Zhaquan (also sometimes spelled Cha Chuan) has its roots in early Chinese
history. It was practiced in China's Shandong province at around the same time that Shaolin was first being developed, and
in fact it is considered by many to have had a very heavy influence in the development of the original schools of Shaolin.
Since the beginnings of Zhaquan go so far back into the past, the exact origins of the style are not really clear. There are
vast amounts of folklore and legend about it, and judging by the consistencies between the stories it seems that Zhaquan
originated in what is now called Xinjiang province in Northwestern China. It was then brought Eastward to Shandong province
by Zha Shangyi. This some say, is how the name Zhaquan (Zha Quan) originated too - since Zhaquan translates literally into
"Fist of Zha."
Apparently there was a time during
the 16th century, when the Eastern provinces of China were being attacked by Japanese pirates. The Chinese General, Qi Ji
Guang, requested all of the elite masters in the martial arts community to help defend the country. One group came from an
area that is now called Xinjiang province, amongst whom was Zha Shangyi. It is said that while traveling to battle Zha became
ill in the Guanxian county of Shandong province and had to stay there to to regain his health. While staying in Shandong,
Zha taught the peasants a martial art which eventually became the basis of what is now called Zhaquan. From that point
on, Shandong became known as the home of Zhaquan. Currently there are three families of Zhaquan that come from Shandong. These
are called the Yang, Li, and Zhang families of Zhaquan.
Characteristically, the style is based on quick agile movements interspersed with sudden stops and steady still
stances. Performers are often said to be "now moving like the wind, and now standing as if nailed to the ground." Clear and
powerful movements are utilized with the whole body being carried in continuous movement by very swift and precise footwork.
There are a lot of steps with irregular timing and sudden changes in posture from very high to very low, from steady walking
to sudden jumps and leaps.
Zhaquan fighters emphasize
"full body power," using kicks and leg techniques that are combined with throws, joint manipulations, hammer fists, whirlwind
arms, and use of the opened palm. Techniques are graceful, easy, clear, continuous, and rhythmic in execution. Strength and
force is generated abruptly and there is economical use of energy. The boxing method also stresses using both the hands and
feet at the same time. It was said by General Qi Ji Guang, "how surprised and suddenly stricken with terror will even the
ghosts and demons be when they discover that Zhaquan has four hands."
The successor of Zha Shangyi was Sha Liang, nicknamed "Flying Legs Sha Liang," who continued to spread this style among Chinese
Moslems. There were many famous Zhaquan masters in Chinese martial arts history. Some of historical note include
Wang Ziping, famous for the many Lai Tai (full contact, no rules) matches that both he and his students had. And of course
Yu Zhen Sheng, my teachers teacher. Yu Zhen Sheng was the general martial arts instructor at the Huang Pu Military University
(Huang Pu was the top-level military university in China shortly after the end of the Qing Dynasty). Mr. Yu was
also a consultant of the Institute of Kuoshu of the Central Government (Nanjing Central Kuoshu Institute).
Both Wang Ziping and Yu Zhen Sheng were personal students of Yang Hongxiu, the progenitor of the Yang branch of Zhaquan.
