Six Harmonies, Eight Methods Water Boxing (Liu He Ba Fa Chuan; Liuhebafa Chuan; Lok Hup Ba Fa Kuen; 六合八法拳) is characterized by fluid movements, which are often practiced slowly, in forms that look similar to those of tai chi. (Because of this, water boxing is sometimes referred to as “Hua Yue Tai Chi Chuan.”)
The main form of water boxing is “Discovering the Foundations” (Zhu Ji). The form emphasizes technically precise movement. There is a saying that “Focus on and refinement of Zhu Ji will bring great skills in other areas, whereas training in other areas will bring great understanding to Zhu Ji.”
Rather than rely on muscular force, water boxing focuses on biomechanics and leverage. This focus helps to move chi around the body, making the art great for overall health and wellness. In addition, through correct body structure and opening of the joints, one can develop great martial power that can be applied in combat.
Water boxing may originate as far back as around 900 AD. However, the birth of grandmaster Wu Yi Hui (Wu Yi Fei; Ng Yik Fai; 吳翼翬) in the late 19th century marks the substantiated beginning of the art as we know and practice it today. Wu was a respected scholar, martial artist, and fighter. For more information on Wu, click here.
Legendary Yi Chuan founder Wang Xiangzhai exchanged with Wu and sent his top four students to learn from him. Wang also made the following statement:
“I have traveled across the country in research, engaging over a thousand people in martial combat, there have been only 2.5 people I could not defeat, namely Hunan’s Xie Tie Fu, Fujian’s Fang Yi Zhuang, and Shanghai’s Wu Yi Hui.”
Water-boxing training involves forms, drills, exercises, push hands, testing, and sparring. Training requires patience, dedication, and an open and inquisitive mind and heart.
Water boxing is sometimes referred to as the “scholar’s art.” Both simple and complex, it is founded on the theory of the six harmonies, eight methods, five hearts, and nine joints. For more information on this theory, click here.