Talking about Shaolin Kung Fu with Master Yan Qing (2)

Talking about Shaolin Kung Fu with Master Yan Qing (2) Master Shi Yanqing, the martial arts monk instructor of the Shaolin Temple in Songshan, Henan, China, entered the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Academy to study martial arts at the age of 12, 2…

Talking about Shaolin Kung Fu with Master Yan Qing (2) Master Shi Yanqing, the martial arts monk instructor of the Shaolin Temple in Songshan, Henan, China, entered the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Academy to learn martial arts at the age of 12. In 2009, he received full ordination and became a monk. He has won the first prize in the "World Traditional Martial Arts Competition", the first prize in boxing and the third prize in swordsmanship in the "Shaolin Boxing Championship". This year he visited more than 20 countries including Germany, France, Austria, South Korea, Malaysia and Australia for cultural exchanges, performances and teaching. The current abbot (Shi Yongxin) aims to conduct cultural exchanges and spread Shaolin Kung Fu in Arizona, USA. Question: In the last interview, Master Yan Qing briefly talked about the overall interpretation of Shaolin Kung Fu. Among them, you specifically mentioned the principle of "Liuhe" that Shaolin martial arts emphasizes. This time I would like to ask you to explain the principle of "Liuhe" in more detail. Yanqing: Shaolin Kungfu emphasizes the coordination of hands, eyes, body, steps (inner three together) and energy, energy, spirit and power (outer three together), which is called "Liuhe". The three outer joints are: hands and feet, elbows and knees, shoulders and hips. The inner three unions: the heart and mind are united, the mind and Qi are united, and Qi and force are united. Compared with the "inner three-in-one", the "outer three-in-one" is more "real" because there are specific actions corresponding to it. Among the "Internal Three Harmonies", "Hands and Feet Harmony" means that not only the external movements must be coordinated, but also the strength must be consistent. If the hands and feet cooperate well, the strength will inevitably be dispersed. If the hands and feet are in harmony, the strength will be smooth and the movement will be dexterous. The "Elbow and Knee Combination" of the "Inner Three Combinations" is a similar guide: the elbow and knee are the middle section of the three sections, which is where the movement and strength are converted. The combination of the middle section can make the movements light and flexible. The "shoulder and hip combination" emphasizes that the combination of the upper and lower root joints plays a stabilizing role in the whole body. It not only coordinates the movements of the whole body, but also allows the force to be transmitted to the outside, making the force more complete and concentrated. The main purpose of the outer Sanhe is to conform to the overall structure of the boxing, using the waist as the axis to drive the movement of the body's limbs, and to play a coordinated role. Compared with the "outer three combinations" we just talked about, the "inner three combinations" may be more difficult because they are a bit more empty and require a lot of thinking and understanding - the combination of heart and mind, the combination of mind and Qi, and the combination of Qi and force. "Heart and Mind Unity" talks about coordinating the brain's thinking with the spirit and eyes. Only when your heart and mind are in harmony can you control the coordinated movements of your hands and feet. That is to say, the mind must be calm and the mind must be concentrated in order to achieve harmony between heart and mind. "Integration of mind and qi": lead the qi with the mind, and when the qi arrives, the qi will move at will. The movement of Qi is controlled by the mind. If the mind disperses, the Qi will disperse. If the Qi disperses, the mind will become confused. "The combination of Qi and force": The power of the whole body can be concentrated in one place, burst out suddenly, and punch like an arrow, powerful and powerful. If there is no Qi, the Qi cannot be moved and expressed; if there is no Qi, there is no way to generate force. Only by combining breathing with movements and using Qi to promote strength can you increase your endurance. As the saying goes: "If there is an inside but no outside, there is no boxing; if there is an outside but no inside, there is no technique." The "outer three combinations" are the foundation, and the "inner three combinations" are the effects. The "Three External Harmonies" strengthen the muscles and bones, and the "Three Internal Harmonies" regulate the internal organs and dredge the muscles and veins, so as to achieve both form and mind, and the unity of the inside and outside, which is called "Liuhe". (To be continued) Master Yan Qing has a number of youth martial arts and adult health-preserving exercises - Tai Chi classes at New Oriental Art School. If interested, please call: 602.490.8613