Shi San Quan
十三式拳
- Shi San QuanViews:461
- 中文名称:十三式拳
- Info:Shisan Quan (Thirteen Postures Fist), which teaches the thirteen basic fighting postures and principles
- Description:Originating from Songshan Shaolin Temple, Shaolin Thirteen Forms Boxing (Shi San Quan / Shaolin Thirteen Postures) is a classic beginner-level and foundational Shaolin Kung Fu routine. It acts as the
Introduction
Shaolin Thirteen Forms Boxing (Shi San Quan, 十三式拳), also known as Shaolin Thirteen Postures, is a foundational and elementary routine in Shaolin Kung Fu, originating from the renowned Shaolin Temple in Songshan, Henan Province, China. It is recognized as the primary form in the official Shaolin Kung Fu Duan Pin Graduation System, a standardized training and assessment framework established by the Shaolin Temple.
History & Origin
As a classic introductory set, it distills the core techniques and principles of traditional Shaolin martial arts. While its exact ancient origins are rooted in centuries of Shaolin monastic practice, it has been formally standardized in modern times as the essential starting point for all Shaolin practitioners, serving as a gateway to mastering the fundamental body mechanics, stances, and movement patterns found in advanced Shaolin fist forms.
Core Characteristics
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Short, Compact & Powerful Movements
The form emphasizes a strong, stable root (stance) to deliver concise, explosive strikes. -
Contraction & Expansion
A hallmark Shaolin principle, manifesting in the dynamic, rhythmic folding and extending of the body. -
Linear Footwork
Adheres to the traditional Shaolin maxim of "fighting along a single line," with all advance and retreat occurring in a straight path. -
Combination of Hard & Soft (Gang Rou Xiang Ji)
Blends fierce, rigid strikes with moments of yielding and evasion. -
Practical Combat Focus:
Integrates a full spectrum of real-world fighting techniques.
Key Techniques & Stances
Fundamental Stances
- Ma Bu (Horse Stance)
- Gong Bu (Bow and Arrow Stance)
- Xie Bu (Squatting Stance)
- Du Li Bu (One-legged Stance)
Core Techniques:
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Punches
Straight Punch, Backfist Strike, Double Fists -
Kicks
Slap Kick -
Palms
Sweeping Palm, Upper Head Guard -
Blocks
Squatting Block, Arm Bar -
Grappling
Joint Locks (Qin Na), Trapping, Pulling & Pushing
Representative Movements
The set comprises thirteen signature postures, including:
- Shun Tong Bi (Smooth Through-Arm)
- You Cai Jiao (Right Side Foot Sweep)
- Dang Tou Pao (Cannon to the Head)
- Yuan Hou Suo Shen (Ape Retreating)
- Hei Hu Tao Xin (Black Tiger Tearing the Heart)
- Meng Hu Chu Dong (Fierce Tiger Leaving Its Cave)
- Zhuan Shen Ma Bu Tui Zhang (Turning Body, Horse Stance, Pushing Palm)
Significance
Shi San Quan is revered for its simplicity and directness, making it ideal for beginners, including those with larger physiques or lower initial agility. It is not merely a series of movements but a comprehensive introduction to the "Chan Wu He Yi" (Unity of Zen and Martial Arts) philosophy, fostering discipline, physical strength, and mental focus. Mastery of this form is a prerequisite for advancing to more complex Shaolin routines.
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