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The Tan Tan Tan Tui
Tan Tui's history is long and unsubstantiated. Most versions of its orgination are represented here from various writings and translations. Much of the speculation focuses on the word Tan itself which can have a number of interpretations ...
" Tan(Spring) Tui , also known as Tan(Pool) Tui or Tan(Surname) Tui, is a representative form of Northern style Chinese Boxing. Since ancient times this has been widely utilized by teachers, especially in Hebei, Shandong, Henan and other places, even to the present day. Furthermore its simple movements are practical, and many beginners practice their fundamentals with this form, therefore many generations of instructors continue this practice.
At the same time, (Tan Tui), as it is designated, it is chosen from among other forms and employed to introduce basic martial arts, with Cha Quan's being one of the best forms of this. However, due to because it was created by one faction, nowadays it is again thought search for the source, though with some difficulty.
It is ordinarily said that you can classify this under two types.
a. It might have originated from the Shandong province's Dragon Pool Temple, this description has become universal.
b. A man named Tan from Henan province may have been the originator, afterwards some mistaken teacher changed it to Tan for Pool, so that is now known as Pool Leg to some people.
Few people endorse this particular rumor.
The "Spring" Leg background
Because the kicking leg's spring actions are similar to the fierce rebounding of a boat, this form is commonly called Tan (Spring) Legs.
More people employ this more likely name associated the Hui (Chinese Muslim) people. Teachers of this style have a poem: (KunLun Great Immortal teacher taught following generations a form named Tan Tui; its secrets are boundless.) It is also said: (From Nanjing to Beijing, the truest Tan Tui is from the Jiao Men style.) Furthermore it is seen that this boxing method is passed down from instructors of China's Western regions."
A famous poem on the Ten Road versions gives us insight into each road's character:
- "The First Road thrusts along a single line.
- Road #2 Cross toward the leg.
- Road #3 Cover and strike with a crescent shape.
- Road #4 Lift, spear, hold and block.
- Road #5 Block and strike simultaneously.
- Road #6 Single Spread.
- Road #7 Double Spread.
- Road #8 Rotate Body.
- Road #9 Spring manacles.
- Road #10 Arrow strike."
Tan Tui DVD
