中国武術「長拳」の特徴と変遷

抄録

The Chinese martial art “chang chuan” has a long history and has been cited in documents since ancient times. The characteristics of chang chuan movements can be said to parallel chinese history. This martial art form was originally used for protection against wild beasts, and later developed into the skills needed for fighting in battle. In the primitive age, people were always exposed to danger. It was this sense of risk that contributed to the development of chang chuan. The movements in chang chuan are characterized by lightning speeci, powerfulness, light movement, high jumps, and slow and free motion. The slow and free motion originated in combat; the act of stretching the arms and legs to reach the opponent standing at a distance. From a topographical perspective, practitioners stretched their limbs as far as they could in the boundless land of Northern China, leading to the unconscious development of the characteristic slow and graceful movements. Another element which had a indirect impact on the external expressions of chang chuan was the passionate and heroic character of the Northern people. In the clear rhythm and motions of ups and downs and turns in chang chuan, traditional Chinese culture and aesthetic concepts are expressed. In other words, these characteristics reflect the aesthetic sense of Chinese people based on the concepts of Yin-Yang (a set of contrasting but cooexisting concepts). In terms of guiding theories, chang chuan is based on the philosophies of sutra called “yijing”, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Sunzi strategics. In this sense, the martial art is also closely related to the thought and philosophies of the Chinese people.
Chang chuan is a hard exercise which combines aerobic and non-aerobic movements. Practitioners exercise every part of the body, and are required to have a high level of overall physical strength in order to fully express the characteristic movements of chang chuan. The practice of chang chuan will train and improve physical strength in a comprehensive manner. From the time of its origin, chang chuan has alwaysbeen influenced by history and culture, and has now developed into a unique form of exercise. Currently, chang chuan is not only a form of martial arts intended for self defense, but an art form which has preserved Chinese traditional aesthetics and medical skills. Chang chuan is helpful in training the body and spirit in terms of speed, power, jumping, starting power, agility, flexibility, stamina, cooperativeness, etc. Despite these benefits, however, chang chuan is relatively unknown. I am determined to continue to provide multi-faceted insights into nan chuan, tai chi, martial arts that employ weapons, and other traditional martial arts.