THE LEGACY OF THE ARHATS

The 18 Routines of Arhat Boxing, or Luohan Quan, are considered the 'mother' of all Shaolin boxing styles. Tracing its legendary origins back to the movements of the 18 Arhats (enlightened disciples of the Buddha), this system represents the core combat philosophy of the Shaolin Temple. This DVD, presented by the late Grandmaster Shi De Qian, focuses specifically on the Practical Application Method of these routines. Shi De Qian’s expertise as the primary historian of Shaolin ensures that each combat application is presented with technical precision and historical context. Arhat Boxing is characterized by its 'Simple and Unadorned' appearance, which masks a sophisticated and lethal combat system designed for the defense of the monastery and its practitioners.

TECHNICAL DEPTH AND COMBAT BIOMECHANICS

The 18 routines provide a comprehensive encyclopedia of combat maneuvers, including striking, kicking, wrestling, and joint-locking (Qin Na). The biomechanics of Luohan Quan emphasize 'Body-Mind Integration' and the use of 'Short Power.' The practitioner learns to 'Adhere and Follow' the opponent's movements, using minimal effort to redirect force and create openings for counter-attacks. Master Shi De Qian demonstrates the 'Arhat’s Agility,' showing how to use subtle shifts in weight and angle to neutralize an adversary's reach. The Technical Routine focuses on the 'Six Harmonies'—the coordination of the hands with the feet, the elbows with the knees, and the shoulders with the hips. This structural unity allows for the generation of Explosive Force (Fa-Jin) even in confined spaces, making it a highly effective system for real-world self-defense.

THE SCHOLAR-MONK’S PERSPECTIVE

In this instructional guide, Grandmaster Shi De Qian moves beyond the performance aspect of the forms to reveal the 'Hidden Techniques' within the 18 routines. He explains the tactical necessity of each posture, showing how the 'Arhat Crouching' or 'Arhat Striking' postures are used to trap limbs and strike vital points. The philosophy of Arhat Boxing is one of 'Zen in Motion,' where the practitioner maintains a state of 'No-Mind' (Wu-Xin) while engaged in combat. This mental clarity allows for instantaneous adaptation to the opponent's actions. This DVD is a rare opportunity to learn the Combat Applications of Shaolin’s most foundational system from a master who dedicated his life to documenting and preserving these techniques. It is an essential addition to the library of any martial artist seeking to understand the transition from technical routine to actual combat application within the authentic Shaolin tradition.