The Systems · Since 1836
Chinese Martial Arts Traditions
The archive documents two systems and the methods beneath them: Choy Li Fut kung fu, founded by Chan Heung in 1836, and Yang family Tai Chi Chuan — as both were transmitted to North America. Every system page carries its history, lineage, forms, and weapons.
- 2
- Documented Systems
- 1836
- Founding Year
- 36
- CLF Weapon Sets
- 7
- Curriculum Studies
Screen One
The Systems
Two systems anchor the archive. One is a southern Chinese fighting art built on animal forms and a vast weapons curriculum; the other is the internal art of the Yang family, carried by its most famous teacher and its classical texts.
System · Southern · Since 1836
Choy Li Fut
Founded by Chan Heung in King Mui village from three inherited traditions. Ten animal forms, thirty-six weapons, and a lineage that reached California and Alabama.
System → History → Lineage → Forms → Weapons
System · Internal · Yang Family
Yang Style Tai Chi
The long form standardized by Yang Chengfu, pushing hands, sword and saber — and the classical texts that define the art's principles.
System → Masters → Forms → Push Hands → Classics
Screen Two
Methods & Curriculum Studies
Beneath the systems sit the methods: grappling, seizing, wrestling, and sparring; the animal forms of the Choy Li Fut curriculum; the structure of the long form. Each study defines its subject, dates its sources, and links it to the systems above.
Historical Artifact
Nine Dragon Trident
The Nine Dragon Trident (九龍叉, Gau Lung Cha): a steel, nine-pronged weapon devised by Chan Heung for water combat against firearms, documented here since 1998.
Martial Method
Chin Na
Chin Na (擒拿) — the seizing method of Chinese martial arts: tendon separation, joint displacement, vessel grabs, and acupoint strikes, from the Choy Li Fut canon.
Curriculum Study · The Ten Shapes
Ten Animal Forms
The ten animal forms (十形拳) of Choy Li Fut — each shape with its own intent and power method, from the dragon's spirit to the biao's savagery.
Martial Method
Shuai Jiao
Shuai Jiao (摔跤) — Chinese wrestling, one of the four classical techniques. From the Qing Shanpuying to Bao Ding fast wrestling and Choy Li Fut's curriculum.
Martial Method
San Shou
San Shou (散手) — the free-fighting method of Chinese martial arts, from the Han-era shoubo to the 1929 Hangzhou leitai and the modern sport of Sanda.
Curriculum Study
Tai Chi Long Form
The Yang Style long form — the 大架 codified by Yang Chengfu — its structure, practice method, and why the posture count runs from 85 to 108.
Concept · A family of boxing, not one style
Drunken Boxing
Drunken boxing (醉拳) is a family of forms built on the principle 形醉意不醉 — the body feigns drunkenness while the intent stays sober.
Screen Three
Three ways into the record
The archive is a network, not a feed. Each route below reads three connected documents in order and returns you here. Follow one, or walk all three — together they cover the two systems end to end.
Path One
The founding history
Start with the system Chan Heung founded in 1836, meet its founder, and finish with the weapon page that Wikipedia cites.
Path Two
The spear tradition
Follow the Bajiquan line from its most feared fighter to his students, and into the system as it reached North America.
Path Three
The classics
Enter through the Yang family curriculum, read its founding treatise, and study the method that trains sensitivity.
Continue
Beyond the systems
People
Masters
Biographical records of the founders, lineage holders, and teachers — from Chan Heung to the Alabama school.
Texts
Classical Texts
The treatises that define the internal arts, translated with source text and notes.
Concepts
Theory
Wuji, standing meditation, pushing hands — the principles beneath the forms.