Shuang Yang White Crane Soft Art
Southern Crane Kungfu teaches a traditional soft style, called Shuang Yang White Crane Rou Ruan Chien. This translates as “Frost and Sun White Crane Soft and Gentle Art”. The Shuang Yang style was originally taught by Master Ang Lian Huat. It was passed down to Master Ang from Master Miao Sian Meng from the Chuan Chew Shaolin Temple.
When thinking about Shuang Yang, the new practitioner may compare it to TaiChi forms, which are also martial arts performed slowly. However, Shuang Yang is a rare and complex form consisting of 66 moves that is still used as a fighting art by the most experienced practitioners of the style. Used as a martial art, Shuang Yang focuses on the deflection and manipulation of attacks that render them and the person attacking ineffective.
Shuang Yang, as with TaiChi (meaning ‘supreme ultimate’), is about combining harmonising opposites, like Ying and Yang. Frost and Sun are opposites yet are complimentary, existing in a synergistic duality. So although Shuang Yang is on the whole performed slowly and softly, parts of it are hard and fast. Throughout the form, the practitioner must be focused without being tense, and relaxed while remaining precise in his or her movements.
Training in this style, as in all martial arts, first focuses on footwork as this is the student’s foundation. Once a student is able to show they have developed the strength and flexibility to control the lower half of their body, the arm movements are then introduced. If the student can prove to the instructor that they are dedicated to becoming a practitioner of this intricate style, training then proceeds to the breathing and the movement of energy around the body.
The movement of energy around the body is known by its Chinese medical name of ‘Qi’, which is also written and pronounced as ‘Chi’. Shuang Yang’s martial side appeals to many practitioners. However, for others the meditative benefits of Shuang Yang are the most important aspect. The form itself promotes the circulation of Qi in the body, so for practitioners interested in either aspect of Shuang Yang, learning about, controlling and generating Qi are integral to the successful practice of the form.
Qi is believed to enhance health as it operates through a circulatory structure similar to the body’s nervous and vascular systems. It is thought to increase healing processes as the practitioner becomes accustomed to aiding the flow of Qi around his or her body. By practising Shuang Yang, students are therefore believed to improve their overall mental and physical health.
To enhance this learning process, students of Shuang Yang practice soft Qi Gong exercises, which have been developed over the centuries to enhance the circulation of Qi. Qi Gong is an important part of Shuang Yang training and development. These exercises increase the practitioner’s awareness of mind, body and breath, drawing the three together to promote the flow of Qi.
Breath is key to Qi Gong and the flow of Chi. In the quote below, from a sixth century B.C. inscription on 12 Chinese jade pieces that may have formed the handle of a staff or rod, the essence of breath training is outlined:
In breathing one must proceed (as follows). One holds (the breath) and it is collected together. If it is collected it expands. When it expands it goes down. When it goes down it becomes quiet. When it becomes quiet it will solidify. When it becomes solidified it will begin to sprout. After it has sprouted it will grow. As it grows it will be pulled back again (to the upper regions). When it has been pulled back it will reach the crown of the head. Above, it will press against this. Below, it will press downwards. Whoever follows this will live; whoever acts contrary to it will die.
Taken from Science and Civilisation in China by Joseph Needham
Volume 5, Part 5, Section 33, p.142
Shuang Yang can be practised by old and young alike, of any ability. If it is practised regularly, Shuang Yang has a number of benefits. It promotes a healthy, strong and flexible body. The joints and limbs are strengthened and the practitioner develops improved internal core strength. The long term practise of Shuang Yang aids balance, posture, fine motor skills, and movement.
Other benefits of this form are cerebral, with practitioners improving their concentration skills and mental effectiveness. A peaceful, more balanced mind is also created. Yet the overall effect of Shuang Yang, while it is calming, is increasing energy in the mind, body and breath.
