Zi Ran Men
Encyclopedia
Ziranmen or Zi Ran Men , also known as Natural Boxing,
is a Northern internal
style of kung fu that is taught in conjunction with Qigong
breathing techniques. The style traces its lineage to Dwarf Xu, who based it on ancient Taoist philosophy. Du Xin Wu, the next bearer of the lineage, served as a bodyguard to Sun Yat-sen
, then the provisional president of the Republic of China
. Wu imparted his knowledge of "Natural Boxing" to his eldest son Du Xiu Si and Wan Laisheng, a prominent twentieth century martial artist.
and, most importantly, the philosophy of "One and Zero". It combines physical training,
Chi kung, meditation and combat techniques. Through training, Zi Ran Men is said to enhance
the spirit of the mind, regulate the circulation of Chi and develops physical sensitivity.
According to practitioners when the body is in harmony, you will live a long and healthy life.
This is the entire theory behind the Zi Ran Men Art, which roughly translates to：
is a Northern internal
Neijia
Nèijiā is a term in Chinese martial arts, grouping those styles that practice nèijìng , usually translated as internal martial arts, occupied with spiritual, mental or qi-related aspects, as opposed to an "external" approach focused on physiological aspects...
style of kung fu that is taught in conjunction with Qigong
Qigong
Qigong or chi kung is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation...
breathing techniques. The style traces its lineage to Dwarf Xu, who based it on ancient Taoist philosophy. Du Xin Wu, the next bearer of the lineage, served as a bodyguard to Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
, then the provisional president of the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
. Wu imparted his knowledge of "Natural Boxing" to his eldest son Du Xiu Si and Wan Laisheng, a prominent twentieth century martial artist.
Philosophy
Zi Ran Men/nature boxing is based on ancient Taoist philosophy, Traditional Chinese MedicineTraditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...
and, most importantly, the philosophy of "One and Zero". It combines physical training,
Chi kung, meditation and combat techniques. Through training, Zi Ran Men is said to enhance
the spirit of the mind, regulate the circulation of Chi and develops physical sensitivity.
According to practitioners when the body is in harmony, you will live a long and healthy life.
Zi Ran Men Theory
动静无终， 变化无端， 虚虚实实， 自然而然。This is the entire theory behind the Zi Ran Men Art, which roughly translates to：
There is no beginning or end to the movement (implying both physical action and progress).
Change is a constant and varying.
Use softness as hard power,
and if applied successfully, [true power] comes naturally.
Zi Ran Men Chi Kung
Chi Kung is the primary concern in Zi Ran Men. It is divided into two components: Physical training, and combat techniques. These two components combine for one purpose, which is said to enhance the health of body and mind.Combat Techniques
Initially, students learn particular forms and follow certain rules. Through practice, these movements progress from awkward to natural. When this level is reached, you can fight successfully.
The methods of Zi Ran Men combat follow the rules of nature - apply the techniques without thought, movements come from nothing.
Stance
When still, the stance resembles an ancient Chinese General holding a decree tablet. This is known as "Bao Bei Shou". When moving, the feet remain in the shape of the letter 'T' and the hands hold the form of "Ghost Hands".
Fighting the enemy
Avoid the attack. Retaliate when his force is spent, before he has time to regather. Move when the enemy moves, attack when he attacks. Exploit the situation, be light and nimble. Attack is within defence. Defence is within attack, both real and apparent.