The forms of the Long Fist style emphasize fully extended kicks and striking techniques, and by appearance would be considered a long-range fighting system. In some Long Fist styles the motto is that "The best defense is a strong offense," in which case the practitioner launches a preemptive attack so aggressive that the opponent doesn't have the opportunity to attack. Others emphasize defense over offense, noting that nearly all techniques in Long Fist forms are counters to attacks. Long Fist uses large, extended, circular movements to improve overall body mobility in the muscles, tendons, and joints. Advanced Long Fist techniques include qin na joint-locking techniques and shuai jiao throws and takedowns.

 

The Long Fist style is considered to contain a good balance of hand and foot techniques, but in particular it is renowned for its impressive acrobatic kicks.[citation needed] In demonstration events, Long Fist techniques are most popular and memorable for their whirling, running, leaping, and acrobatics. Contemporary changquan moves are difficult to perform, requiring great flexibility and athleticism comparable to that of gymnastics.

Northern Shaolin Chang Quan(Long Fist) A.K.A WuShu Includes:

 

1.Barehand Forms

2.Weapons

3.Qin Na (Joint Locking skills & sets)

4.Two Man Fighting Routines

5.Self Defense Applications

6.Iron Palm Training (Internal)

 

Hand forms:

1) Lian Bu Quan - Consecutive Linking Step Fist

2) Gong Li Quan - Power Fist Form

3) Tan Tui - Springing Legs

4) Yi Lu Mai Fu - First Road of Ambush

5) Er Lu Mai Fu - Second Road of Ambush

6) Er Shi Fa Quan - 20 Methods Fighting Form

7) Duan Da Quan - Fighting In Close Quarters Boxing/Short Hit Boxing

 

First four Hand forms explained:

1) Lian Bu Quan - Consecutive Linking Step Fist: the most basic Shaolin Long Fist form containing over 70 applications.

2) Gong Li Quan - Power Fist Form: the second basic form using dynamic tension at the end of each technique which develops muscles and tendons. Contains over 70 applications.

3) Tan Tui - Springing Legs: contains spring-like kicks.

4: Yi Lu Mai Fu - First Road of Ambush: an intermediate form that is considered the "foundation" of Long Fist. Contains subtle techniques designed to trick opponents.

 

Weapons training:

 

"The most common weapons utilized in Chang Quan are as follows."

1) Long Staff (Gun)

2) Broadsword (Dao)

3) Double Edge Sword

4) Spear (Qiang)

5) Chain/Nine Section Whip (Bian)

6) Umbrella

7) Straight Sword (Jian)

8) Double Straight Sword (Shuang Jian)

9) Double Broadsword (Shuang Dao)

10) Pudao

11) Hook Sword

 

Wushu has over time become a formal branch of study in the performancing arts by the Chinese. It is the most popular national sport in the country of China, and is practised by people of all ages. Modern wushu has shifted it's emphasis from combat to performance, and it is practiced for its method of achieving heath, self-defense skills, mental discipline, recreational pursuit and competition. Wushu is characterized by it dynamic and fluid motions along with its arial kicks, rolling techniques and weapons.