Pigua Quan
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Pigua Quan or Axe-Hitch Boxing is a style of martial art known in ancient times as "armor-wearing boxing." In the early 1900s, two men named Ma Yingtu and Guo Chang Sheng revised the art by adding more speed and explosive power in the practice of its forms. This art requires a great amount of accuracy, fluidity, agility, flexibility, speed and power whether the practitioner is learning single moves or combinations or the entire routine. Pigua Quan's routine is commonly exercised in Wushu sport competitions and tournaments.
History
Pigua Quan was developed 300 years ago in Hebei Province in northern China. It may have originated as part of one style with Bajiquan which then became divided somehow into two separate arts. Pigua Quan's long-range techniques compliment Bajiquan's short-range fighting and vice versa. For this reason, the two are often studied together. At one time it was also combined with Tongbei Quan. In the early 20th century, Ma Yingtu and Guo Chang Sheng revised the style, creating the modern version of this art.
Techniques
Pigua Quan is characterized by abrupt starts and stops, powerful axing and hitching, strangle-holding, straightening arms, holding arms, and its connecting wrists. The execution of these techniques includes tumbling, axing, hitching, chopping, and brushing to name a few.
