HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Shaolin Kaishou Liuhe Quan, also known as Fist-boxing in Six Rounds, is a cornerstone of the Songshan Shaolin combat system. This profound technical routine was originally codified by the legendary head coach and monk Zhanju during the Qing Dynasty. Originally consisting of 42 distinct forms, the system underwent rigorous refinement by subsequent generations of monastic masters, including monks Jiyuan and Jipan. The lineage eventually passed through the Liu family, with Liu Fatai transmitting the art to Liu Jingwen, and finally to Grandmaster Liu Baoshan. This 3-DVD set represents the culmination of centuries of martial evolution, preserved with the clinical precision of the Liu family heritage.

BIOMECHANICS OF Six Harmonies

The core philosophy of this style is 'Liuhe' or the Six Harmonies. This involves the three external harmonies (hands with feet, elbows with knees, shoulders with hips) and the three internal harmonies (heart with intent, intent with Qi, Qi with strength). Biomechanically, the routine emphasizes the Kinetic Chain, ensuring that every strike is supported by the entire body's mass. The 'Kaishou' (Opening Hand) aspect involves sophisticated parrying and entry techniques that utilize spiral force to neutralize an opponent's momentum. Practitioners learn to generate Fa-Jin (Explosive Power) from a rooted base, allowing for rapid-fire transitions between offense and defense.

TECHNICAL ROUTINE STRUCTURE

Spanning three comprehensive discs, this instructional series breaks down the Six Rounds into manageable segments. Each round focuses on a specific combat distance and tactical objective. The movements are characterized by their compact efficiency and lack of superfluous decoration. Master Liu Baoshan demonstrates how the stances provide the necessary torque for the 'Opening' techniques, ensuring that the practitioner remains balanced while delivering maximum impact. The routine serves as a masterclass in Shaolin structural integrity and tactical positioning.

LEGACY OF THE LIU LINEAGE

Grandmaster Liu Baoshan (1931-2021), a 7th Duan Wushu master, was instrumental in bringing this 'out of print' system to the modern world. As the founder of the Tagou Martial Arts School, his teaching methodology is world-renowned for its clarity and depth. This 3-DVD set is not merely an instructional guide but a historical document, capturing the authentic essence of a style that has survived through the dedication of the Liu family. It is an essential resource for martial historians and serious practitioners seeking to understand the authentic combat roots of Songshan Shaolin.