Shaolin Kung Fu Styles
Ya Quan
(Duck Boxing)
The origin of Ya Quan,
or Duck Fist, is commonly attributed to a Taoist master of the
Tang Dynasty who lived on Emei Mountain in Sichuan. The Taoist
master, Liu Ya, raised ducks. It was through his careful
observation of the ducks under his care that he became inspired to
develop the style.
Despite its
unusual appearance, Duck fist is recognized as an effective combat
method. In fact, during the end of the Qing dynasty, one of
the most proficient fighters and professional bodyguards from the
northern province of Liaoning, master Zhang Si Sun, was very
famous for his devastating use of duck fist.
As its name implies,
duck fist is another form of imitative boxing. The duck fist
fighter waddles instead of walking. Yet this strange footwork
conceals devastating kicks. The arms flap as well, which can be
applied as defensive techniques similar to the styles of Crane
fist. Today, Duck fist is a style particularly practiced in the
provinces of Tianjin, Jilin, and around Tangshan.
