Longfist (Chinese: Changquan) is the most popular style in modern wushu. This is because Changquan is the foundational style of contemporary wushu, and most young martial artists in China begin their training with it, along with two compulsory weapons. At first, traditional styles are typically practiced only during holidays, when injured, or during breaks. Many Chinese martial artists train for 10 to 15 years and may only perform 3 to 5 forms during that time—but these forms are executed with perfection.
Starting with styles like monkey or drunken boxing might sound fun, but the fundamentals of Changquan must be mastered first. Once you become proficient in Changquan, you can learn any traditional wushu form within a few hours. Changquan is highly acrobatic and athletic, developing the speed, flexibility, and most importantly, the coordination needed for all other wushu styles.
If you want to learn Changquan, you’ll find all the basic techniques, jumps, and difficulty moves under Wushu Main. Additional typical Longfist techniques are listed below. Be sure to also check out the Wushu Video section for more instruction and basic form demonstrations.
The most popular Changquan form is called Zixuanquan (自选拳, "self-composed form" or "freestyle form"). This is your own Changquan routine, which you must create once you reach a certain level. Your Zixuanquan should include typical Changquan elements: stances, jumps, kicks, sweeps, and more. When choosing your combinations, include the most difficult techniques you can perform cleanly.
Typical Changquan moves include:
Typical combinations might include:
Highly rated techniques include:
The most difficult techniques are 720° jumps with split landings and behind-the-back leg holds.
Lower-rated techniques include cartwheel rolls, standard butterfly kicks, flying front kicks, and 540° front sweeps.
Changquan stances are very low, with long run-ups and jump combinations ending in split landings.
Modern Changquan forms are quite similar to modern weapon forms. Stances, sweeps, holds, and jumps are performed the same way. The main difference is learning to manage a weapon in one hand while executing difficult techniques. Modern wushu weapons typically include:
Beginner Guide: How to Get Started
There are many standardized Longfist forms between the 5 Stances Form and Gui Ding Quan.
If you’re serious about improving in Longfist, make sure to follow a consistent training routine (at least several sessions per week). Stretch regularly, do plyometric training, and learn about proper nutrition to boost your performance.
