Wu Zu Quan originated from the Southern Shao Lin Monastery in the Xiamen Province of China. Five expert exponents of 5 martial arts systems in Shao Lin got together and pioneered this art form, with significant inputs from the first disciple of Wu Mei.
The five systems are Damo Qi Gong, Lohan Quan, Tai Zu Quan, Baihe Quan (White Crane Fist) and Monkey Quan.
These exponents took the essence of the five martial arts systems and incorporated them into a single seamless and complete martial arts system and forged a very effective and practical martial art that emphasized very much on cultivating Internal Energy, or Qi, and the application of it.
Damo Qi Gong is the foundation of all breathing techniques in Shao Lin martial arts and is what gives power to all the movements.
Lohan Quan Stances takes into account the body structure of each individual and teaches the best body postures from which to generate the most strength and speed to either defend, or attack.
Tai Zu Quan was founded by the first emperor of the Sung Dynasty, Zhao Kuang Yin. This art emphasizes on great physical strength and linear movements. This art is mainly practised by the royalty.
BaiHe (White Crane) Quan personifies the flexibility of the crane’s wings, and the penetrating power of its beak, used in some of the attacking moves.
Monkey Quan personifies the dexterity and nimbleness of the monkey, and many defences of Wu Zu Quan uses this to great effect to defend the exponent against powerful attacks, and avoid the enemy’s strongest attacks.
Wu Mei’s disciple, “the lady in purple” on the instruction of Wu Mei, showed the 5 masters how to incorporate the “Rou” of “softness” into Wu Zu Quan. Now, with this precious input, Wu Zu Quan can be the hardest martial art, or the softest martial art. The whole spectrum of hard to soft is open for all expert exponents to use, incorporating the harnessing, cultivating and focusing of internal Qi throughout Wu Zu Quan.
To learn more about how Wu Zu Quan techniques can be used in qi tuina please go to Wu Zu Qi Tuina.