HISTORICAL EVOLUTION

The Shaolin Cudgel in Six Rounds on Horse (Liuhe Mazhan Gun) is a prestigious weapon system with roots stretching back to the Song Dynasty. According to the 'Table of Shaolin Cudgelplay,' this style was synthesized by the Great Monk Fuju, who integrated the elite techniques of 18 different martial arts groups. During the Yuan Dynasty, legendary monks such as Jinnaluo and Jinnaren further refined the system into the current six-round format. This DVD set, presented by Grandmaster Liu Baoshan, preserves the authentic battlefield applications of the cudgel, which was historically used to simulate combat against mounted opponents or from a mounted position.

DYNAMICS OF HORSEBACK CUDGEL

The 'Horse' (Ma) designation in this style refers to the dynamic and powerful stances that provide the leverage necessary for heavy weapon combat. Biomechanically, the form focuses on the 'Stirring' (Jiao) and 'Blocking' (Lan) mechanics, which are essential for controlling an opponent's weapon. The cudgel is treated as an extension of the body's central axis, utilizing centrifugal force to generate devastating impact. Master Liu Baoshan demonstrates how the practitioner uses the 'Blocking-Waist' technique to neutralize attacks while simultaneously preparing for a counter-strike. The coordination between the arms and the waist is paramount, ensuring that the weapon moves with the speed of a whip but the force of a hammer.

COMBAT STRATEGY AND APPLICATION

Unlike purely aesthetic staff forms, the Six Rounds Horse Cudgel is a pragmatic combat system. Each of the six rounds focuses on a specific tactical scenario: mutual attacking, dodging and hitting, and high-low redirection. The DVD emphasizes the concept of 'One Attack, One Defense,' teaching practitioners how to use the cudgel's length to control the distance. The 'Stirring' techniques are particularly emphasized, showing how to bypass an opponent's guard by rotating the staff in a tight spiral. This 2-DVD set provides a comprehensive look at how Shaolin monks transformed a simple wooden staff into the 'King of Weapons.'

THE ART OF SHAOLIN WEAPONRY

Grandmaster Liu Baoshan's expertise in Shaolin weaponry is unparalleled. In this series, he breaks down the complex footwork and grips that define the Six Rounds system. His teaching emphasizes the integration of internal Qi with external force, a hallmark of high-level Shaolin practice. For practitioners of any level, this set offers a deep dive into the strategic and philosophical heart of Shaolin weapon combat. It is a rare opportunity to study a system that has been handed down generation by generation, maintaining its lethal efficiency and cultural significance.