| Style:
Yao Quan
Description:
The Yao minority of the Guanxi province attributes the origins
of this style to an ancient deity of their culture, known
as Pan Wang. Its actual origin has been estimated around the
Sui/Tang Dynasty period. There are records that indicate that
during the Ming Dynasty there was a powerful female master
of this style named Yuan Tan Liang. At that time, this style
was known as Man Yao Quan, or barbarian Yao fist.
Because
the Yao are a mountain people, the style itself focuses on
the use of strong legs and powerful grips (from climbing).
Beyond hand forms, this style practices large broadsword,
ax, staff, and guandao (general's lance). Lion and Tiger dancing
are also a large part of the curriculum.
The
most recent noteworthy modifications to Yao Quan occurred
in 1847, when Lei Zai Ji organized a meeting between top teachers
and practitioners with the goal of further refining this powerful
style.
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