Qwan Ki Do (“The way of all body energies”) is a martial art created in 1981 in Toulon, France (Club du C.A.M Quan Ky Toulon) by Master Pham Xuân Tong. Qwan Ki Do has its origins in techniques derived from Chinese and Vietnamese martial arts. It is therefore a Sino-Vietnamese martial art. The official worldwide federation of this martial art is the International Qwan Ki Do Federation (IQKDF).
| Focus | Martial Art |
|---|---|
| Hardness | martial art, Full contact, self-defense, grappling |
| Country of origin | More than 30 countries affiliated in the world. |
| Creator | Founder Master Pham Xuan Tong |
| Official website | Facebook : International Qwan Ki Do Federation |
| Meaning | The Body's Energy Path |
| Martial art | Official Federation : International Qwan Ki Do Federation (IQKDF) - only federation recognized by the Founder Master Pham Xuân Tong. |
Qwan Ki Do covers many different aspects, including technical sequences (Quyên), single techniques, two-person techniques, assaults and traditional weapons. It combines efficiency and tradition through various techniques such as fists (cutting, clawing, spiking, palming), feet, elbows, sweeps, scissors, projections, grabs, locks, self-defense... It is a complete martial art.
Qwan Ki Do philosophy: “The secret of wisdom is not wisdom itself, but the path that leads to it. The path is long, the roots are bitter, but the fruit is sweet...”.[1] (Master Pham Xuân Tong).
History
editQwan Ki Do is a synthesis of Sino-Vietnamese martial arts styles. It represents the culmination of over 25 years of study and research by an expert in Vietnamese martial arts: Master Pham Xuân Tong, testamentary heir to Master Châu Quan Ky.
In fact, Qwan Ki Do was created by Master Pham Xuân Tong, after a long period of development that began with a rigorous apprenticeship in a Vietnamese temple, followed by an international career and sporting achievements, and university research, all combined with a heritage that was passed down to him alone, in accordance with the wishes of his own Master, himself heir to several prestigious Chinese schools born at a time when the martial art had a vocation other than entertainment.
Qwan Ki Do techniques come in part from four major schools, including the Shaolin school of monks.
From the Chinese current, we find three main schools:
- The Wo Mei Pai or Nga Mi Phai school, from the Wo Mei Shan mountain, includes numerous seizing and throwing techniques, as well as techniques based on animal observation.
- The Shao Lin Nam Pai or Thieu Lam Nam Phai School, which features a wide variety of techniques, including many jumping kicks and Chin Na or Cam Na techniques.
- Finally, the Chow Gar Tang Lang Pai or Châu Gia Duong Lang Phai school, characteristic of southern China and the Hakka ethnic group, is based on the imitation of the praying mantis, with rapid attacks of the upper limbs aimed at striking vital points and dislocating various joints.
As for the Vietnamese schools, they are renowned for their flying scissors and free boxing using elbows, knees and shins.
Despite its many Vietnamese influences and the origins of its founding master, the sources of Qwan Ki Do come mainly from the Chinese martial arts. There are many zoomorphic techniques, locks (called Cam Na), foot/fist (including elbows and knees) and the use of traditional weapons.
Despite its many Vietnamese influences and the origins of its founding master, the sources of Qwan Ki Do come mainly from the Chinese martial arts. There are many zoomorphic techniques, keys (called Cam Na), foot/fist (including elbows and knees) and the use of traditional weapons.
As in many Vietnamese martial arts, the Vietnamese terms used are often translations or transcriptions of Chinese terms.
In Qwan Ki Do, breakage is present to demonstrate the synergy of technical work, concentration and, depending on the required phrasing, the externalization of vital energy.
The discipline also includes free sparring, called Qwan Ki Do-Vo Dai, and gentle gymnastics, called Tâm Khi Thê, ideal for the well-being of practitioners.
The Belts
editThe beginning level represents infinite emptiness (Vô Cuc). The 1st Câp or Thai Cuc (genesis of mutation) is followed by the Luon Nghi (duality between the two polarities Am and Duong), then by the Tu Tuong (the four cardinal points) and finally by the Ngu Hàn (the five elements). The beginner level is characterized by a white belt.
The grades used are initially called Câp (pronounced “cup”) and increase to four according to the practitioner's level. These Câps are represented by yellow (under 7), red (under 13) or blue (over 13) bars, depending on the age of the practitioner.
After the 4th Câp Bleu (or blue belt at one time), at the age of 18, the practitioner can take the national black belt exam.
Once this level has been acquired, the next step is the rank of 1st Ðẳng. From this point onwards, the belt becomes black with a red border, and can move up the ranks to 4th Ðẳng.
At 5th Ðẳng, the belt is black with a yellow border.
From the 6th to the 8th Ðẳng, the belt is red and white cobblestones, edged with a yellow border.
For the 9th Ðẳng, the belt is red, edged with a yellow border.
The testamentary successor belt features 4 colors (red, yellow, blue, white).
The "Chuong Mon Dai" is the founder master's belt, handed down by Master Châu Quan Ky to Master Pham Xuân Tong; it combines the Qwan Ki Do colors (red, yellow, blue, black and white) found on the dragon emblem. This distinction guarantees the ethics and authenticity of the method.
The Qwan Ki Do outfit
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The official QWAN KI DO uniform is called Vo Phuc. It was designed by Master Pham Xuân Tong, creator of Qwan Ki Do, and reflects traditional Vietnamese dress (AO Thày Dô).
It comprises :
- a black jacket and pants (Vo Phuc)
- a different belt for each rank (Dang)
- the official QWAN KI DO coat-of-arm (symbol of the International Qwan Ki DO federation), sewn onto the left side of the Vo Phuc at heart level.
- the practitioner's club coat-of-arm, sewn on the right sleeve, at about the same level as the official QWAN KI DO crest.
- the national team coat-of-arm , sewn on the left sleeve, for members of the national team.