In YMAA's regular training curriculum, Long Fist is emphasized for long-range fighting while White Crane is emphasized for short-range fighting. Learning both Northern and Southern styles complement each other and helps to maintain a balanced practice. This seminar will focus on basic Long Fist punching, kicking, and footwork. Lian Bu Quan (Linking-Stepping Sequence), one of the most popular Long Fist sequences originating from the Nanjing Central Guoshu Institute, will also be taught. There will be discussion and practice of martial applications.

SEMINAR/WORKSHOP PROGRAM

The focus of this seminar will be Long Fist fundamentals. As with any martial art, properly learning the fundamentals will determine the rest of your practice. It is important to build good habits early on in the training process instead of trying to break bad ones later on. Be sure to practice regularly. Topics reviewed will include:

1. Stances
   Building proper leg strength, form, and body structure are absolutely essential to any martial style. Long Fist emphasizes low and long stances, maximizing range, conditioning the body, and building leg strength.
2. Footwork
   Footwork is important for maneuvering from place to place. It is important for adjusting distance to and from an opponent and will be a crucial element of sparring. All of the fundamental stances should be incorporated into footwork practice, ensuring proper rooting, balance, and control at all times. Footwork will include both stepping and hopping.
3. Hand Forms
   Various punches will be discussed and reviewed. We will also cover open hand strikes, blocking and sealing, and strategies for attack.
4. Kicking
   At YMAA, we initially train students in 5 basic kicks: toe kick, heel kick, ramble kick, external sweep, and internal sweep. They are kicks shared by many martial arts styles. We will emphasize proper rooting, power manifestation, and body structure. If time permits, we will review some additional kicks that are typical to Long Fist.
5. Jumping
   Jumping is an integral part of any Northern style. In Northern China, there are many open fields and riding on horseback was very common. It was only natural that many jumping techniques and jump-kicks were developed in the Long Fist system.
6. Lian Bu Quan
   Lian Bu Quan (Continuous/Linking Stepping Sequence) is a very traditional sequence originating from the Nanjing Central Guoshu Institute. Most of the techniques in the sequence can be effectively applied directly to sparring situations. Application of of all the techniques will be discussed and practiced.

Throughout the seminar, Long Fist training theory and proper ways of practice will be emphasized.

WHO IS TEACHING?

YMAA instructors Nicholas Yang, George Dominguez, Aaron Damus and Ben Warner have all studied Long Fist with Dr. Yang for over 10 years and will be leading the seminar discussion and exercises.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Everybody is welcome to attend this Long Fist seminar. Previous martial arts experience is a plus, but not required. Attendance is limited, so register soon. This seminar will benefit:

• Martial artists interested in learning Long Fist (Changquan), a Northern style that includes a lot of jumping, kicking, and legwork
• Experienced martial artists who are looking to develop a deeper understanding of Long Fist fundamental training
• Students who are new to martial arts and would like to try a popular style of Chinese Kung-Fu
• Students who wish to train and develop body flexibility, range of movement, and overall physical health

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

There are no special requirements for this seminar. We recommend wearing loose practice clothing (T-shirt and pants) and a pair of indoor shoes unless you prefer training barefoot. Street shoes are not permitted on the training floor.

TRAVELING TO BOSTON

YMAA Boston is located approximately 20 minutes South of downtown Boston. If you are traveling by car please visit YMAA Boston webpage for detailed driving instructions.

Free on-street parking is available and there are several paid lots nearby.

Another good alternative is to use the MBTA subway transportation system. YMAA Boston is about 3 minutes walk from the Forrest Hill Orange line terminal. Visit MBTA website for more information.

If you are flying to Boston, a good way to get to YMAA is to use the MBTA subway system. After arriving to Boston’s Logan Airport take the free airport shuttle bus (Route #22, #33 or #55) to the “Airport” station, then take the inbound Blue line train to “State” station. At “State” station board the Orange line outbound train to “Forrest Hills” station. At the “Forrest Hills” station go upstairs and proceed straight through the exit terminal, once outside and at the top of the landing, turn right proceed downstairs, walk to the intersection, cross the street and walk 2 blocks to YMAA Boston.

STAYING IN BOSTON

For information about Hotel, Guest House and Inn lodging. Please visit the lodging page.

EXTRA INFO

If you need help making a decision about attending, have further questions about the Shaolin Qin Na or Taiji Qin Na Seminar, or would like to register now please contact us here or call (617) 524-8892 (for international calls please use +1-617-524-8892).

Long Fist training books and DVDs are available for purchase on site.

Private lessons for advanced levels of Long Fist Kung Fu can be arranged with Nicholas Yang.