Ditang Quan or the Ground tumbling boxing is also called ground skill boxing. It is said to have originated in the Southern Song Dynasty (1129-1279) and was first practiced in Shandong province from where it spread to other parts of the country. After the founding of People's Republic of China, it was included in the martial arts competition programs.
Ditang Quan or the
Ground tumbling boxing is also called ground skill boxing. It is said to have originated in the Southern Song Dynasty (1129-1279) and was first practiced in Shandong province from where it spread to other parts of the country. After the founding of People's Republic of China, it was included in the
martial arts competition programs.
General introduction
Ditang Quan has absorbed the tumbles, falls, turns, somersaults and aerial acrobatics of the drunkard boxing, monkey boxing and other boxing styles, developing into a routine of beautiful and delicate moves and actions. Ground tumbling boxers can jump high and perform extremely difficult tricks.
It not only trains people in self-defense skills but it can also keep people fit and exercise their will power. Persistent practice can strengthen the functions of human bones, ligaments, muscles and internal organs, so preparing people to soak up the impact of outside forces and blows. It is an excellent form of health-preserving exercise.
Features of Ditang Quan
Attacking blows, hidden in the movements of tumbling, falling, turning and somersaulting are a major feature of this style. Tumbles
and falls are used to confuse and mislead the opponent into the trap and to launch attacks. With the upper limbs, they charge, push, rake, rub, hammer, pick and upswing while they use the lower limbs to kick, stamp, swing, flick, hook, hitch, and high kick. Besides jumping, shunning, extending and retreating, ground tumbling boxers also emphasize grabbing, crushing, wrestling, wringing, turning and coiling.
During execution of the ground tumbling boxing, dangerous moves follow in quick succession creating an exciting spectacle for viewers. At the same time the delicacy, agility and boldness of the movements is aesthetically pleasing.
However, the ground tumbling boxing is not just an artistic display. It is a fist play with attacks and defenses ingeniously mixed with difficult, delicate and beautiful actions.