Tien Shan Pai
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Tien Shan Pai is a Northern Style martial art that is said to have originated in the Tien Mountains (Tien Shan) in Northwest China. This art is known for its graceful empty-hand and weapons forms that greatly rely on rhythm.
History
The founding legend of the style, as told to his students by Supreme Master Wang, has the style being spread to the public by a shepherd turned martial artist in the Tien Shan mountain range. The legend states that as a young boy the shepherd was accepted into a monastery, given the name Hong Yun (Red Cloud) and taught the style of the monastery. He would go on to be the first to teach the style outside the temples, and is considered the founder of the style by the legend.
In modern history, Wang Chueh-Jen, already having mastered Tien Shan Pai in his youth, was among the first year graduates (the professor-researcher class) of the Zhong Yang Kuoshu Guan. He trained many in the Republic of China military in a form of fighting he refered to as "radar fighting". After leaving China and settling in Taiwan he re-established himself as a martial arts master, and began to train a new generation of students. Several of his students continue to teach Tien Shan Pai to this day.
Technique
One feature of this martial art is the demonstration of power accentuated by thuds made by the hands. Techniques in this style are characterized by the use of multiple blocks - if one block fails, the other can cover. Footwork is also considered essential to countering attacks, with a focus on low, steady steps to the side, along with swift "hidden" steps to trick the opponent.
