Southern Luohan Boxing Traditions

In terms of Luohan Quan there are many differen styles and thus each with its own history. Some styles
have created a history based on legends, others are short to only reach a few generations since their
propagation whislt some even include religious lines of monks into their lineage. These will be outlined
below to understand how Luohan Quan came to be in the Southeastern areas of China.
In Fujian, there are over 5 different lineages of Luohan Quan recognized ( 3 of which are in Fuzhou, one is
Yong Tai Fang Guang Cliff Luohanquan, then there is Fuzhou Luohan Quan (which actually originated in
Kai Yuan Temple, Quanzhou in the south) and finally Xiang Dian Quan. There are also Luohan Quan
practiced in Zhejiang and Nanyang (Singapore, Malaysia etc). These are introduced below.

Yongfu Luohan Quan (, Arhat Boxing from Yongfu, Fujian

Province)

Chen Dongguan

This style of Luohan Quan originates in Yong Tai County at the Fang Guang Cliff where it was passed by
Monk Bao Kong (). It was Xie Baokuang ( who studied at Fangguang Cliff with Bao Kong the
skills of Luohan Quan which he passed onto his disciple.
Chen Dongguan () studied under Master Xie and was one of Luohan Quan's most recognized
inheritors (after achieving first place in the inaugaral Fujian Leitai competition in 1932) and taught the
boxing in Fuzhou. Liang Shou Zhong was a disciple of Chen Dongguan and selected as representative of
Luohan boxing when government researchers came to Fuzhou in the 1980's as part of the martial arts
collection activities.
The sets of Yongfu Luohan Quan include Sanzheng (, 3 straights), Babu (, 8 steps), Simen (,
4 gates), Ershiba Su (, 28 ancestors), Sanshiliushou (, 36 hands) and so on. The style is
likely to have been derived or heavily influenced by the old boxing styles in Yongfu which are known as
Jishan Quan (, Integrated Mountain Boxing).

Zhangzhou Luohan Quan ( , Arhat Boxing from Zhangzhou,

Fujian Province)
Zhangzhou is treasure house of traditional Fujian martial arts. Luohan Quan is also one of the styles
prominently found there. In Zhangzhou there is the Kaiyuan Temple (also one found in Quanzhou of the
same name) which is said to have had practitioners of martial arts for many generations, one of the major
schools is Shaohua Tang (). Zhangzhou Luohan Quan is also known as Shiba Luohan Quan (
, 18 Luohan Boxing), Fojia Quan (, Buddha Family Boxing) and Hexiang Quan (, Monk
Boxing).
It is a very elaborate system which includes over 108 routines/forms, with 18 of them being considered the
most respected. There are sets like Luohan Shibafa (18 Methods of Arhats), Xiao/Da Luohan (Small/Large
Arhat), Fuhu (Tiger Taming), Luohan Shibadie (18 falls of Arhats), Zui Luohan (Drunken Arhat), as well as
Xiang Yue Quan (Ape Boxing), Babu Chan (8 Steps), Meihua (Plum Blossom) and much more. A complete
system of internal practices (such as Luohan Jingang Gong, Luohan Jinchan Gong and external practices

such as Tiesha Zhang (Iron Plam), Jing Gong (Lightness Skils) and Jinzhong Zhao (Golden Bell Cover).
There are also many armed practices with 108 weapons sets (including 35 for long and 72 short weapons)
and over 24 combined combat sets.
The lineage in brief is as follows: Venerable Master Hui Ming ( ) - Master Fa Min ( ) Monk Guang Chou ( ) - Father in Law () - Pan Yiba ( ) - Lin Cenghui ( ).

Dan Bian Luohan Quan (, Single Whip Arhat Boxing)

This style is common in the Fuzhou area.

The origin of this style is from Zhang Zhongdong () in the Qing Dynasty. Master Zhang is said tro
have studied with a monk at Shan Feng Temple and later taught the style in Pingnan. The original boxing
of the monk was said to have been Longzhuang (also known as Longzun Quan, , Fujian Dragon
Reverence Boxing) as the reference Dan Bian (one of the sets on Longzhuang Quan. There are 18
sets/routines in this Luohan style with names such as 24, 36, 72 and 108 postures. The 108 postures is
the essence of Dan Bian Luohan Quan.

Xiang Dian Quan (, Fragrant Stall Boxing)

Xiang Dian Quan is also known as Luohan Quan or a division thereof and is commonly practices in
Pingnan, Fujian Province. In 1918, there was a monk Zhiyuan () who passed by a store called
"Qingxiang Tingxiang Dian" and the owner recognised that he has somes skills then asked to study. After
much difficulty in persuasion, the monk agreed to teach the young man known as Fang Ligui () who
studied the Luohan Quan with sincere effort. After he taught others the style was known as Xiangdian in
consideration of its origins with Master Fang. His key disciple was Chen Wumei (, 1896-1989) who
then passed on the skill to Fang Lizeng (, 1922-1991). Based on the contents and methods of the
style current researchers believe the origins to be in Longzun Quan (, Fujian Dragon Reverence
Boxing). The sets of this style include San Zhan (), Babu (), Shizi () and Luohan Shiba Fumo
Tui ().

Taizhou Luohan Quan ( , Arhat Boxing from Taizhou, Zhejiang

Province)

Luohan practiced in Zhejiang was passed by Venerable

Monk Ru Ceng () to Master Xi Chengfu ( ). The style's attributes are in line with those of the
Zhejiang region with deep stances, direct powerful striking and use of tensile motions. The contents of the
set are said to combine the Yixing (, Intention of the Image) based on the Luohan, with the Jiashi (
, postures) of traditional boxing in Zhejiang.
Its contents include three key aspects of many short sets including the Luohan Shiba Shou (,
18 Hands of Arhats), individual Luohan Quan ( , Arhat Boxing) and the drunken shape of Zui
Luohan Quan ( , Drunken Arhat Boxing). Since Master Xi was already versed in indigenous
boxing methods of Zhejiang and the styles close resemblance of that, it is likely that this style really took
the concept of Luohan but consists of local boxing methods therein.

Quanzhou Luohan Quan ( , Arhat Boxing from Quanzhou,

Fujian Province)

Zhuang Zishen

Zhuang Zishen (, 1913-1988) was an esteemed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and
Martial arts. He was fortunate to receive tuition from many masters in a variety of styles and became an
important figure in Fujian martial arts holding posts such as President of the Quanzhou martial arts
research society and the Fujian provincial martial arts bureau. In 1988, he commenced the Jianying martial
arts Institute. In amongst the martial arts he studied, this included Luohan Quan with Hou Junhuan (
) in Quanzhou, Fujian Province.
Hou Junhuan used to reside on Xijie (West Road) in Quanzhou, however not much is known of his
teachers. Common understanding amongst followers is that he studied with monks in either Kaiyuan
Temple () or Zhenguodong Chan Temple () . There are three empty hand sets: Luohan
San Zhan (, 3 Battles), Xianglong Luohan (, Dragon Subduing Arhat) and Fuhu Luohan
(, Tiger Taming Arhat).

Nanyang Fojia Pai (, Buddhist Family School)

Fojia Pai is sometimes also considered Luohan Quan (because of contents of the same name and close
association with Buddhism) was founded by Abbott Shi Gao Can (, Sek Koh Sum) of the Shuanglin
Temple, Singapore. Shi Gao Can was originaly from the Huian area in Quanzhou, Fujian province and
studied local boxing for three years in his youth, Taizuquan with Cao Biao () and later Luohanquan
from Zhangzhou later as a monk on Putuoshan (an island of the coast of Zhejiang province). This style
consists of elements from Taizu Quan, Luohan Quan mainly as well as some arts from Zhejiang. Since the
founder is said to have practiced methods only passed amongst Buddhist monks, the style is referred to as

Fo Jia Pai (Buddhist Family School). Characterized by deeply rooted stances, which are often on a three
angled plane the style is direct and consists of simply to execute and apply movements. Sets are
numerous and different amongst the various branches but commonly include Yizhi Mei (),
Luohanquan (), Simen (), Xiashan Hu () and more rare practices such as Xi Nu Luohan
() and Houxing Luohan ().

Taiping Luohan Quan

Luohan Quan is derived from the styles across Zhejiang, Fujian and Nanyang. It focuses on direct
powerful application of all techniques and individual expression of intention, power and methods on the
basis of the 18 Luohan. The concept is that each Luohan is represented not just by physical skills, but also
by power and spiritual emphasis which has been the basis for most of the Luohan Quan systems
throughout history.
There are introductory sets that ensure the right basics are understood, and then followed by individual
components which are based on each of the 18 Luohans. In total there are 18 sequences some short and
others long ranging between 12 up to 108 techniques within each sequence. Many of the sets are also
matching so that they can be practiced with a partner.
Fundamentals

San Zhan ( 3 Battles)

Ba Bu ( 8 Steps)

Si Men ( 14 Gates)

Shi Zi ( Cross)

Ba Hua Lan ( 8 Flowerings)

Luohan Shiba Fa ( 18 Methods)

Er Shi Ba Su ( 28 Constellations)

Shi Si Zi ( 14 Characters)

Wu Shi Si Shou ( 54 Hands)

Xia Bie Shou ( Turtle Hands)

San Shi Liu Shou ( 36 Hands)

Shao Hua Quan ( Shaohua Boxing)

Luohan Quan (

There are many practices to Luohan Quan. We outline only some of those below. We include a brief of the
folkore/legend of the corresponding Luohan for completeness as well.

Kanmen Luohan (, Gate Guarding Arhat)

The first of the advanced Luohan sets is Kanmen (Gate Guard). Movements are direct and practical. The
story of Kanmen Luohan suggests that when young he was slow-wittted and with poor memory having
difficulties in reciting sutras. As a result Buddha was said to have taught to sweep and that the simple
verse should be to sweep. This simple method focused his mind and since he achieved enlightenment. He
latter guarded the areas whilst sweeping throughout the temple. There are 72 movements in Kanmen
Luohan which are often split into 4 parts - it is the first two that shown the most. Sometimes in traditions
this are split into Xiao and Da Luohan (first two and last two parts).

Fuhu Luohan (, Tiger Taming Arhat)

The legend of Fuhu Luohan suggests that he was a monk living in a mountain that was sought by the local
town people as a wild man eating tiger was terrarising them. Fuhu Luohan then suggested that by
regularly feeding the tiger it would not be hungry. This idea worked and then the tiger became tamed and

the townspeople no longer lived in fear. This set contains three sections of 18 methods, totalling 54. In
addition to great techniques the first and last section can be practiced as a matching combat set in pair.

Xianglong Luohan (, Dragon Subduing Arhat)

This is one of the longest and most physically demanding of the Luohan sets. Movements are large and
extended including the use of the full arsenal of the human body. The legend of Xianglong Luohan he had
sole handedly recovered sutras that were destroyed and had to subdue dragons that stood guard at the
king of the undersea. There are 108 methods, with 6 sections. There is also an 18 movement combined
set which emphasises grappling and throwing concepts into a 2 man combat practice.

Xinu Luohan (, Happy Angry Arhat)

The Xinu Luohan is consisting of the Happy Arhat's representation. With a focus on the conflicting spirit,
the methods include the training of physical expression and emotions which are often accompanied by
sounds. The techniques are combinations that often end in a Luohan posture, whilst the actual methods
are mostly found between postures. Kanaka (the Happy Arhat) was said to look at happiness as
experience through the five senses, whilst eternal bliss was said to come not from the senses but rather
from within - the Buddha in the heart. The Xinu Luohan is an enduring set that allows one to experience all
senses only to return to nothingness but the tranquility from the heart.

Changmei Luohan (, Long Eyebrow Arhat)

Considered the leader of the Arhats - the long eyebrows indicate longevity and seniority. Some legends
advocate that he was born with long eyebrows, however, the more common legend is that he was a monk
in previous lives but had failed to reach ultimate enlightenment. Hanging onto life striving for the attainment
after many years that which remained were his long eyebrows. The Changmei Luohan set although short
with only 36 methods, is considered an advanced one. Power is short relying on combination of both
gentle and highly accelerated power.

Nianjing Luohan (, Sutra Reciting Arhat)

The Heart Sutra is often applied (althought others maybe prescribed according to conditions) to support
the development of the spirit. There are few methods but they are held for long periods, repeated and
special breathing and thought imagery is required throughout. Based on the Meditating Luohan, who was
one of Buddha's favorite disciples in legend. It was also said that he was originally a warrior with immense
strength who then gave up a life of fighting and killing. Through meditation he was able to achieve
enlightenment and many apply the Heart sutra to calm the mind of a warrior. Consisting of only 18
method/movements the Nianjing Luohan is usually taught as required and not part of standard curriculum.

Weapons

Zimu Gun ( Mother Son Staff)

Damo Jian ( Damo Sword)

Qi Bu Qiang ( 7 Step Spear)

Meihua Dao ( Plum Blossom Broadsword)