Ch'an Dao Chuan Fa (Mind Way Martial Arts) is a combined school of Chinese fighting arts, originated by Hakka (Guest Family) peoples of North China. It has two distinct aspects, the external and the internal.
Northern Longfist Bei Chang Chuan (The External)
Our particular style of Longfist is called 'Extended Arm Boxing' (Tong bei Chuan) and is approximately 2,500 years old. Its origins lie in the mountainous areas of north China. As a Hakka style, it contains major elements of both Ying Jow (Eagle Claw), and Tong Long (Praying Mantis). As a style, it pre-dates the arrival of Buddhism in China by nearly a thousand years. It has since however, been practiced in Buddhist monasteries and has become associated with Northern Shaolin Gungfu. It advocates long range kicking and punching, leading to a mastery of medium and short-range fighting skills. It is renowned for its fluid footwork and power-hitting. External qicong (tough body conditioning) hardens muscle and bone, as well as develops a strong mind. Sparring in this style has no padding.
Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan (The Internal)
The concept of Tai Chi Chuan is thousands of years old and is mentioned in the Yi Jing, or 'Book of Changes'. Its movements are slow and deliberate, causing a calm mind and relaxed body. Posture is aligned, body weight is dropped through the feet, into the floor, creating a firm base referred to as 'rooting'. Body-weight moved through a relaxed body, creates massive power, when channeled through a hand or foot. A naturally rounded posture allows the practitioner to deflect and re-direct any attacks. This is called internal qicong. We practice Temple Yang Tai Chi Chuan, which has maintained its martial aspect and can be used for self-defence.
The founder of this style, master Yang Lu Chan (1799-1872), was taught be Chen Chang Xin (1771-1853), both men carry Northern Chinese family names that are preserved in the South of China, amongst the Hakka minority.
Combination
Over time, these two distinct aspects of martial training 'merge' in the mind and body of the practitioner, creating a psychological calmness and alertness, combined with a physical robustness and balanced relaxation.
