Liu He Ba Fa (Water Style) is one of the major internal style martial arts. It originally passed down from generation to generation only to a handful of gifted and chosen students with exemplary courage and moral character. Liu He Ba Fa literally means Six Harmonies and Eight Principles. It utilizes the power of Xingyi as its center, utilizes the stepping patterns of Bagua for its turning and spinning, and utilizes the neutralizing power of Taiji for its variations. Its movements are sometimes high, sometimes low, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. These movements resemble that of floating clouds, and flowing water that is sometimes calm, sometimes surging. Therefore, it is also known as Water Style. The movements of Liu He Ba Fa are constantly fluctuating with clearly defined forward, backward, upward, downward, and lateral motions. Each and every movement is lead by the mind(xinyi),. The mind initiates and the movements follow. It is therefore, also known as Xinyi Liu He Ba Fa. As an internal art, it not only serves as a system of self defence; it also benefits health, strengthens the body, dispels sickness and increases longevity.
There are two Liu He Ba Fa routines: Liu He Ba Fa Fist routine and San Pan Shi Er Shi routines. The Liu He Ba Fa Fist consists of sixty-six postures including Qigong and martial applications. It is divided into two sections, and each section is practiced as a routine. The San Pan Shi Er Shi routine is a foundation training routine that includes advancing, retreating, rising and lowering movements which is designed to develop reaction skills for combat.
Why learn Water Style? Who should take this class?
- It is highly advised that students should have some Wushu basic training as well as experience in at least two other internal styles (Taiji, Bagua, or Xingyi) before taking up Water Style classes.
- For people who wish to improve their focus, stamina, coordination, and balance. Training in Water Style yields can yield the same benefits as Taiji and Bagua.
Liu He Ba Fa Class Structure
Water Style classes are taught personally by Grandmaster Shou-Yu Liang and Master Helen Liang over 4 month periods, each period covering a specific style. Students are asked to commit to regular training over these periods, avoiding missing class as best as they can. Once begun, Grandmaster Liang may not allow new students to join until the next period of training. Drop-in students may be disallowed from joining class if their previous training/experience is inadequate.
What will I learn?
- There are two Liu He Ba Fa routines: Liu He Ba Fa Fist routine and San Pan Shi Er Shi routines. The Liu He Ba Fa Fist consists of sixty-six postures including Qigong and martial applications. It is divided into two sections, and each section is practiced as a routine. The San Pan Shi Er Shi routine is a foundation training routine that includes advancing, retreating, rising and lowering movements which is designed to develop reaction skills for combat.
Notes/Precautions
- Upon arrival at our school, please see or have someone direct you to an instructor for more information.
- For people who have any serious health issues, always consult with an SYL instructor before participating in class.
- Wear comfortable exercise clothes. Jeans and clothing that restrict movement are definitely not recommended. Wear light and comfortable exercise shoes.
- Always follow the directions of the instructors as closely as possible.