Master Châu Quan Kỳ
Master CHÂU Quan Kỳ, born in 1895 in China's Quảng Ðông province, came from the Hakka ethnic group, renowned for their skills in martial arts and traditional medicine. Following the death of his father, he was entrusted to the care of his uncle, a Taoist master and head of a large martial arts school, who played a decisive role in his education. From an early age, the young CHÂU Quan Kỳ displayed remarkable martial arts skills, impressing his peers with his exceptional talent.
In 1936, faced with difficult political circumstances, he emigrated to Hồng Kông before settling in Trà Vinh, Vietnam, where he joined a growing Chinese community. His mastery of martial arts and knowledge of traditional medicine quickly won him local recognition. A striking incident at a festival, where he performed an impressive demonstration against two less skilled compatriots, propelled his reputation throughout South Vietnam, attracting the interest of numerous disciples.
In 1956, he moved to Chợ Lớn, a bustling district of South Vietnam's capital, where he began practicing herbalism and acupuncture. His fame continued to grow, and he then moved to a Taoist temple in Gia Ðịnh, where he took on the role of master of ceremonies for funeral rites. Around this time, he met PHẠM Xuân Tòng, a young boy who would become one of his closest disciples.
Encouraged by recognized Vietnamese experts, such as Grand Masters Lê Văn Kiển, Lai Quí and Long Hổ Hội, Master CHÂU Quan Kỳ decided to become a naturalized Vietnamese. In 1958, he founded his first official school, the Võ Ðường: Hổ Hạc Trảo, promoting his teachings to a wider audience.
From 1967 onwards, as he devoted himself to research into energy control, he began to experience health problems. Aware of his condition, he drew up his will in preparation for his inheritance. Shortly afterwards, he was found lifeless by PHẠM Xuân Tòng's father during a visit. He died a few hours later in Chợ Rẫy hospital, following a cerebral hemorrhage. Before his death, he appointed PHẠM Xuân Tòng as his only successor, entrusting him with his writings and knowledge to ensure the continuity of his teaching and vision of the martial arts.
The different styles
Within Master Châu Quan Kỳ's school: the Võ Ðường HỔ HẠC TRẢO, several styles of Hakkas were practiced: Thiếu Lâm Nam Phái, Nga Mi Phái, and Châu Gia Ðường Lang Phái (Châu family praying mantis method). Indeed, the Hakkas, literally meaning “traveling families”, are a Chinese ethnic group living mainly in the provinces of Fujian, Guangxi and Guangdong. Known for their passion for education, courage and mastery of the martial arts, they have also produced notable historical figures, such as Hồng Tú Toàn, leader of the Tai-Ping Revolution. Today, they can be found mainly in Guangdong, in towns such as Hwai Chow and Chao Chow.
In addition, the Nga Mi method, which spread widely in the Sichuan region during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), spawned around 300 styles, reaching its apogee thanks to competitions such as “Đả Lôi Đài” (free ring fighting). The famous Taoist monk P'ak Meï T'ao Jin embodies just one of the many styles of this period.
Notable techniques include Thương Pháp Nga Mi (internal techniques) and Quyền Pháp Nga Mi (hand techniques), as well as specialties such as Nga Mi Hoả Long Quyền and Nga Mi Kiềm Quyền. Hand techniques include fast movements and surprise attacks, while defense favors flexibility, dodging and the use of decoys. The method of “Điểm Huyệt” (striking the vital points) is also essential. This technical richness is the result of centuries of research and development in the region.
On the other hand, Nam Quyền, developed in the 16th century, has spread along the southern slopes of the Trường Giang River, in provinces such as Phúc Kiến, Quảng Đông and Sichuan. This practice is rich in techniques and exercises, comprising several distinct styles. Nam Quyền Quảng Đông is famous thanks to clans such as Hồng Gia and Lưu Gia, known as “Ngũ Đại Lưu Phái”. In Quảng Tây, we find styles such as Châu Gia Quyền and Hồng Môn Phục Hổ Quyền. Nam Quyền Phúc Kiến, or Nam Quyền Thiếu Lâm, is distinguished by its legendary Ngũ Hình Quyền (Long, Xà, Hổ, Báo, Hạc) and other iconic techniques.
In the Hồ Nam region, we find the famous Vũ Gia Quyền and Hồng Gia styles. Nam Quyền Tứ Xuyên is characterized by eight varied styles, while Giang Tây is known for the 36 Lộ Tống Giang Quyền. Finally, Nam Quyền Chiết Giang includes Hạc Hổ Quyền and Kim Cương Quyền, and Giang Tô shows marked technical divergences depending on the city.
Đường Lang, inspired by the movements of the praying mantis, was developed in the late Ming dynasty by Vương Lang, a martial expert from the village of Túc Mạc, in Sơn Đông province. After failing a university competition, he observed a praying mantis chasing cicadas and created a unique fighting technique, Bắc Phái Đường Lang, which focuses on five principles of speed: upper limbs, lower limbs, movement, body and technical applications. Simultaneously, Nam Phái Đường Lang emerged in the province of Quảng Đông, under the teaching of Châu á Nam. The techniques of this style are very different from those of the north, with close attacks and shorter movements, although the praying mantis postures remain similar.
In addition, Qwan Ki Do also has its origins in Vietnamese martial arts derived from old Vietnamese methods that the young PHAM Xuân Tong was able to learn from his great-uncle PHẠM Trú: Võ Quảng Bình, Le Võ Bình Định and Võ Bắc Ninh (Quán Khí . .) , which themselves had been handed down by his great-grandfather PHAN Văn Miêng, who was very famous towards the end of the 19th century in the town of Ðồng Hới (Quảng Bình province).
