Houquan
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Houquan or Monkey Fist is a Chinese martial art that imitates the movements of monkeys. Houquan techniques involve upper body movements used to block or undo the attacks of the opponent. Counter-attacks are executed with the legs most of the time. It is characterized by low stances and fluid motion that emphasizes proper coordination of hands and feet.
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History
The earliest version of Houquan was first recorded in the time of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) when it was performed at the Imperial court. Later on, several other martial arts, which no longer exist independently, were incorporated into Houquan. There are many legends concerning famous Kung Fu masters observing monkeys in the wild and emulating their quick movements.
Techniques
Houquan practitioners do a lot of rolling, tumbling, falling and jumping, often simply to confuse the foe. They fight from very low crouching and stooping positions, and many kicks are executed with one or both hands on the ground. This art stresses kicks, light and fast hand-strikes, leaping attacks, deceiving the opponent, and use of complex footwork.
Styles
There are several styles of Houquan, both northern and southern, including Stone Monkey and Lost Monkey. Perhaps the most famous is Drunken Monkey, which imitates the movements of a monkey if it were to get drunk, as opposed to Zui Quan (Drunken Boxing), which imitates the behavior of a drunk man.
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