Liu He Bafa
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Liu He Ba Fa or Liu He Ba Fa Quan is an internal martial art from China that focuses on self-defence and attainment of inner peace. This Kung Fu style is also called Water Boxing because it is based on the movements of water flowing down a mountain slope. The original name “Water Boxing” was soon replaced by the name “Liu He Ba Fa Quan” or “Six Harmonies and Eight Methods Boxing.” Like most internal Chinese martial arts, it is associated with the religion of Daoism.
History
Liu He Ba Fa was founded by the Daoist monk Chen Po in the 10th century CE. He is said to have created it while living at Hua Mountain (Hua Shan) in Shaanxi Province in northern China. The modern version of the art was developed by Wu Yi Hui in the early 20th century. Wu added many techniques from other internal styles such as Tai Chi Chuan and Xingyiquan.
Techniques
This art is characterized by contracting movements that gather energy which are then followed by expansive movements releasing the stored energy. Much like the dissolving properties of water, Liu He Ba Fa Quan's wave-like movements are said to clear internal blockage, both physical and emotional.
