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For the military operation, see Operation Eagle Claw. For the film, see Eagle's Claw.

The traditional Chinese martial art known as Eagle Claw (Yīng Zhǎo Pài 鷹爪派) is one of the oldest and most complex of the surviving Northern Shaolin kung fu systems.^{[citation needed]} Along with the long strikes and kicks that typify Northern systems, the Eagle Claw system is distinguished by its gripping techniques and system of joint locks, takedowns, and pressure point strikes, which represent one of the oldest forms of the Chinese grappling known as Chin Na. Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Combatants United States Iran Commanders Col. ... Eagle’s Claw (also known as Eagle Fist, Mandarin title Ying zhao tang lang , Cantonese title Ying chau tong long) is a martial arts film directed by Lee Tso Nam, starring Wong Tao, Chang Yi and Chi Kwan Chun. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Ever since 1669, when Huang Zongxi first described Chinese martial arts in terms of a Shaolin or external school versus a Wudang or internal school,[1] Shaolin has been used as a synonym for external Chinese martial arts regardless of whether or not the particular style in question has any... A joint lock (in Japanese, 関節技 kansetsu-waza) is the general term for martial arts techniques involving painful manipulation of the joints. ... A takedown is a martial arts and combat sports term for a technique that involves using the arms to grab the legs or body of an opponent, off-balancing the opponent, and causing him or her to fall to the ground, with the combatant performing the takedown landing on top. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Chin Na or Qinna (æ“’æ‹¿, pinyin: qín ná, Wade-Giles: chin2 na2) is a Chinese term describing joint-manipulation techniques for self defense used in the Chinese martial arts. ...

History

While the details of the history alter according to the teller, with names and places shifting as they tend to do in any oral history, in essence the story of Eagle Claw began in the Shaolin Temple and in Chinese military training, became a family tradition passed on from parent to child for generations, and eventually shed its air of secrecy with the advent of public martial arts schools. For other uses, see Shaolin Temple (disambiguation). ...

Yue Fei

Eagle Claw is said to have had its origins in 1130,from Yue Fei岳飛 (Ngok Fei) who lived at a time of warfare between the Southern Song Dynasty and the Jurchen who later founded Jin Dynasty (the Jurechen were the ancestors of the Manchus of the Qing Dynasty). Statue of Yue Fei, from the Yue Fei Mausoleum in Hangzhou. ... Northern Song in 1111 AD Capital Kaifeng (960–1127) Linan (1127–1276) Language(s) Chinese Religion Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism Government Monarchy Emperor  - 960-976 Emperor Taizu  - 1126–1127 Emperor Qinzong  - 1127–1162 Emperor Gaozong  - 1278–1279 Emperor Bing History  - Zhao Kuangyin taking over the throne of the Later Zhou... The Jurchens (Chinese: 女真, pinyin: nǚzhēn) were a Tungusic people who inhabited parts of Manchuria and northern Korea until the seventeenth century, when they became the Manchus. ... The Jin Dynasty (金 pinyin: JÄ«n 1115-1234; Anchu in Jurchen), also known as the Jurchen dynasty, was founded by the Wanyan (完顏 Wányán) clan of the Jurchen, the ancestors of the Manchus who established the Qing Dynasty some 500 years later. ... The Manchu (manju in Manchu; 滿族 (pinyin: mǎnzú) in Chinese, often shortened to 滿 (pinyin: mǎn) are an ethnic group who originated in northeastern Manchuria. ... Flag (1890-1912) Anthem Gong Jinou (1911) Territory of Qing China in 1892 Capital Shengjing (1636-1644) Beijing (1644-1912) Language(s) Chinese Manchu Mongolian Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1636-1643 Huang Taiji  - 1908-1912 Xuantong Emperor Prime Minister  - 1911 Yikuang  - 1911-1912 Yuan Shikai History  - Establishment of the Late...

Ngok Fei credited his victories in battle to his martial arts training under Zhao Tong 周侗(Jow Tong)and Chen Guang 陈广. These skills included Archery, hand to hand combat, spear, horsemanship, etc.

After his death his teachings spread wide throughout China. There are many styles named in his honor Yue Jia Quan (岳家拳). Some actually are able to trace their lineage to either his Family Yue Zhen and Yue Ting, or individuals who served under him such as "General Niu Gao" and a soldier named "Fan".

His Hand Skills became known as the Yī Bǎi Ling Bā Qín Ná(Yat Ling Bat Kahm Na) (一百零八擒拿 – “108 Seize-Grab”) techniques, which were supposedly based on a much older system only known as "Xiang Kuen" (Elephant Fist) and still later Bashanfan/bafanshou/fanzi which is focused on seizing, locking, and pressure point strikes.

These 108 techniques became the staple of his new style which his troops called Ying Quan/Shou 鷹拳/手 - Eagle Fist/Hand.

Elephant Fist

In Chinese, elephant is pronounced Xiàng (象). However, the same character can also mean "shape, form, or appearance". The elephant style in question might be a mistranslation of xiang, which actually refers to Xiang Xing Quan (象形拳 - "Imitation Boxing"), a fighting technique which emphasizes the imitation of the offensive and defensive actions of a certain animal or person.

Shaolin Temple

In the late Ming Dynasty Yue Fei's material is said to have made a re-appearance at a Shaolin Temple少林寺. Li Quan Seng(麗泉)Lai Chin)an expert in the Fānziquán Style encountered soldiers practicing the hand techniques they called Ying Quan (Ying Kuen) Eagle Fist. For other uses, see Ming. ... The Shaolin temples (少林寺; pinyin: Shàolín Sì, Wade-Giles: Shao-lin Ssŭ) are a group of Chinese Buddhist monasteries famed for their long association with Chán (Japanese Zen) Buddhism and martial arts. ... Fānziquán (Chinese: 翻子拳; literally tumbling fist) is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes qínná, or joint-locking. ...

After taking the time to learn and master these skills he undertook the daunting task of combining them into his pre-existing Fanziquan sets.

He called his new system Ying Quan (鷹拳)

Ming - Qing Dynasty

In 1644 the Ming Dynasty was ovethrown and replaced by the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Royal family members of the fallen Ming Household went into hiding, with many becoming monks, scholars and artists. Zhu Ruoji (1642 - 1707) aka Yuanji SHITAO,was a low level prince and 2 years of age when the Ming Dynasty fell.Later on in his life he took the name Dao Ji(道濟僧)(Toa Gai) For other uses, see Ming. ... Flag (1890-1912) Anthem Gong Jinou (1911) Territory of Qing China in 1892 Capital Shengjing (1636-1644) Beijing (1644-1912) Language(s) Chinese Manchu Mongolian Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1636-1643 Huang Taiji  - 1908-1912 Xuantong Emperor Prime Minister  - 1911 Yikuang  - 1911-1912 Yuan Shikai History  - Establishment of the Late...

(taking in the chronology of Eagle Claw's development it is highly unlikely that the Dao Ji of Ming-early Qing is the same Daoji that Liu Shi Jun learned from in the 1800's)

Fa Seng(法成僧)(Fat Sheng)was another Martial Monk. It is unclear whether he was a classmate of Dao Ji or his student.

Liu Shi Jun and Liu Cheng You

Liu Shi Jun(劉士俊) is the founder (Sijo) of the yīng zhuǎ fān zi quán (鷹爪翻子拳 ).

At a young age he enjoyed martial arts and had many teachers from various styles including Shaolin Quan, Fanziquan and possibly Chuo Jiao & LiuHeQuan. Around middle age he learned from two eminent monks of the time - Fa Seng(法成僧)Fat Sheng then (Dao Ji(道濟僧)(Toa Gai)the methods of Yue Shi Lin Quan/San Shou.

Late in his career he obtained a position of Martial Arts Instructor at one of the military barracks in the Capital, Beijing where he instructed the troops in his martial arts which consisted of Fist and Spear skills.

His 2 most prominent students were Liu Dekuan(劉德寬)and Ji Zixiu纪子修.

What he taught was known as Bafanshou/Bashanfan 八閃翻; (8 flash/evasive tumbles"), aka Fanziquan 翻子拳 (Reversing/tumbling Fist).

He was also known as "Dai Gong Ji Liu" Great Sage Liu for his expertise in his Dai Liu He Qiang (big 6 harmony Spear)

Liu Chen You(劉成有) 1st learned martial arts from his uncle Liu Dekuan(劉德寬) who had been a student of Liu Shi Jun when stationed in Beijing. He continued his instruction under other other prominent martial artist of the region. When Liu Shi Jun retired back to his home village Liu Chen You received advanced training from him.

Liu Chen You was a very strict teacher and only accepted a few students. Of those were:

 Liu Qi Wen (劉啟文), Chen Zizheng (陳子正)and Zhang Zhan Wen. 

Chin Woo Athletic Association

The Chin Woo Athletic Association 精武體育會 was an founded by the famed martial artist Huo Yuanjia 霍元甲(Fawk Yun Gop) in Shangahi. Its purpose was the dissemination of not only Martial Arts but sports and other educational systems to the public. Huo Yuanjia, founder Chin Woo Athletic Association (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; lit. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The Eagle Claw system remained relatively restricted to the Xiong County 雄县, Baoding City 保定 in Hebei Province 河北 until Chen Zizheng (Chan Tzi Ching) was invited to teach at the Chin Wu. Not to be confused with the unrelated province of Hubei Hebei (Chinese: 河北; pinyin: Hébĕi; Wade-Giles: Ho-pei; Postal System Pinyin: Hopeh), is a northern province of the Peoples Republic of China. ...

After initial success with the 1st School in Shanghai Chen ZiZheng went to his training brother Liu Qi Wen to offer his students careers as Martial Arts instructors in the Chin Woo Association. In time Eagle Claw was being taught in Shangahi, Hong Kong, Guandong, Futsan, Singapore, Malaysia etc.

It is for this reason that many of todays exponents also teach numerous other sets/forms which were acquired by their teachers who had learned in the Chin Woo Schools.

Lineages

There are 3 main Eagle Claw Lineages that most teachers/schools can trace their style to.

Liu Qiwen(劉啟文)(Lau Kai Man),

Chen Zizheng (陳子正)(Chan Tzi Ching)

Zhang Zhan Wen(Chian Jin Man).

For specific school listings you can visit the

Eagle Claw Kung Fu Society (listed in the reference section)

Training

How the Eagle Claw system is taught varies between each teachers skill and experiences. What is consistent of an Eagle Claw Master is their knowledge of the 3 core sets of the style.

Xin Quan 行拳(Hahng Kuen) is known as the Walking Fist. This set consists of 10-12 Rows of technqiues representative of the founding elements of the style. (Shaolin Quan, Fanzi Quan and Yue Shi San Shou). Shaolin Quan, Shaolinquan or Shaolin Chüan (Chinese: 少林拳; pinyin: ) is the term typically used to describe the Chinese martial arts that originate from the famous Shaolin Buddhist temple and monastery at Songshan in Henan, founded circa 7th century CE. There are a few theories as to its origins, some based...

Lian Quan 連拳(Lin Kuen) is known as the Linking Fist. A very important set in that it not only provides the exponent with an encyclopedic base of various Seizing, Grappling and Joint Locks but a set that incoporates various Qi Gong Skills as well.

Yue Shi San Shou aka Yī Bǎi Ling Bā Qín Ná 一百零八擒拿(Yat Ling Bat Kahm Na)– “108 Seize Grab” aka 108 Locking Hands is considered the "Heart" of the Eagle Claw System. Believed to be the material passed down by the legendary Yue Fei of China's Song Dynasty. This material is 108 different categories of skills/techniques that are trained to a level of pefection with partners.

Missing any of the 3 core sets will severely hinder a students hope of mastering this style.

Movies

Below are some of the many films that feature the Eagle Claw Style (or some form of martial art presented that may or may not resemble Eagle Claw). Most films have exponents of Eagle Claw as villains.

• Shaolin Martial Arts (1974)
• Shaolin Assassin
• Snake in the Eagle's Shadow with Jackie Chan (1978)
• Avenging Eagle with Fu Sheng & Ti Lung (1978)
• Master of the Flying Guillotine
• Death Duel of Mantis (1978)
• Eagle's Claw (1978)
• Fearless Hyena Jackie Chan - (1979)
• Jade Claw also known as Crystal Fist with Billy Chong (1979)
• 18 Fatal Strikes
• Talons of the Eagle
• Legend of a Fighter with Leung Kar Yan & Kurata Yusuaki (1980)
• Super Power with Billy Chong (1980)
• Eagle's Claw and Butterfly Palm (1981)
• Martial Club with Gordon Liu & Kara Hui (1981)
• Prodigal Son with Sammo Hung & Yuen Biao (1981)
• Millionaire's Express Cynthia Rothrock (1986)
• No Retreat No Surrender 2 Cynthia Rothrock, Hwang Jang Lee
• Invincible Armour with Hwang Jang Lee
• Iron Monkey with Donnie Yen (1993)
• Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
• Jet Li's Fearless (2006)

Snake in the Eagles Shadow is a martial arts film made in Hong Kong in 1978. ... Avenging Eagle is a Shaw Brothers film directed by Chung Sun, starring Ti Lung, Alexander Fu Sheng and Ku Feng. ... Master of the Flying Guillotine (獨臂拳王大戦血滴子) is a 1975 Taiwanese / Hong Kong martial arts film starring Jimmy Wang Yu, who also wrote and directed the film. ... Eagle’s Claw (also known as Eagle Fist, Mandarin title Ying zhao tang lang , Cantonese title Ying chau tong long) is a martial arts film directed by Lee Tso Nam, starring Wong Tao, Chang Yi and Chi Kwan Chun. ... This movie is an autobiography about Jackie Chan. ... A superpower is a state with the ability to influence events or project power on a wide scale. ... Martial Club (aka Instructors of Death) is a Shaw Brothers film directed by Lau Kar Leung, it is another of his lighthearted kung fu films starring Kara Hui, Hsiao Ho and Gordon Liu, and Wang Lung Wei in a rare hero role. ... The Return of the Prodigal Son (1773) by Pompeo Batoni The Prodigal Son, also known as The Lost Son is one of the best known parables of Jesus. ... Millionaires Express aka. ... Region 2 DVD cover Region 2 Platinum Edition DVD cover This article is about the 1993 kung fu film. ... Kill Bill is the fourth film by writer-director Quentin Tarantino. ... Fearless, known in Chinese as Huo Yuanjia (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is a 2006 film directed by Ronny Yu and starring Jet Li. ...

References