Nan 18 Luohan Quan
(Southern 18 Arhat boxing) is part of
the Shaolin Family system which
embraces a variety of Chinese martial arts
styles. 18 Luohan quan was created in
Northern Shaolin Temple by the monks who
observed different boxing styles of other fighting
monks and expressions of the Arhat statues in the
Temple. Later they created a style of fighting known as
18 Luohan quan.

History

The monks had to leave the Temple. Some of them came to the Southern provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang where they started to teach their Northern 18 Luohan quan style. This became mixed with some of the Southern boxing styles. Until today there is a separate style known as Southern 18 Luohan quan. This style comprises 18 basic Shaolin techniques including blocking, punching, elbowing, kicking, holding and stepping. It emphasizes the strong and stable front stance and the powerful punches driven by the back leg and hips. Practising this style for a long period of time will strengthen and tone the body. More advanced students learn body conditioning known as Pai Da, the grabbing and locking system of Qin na, throwing, self-defence, sparring routines with a partner and free sparring. It's common practice that the internal methods are taught to advanced students only and are secret to everyone else.