Author: Wu Chanlong | 吴禅龙

Huà Gōng Quán is an internal martial art. Its internal force (nèijìn) gathers and returns inward like water filling a vessel to the brim without spilling. This art does not belong to the public curriculum of Tong Lao’s Liuhe Men lineage, but rather to a secretly transmitted Daoist cultivation tradition.

hen Li Shuwen arrived in Xiaoji in 1903, the 16-year-old Huo Diange began studying Bajiquan and Liuhe Daqiang under him. Recognized for his talent, diligence, and pure character, Huo quickly earned Li Shuwen’s favor and was formally accepted as a disciple. For the next twelve years, Huo trained relentlessly，often forgetting to eat or sleep, and earned such deep trust that Li Shuwen frequently stayed at the Huo household upon returning from military service, giving rise to famous anecdotes like “Li eats chicken but doesn’t spit out the bones.”

The "Ten Essentials" provide a roadmap for transforming Taijiquan practice from external choreography into an internal art of self-cultivation, health, and martial skill. They emphasize a mind-body connection where the mind (intent) leads, the body follows with relaxed structure, and energy flows accordingly. Progress involves moving from gross physical adjustments to subtle internal sensations and movements.

Pure skill requires cultivating mind. Learn to strike, but choose not to, halt violence, value peace. Nurture life, enjoy defense, unite fist and way, depth achieved. Martial arts lead to philosophy, philosophy to virtue, complete in both. Perfect character, emphasize benevolence, awaken to the cosmos, become a sage.

The original Six Harmony Spear techniques are comprised of six paths: Golden Child, Jade Maiden, Green Dragon, Black Tiger, White Horse, and Crimson Ox. The core principle is the central, level spear (zhongping qiang), and its techniques emphasize powerful hacking and splitting motions.