style of Chuo Jiao in ShenYang named after the creator Hao Ming-Jiu. This art is based on hardness but with quick and tricky changes. It takes as its core a set of nine twin leg actions. These routines require cooperation between the two feet. There is another style called Nine Routine and Eighteen Falls Chuo Jiao like that shown in the old Kung Fu movie “All Men are Brothers” with David Chiang in the sixties.
The scholarly Chuo Jiao (created as was often encouraged during the Ching Dynasty) was developed by a boxer named Hu Feng San who traveled 500 miles to learn Chuo Jiao from the Duan brothers. After years of study he developed the Hu style Chuo Jiao with small stances and fast movement. It encompasses some of the following formsÉ
12 Move Boxing
18 Move Boxing
Flying Swallow Boxing
Arm Boxing
Turning Ring Boxing
Jade Ring Boxing
Six Method Boxing
Two-Eight Boxing
Two Eight Foot Maneuvers
Shaolin Boxing
16 Move Boxing
24 Move Boxing
32 Move Boxing
Soft Tumbling Boxing
One Legged 80 Move Boxing
One Handed 81 Move Boxing
And more
Weapons from various Chuo Jiao instructors are, partially,
Back-touching-ground sword
Five-Tiger Twelve Forms of spear
Continuous Procession of Kwan-sword
Qingyun Straight Sword
Yin-yang Rapid Stick
Tiger-end Hook Blades
These all encompass the distinctive leg actions of Chuo Jiao which include:Heel kicking, Entangling, Stomping, Pointing, Juggling, Treading and Grinding. All this not to mention Chuo Jiao’s famous and distinctive back kick which flips the toe rearward while arching the back. Hands and feet alternate rapidly and the distinctive stance of much of Chuo Jiao resembling Xing Yi allows from quick and un-telegraphed leg actions.
Nowadays many people practice the Wen/Wu combination of Chuo Jiao with strengths from both parents. Among modern practitioners is Liu Xue Bo from HeBei Province in China who plays Chuo Jiao Fan Zi Boxing. He learned from Lee Yong He. Master Liu appeared in “China’s Living Treasures” Volume 5 and the memorable Martial Arts Of China Vol 1. No. 9 1990. Besides being a president of a well known Chuo Jiao research society in China he has spent much time trying to record and revive lost Kung Fu styles.
Other names to research:
Niu Liang Chen taught Ping Ke Shan (1811)
Our online sources:
Chuo Jiao Style VCDs
Chuo Jiao Books (Simplified Chinese)
Chuo Jiao Book of Wu Bin Lou’s teaching
Large Hardbound volume in Traditional Chinese