A basic introduction to Dai Xin Yi Quan's San Gun (3 Stick)

San Gun (taken from a interview with grand master Yan Long Chang, conducted by Evan Chen. Translation by Ken Wong Guo Long)

San Gun

Dai Style San Gun uses short pole, because of the practicality, accessibility and it is easier to bring along. Normally, the length of a pole goes from thirteen to sixteen times the width of the user's palm. The thickness of the pole is determined by the body structure of the user.

The material of the pole uses hard wood, "shang jiai bai la gan" or "niu jing zhi" from Taixing mountain. Of the two materials, "niu jing zhi" is the best material for the pole.

"Niu jing zhi", also known as xiang long mu (dragon subduing wood), or "liu daoi zi" is shaped like the tendon of a bull and is hard yet soft, and doesn't attract insects. The weight is also suitable for a pole. A good pole made of "niu jing zhi" is considered a treasure to martial artists.

The dragon subduing wood grows on Taixing mountain, normally on the rock walls. The quantity of the material is very little and time taken for the wood to grow is long. It may take ten years for the wood to grow to a size of a finger. The shape of the wood is naturally straight and for it to grow to the size of a pole is uncommon.

One should choose a naturally straight wood with slightly red in colour as it would be harder because of the age of the wood. White coloured wood would be the next best choice.

The making of pole has strict emphasis. The outer covering should be peeled off, using fine sand of the river to rub with hands. Avoid rubbing too much or using knife to scrap as the wood will lose its hardness. This kind of pole will develop a red shiny glow the more you practice, and can last forever.

It was said that the mountain guardian Mu Gui Ying used this type of wood, and peopl regard, Niu Jing Zhi as the treasure in the mountain. Mu Gui Ying was said to be skilled in warefare and the pole she used was made using the dragon subduing wood.

There is also saying that having dragon subduing wood with you can avoid poison, snakes and insects. Buddhists also used the wood as an auspicious object.

The name of san gun (three poles) means the three distinctive pole techniques, bang gun, pao gun and fan bei gun.

Dai style pole techniques are unique, execution of the strikes comes from dan tian. Thus, it can only be practised after having foundations of the hand movements, body movements and foot steps. The techniques are unpredictable, high or low, long or short and can attack at all angles, body and pole strike together.

Dou(1) gun and dou(3) gun are the most important basics. Under the condition of superb coordination, together with flexibility of holding the pole, you can reach to a level whereby you can use short pole for long range attacks and long pole for short range attacks. You would also be able to use the power of your dan tian on the strikes and change the techniques flexibly.

Internal Strength

Dai Xin Yi Quan uses dun hou shi (squatting monkey) as the fundamental movement to cultivate the dan tian and further improve the connection between the dan tian and the bodies movements. After the cultivation of dan tian, there will be internal strength in every step or punch you make.

Dai Xin Yi Quan has a unique method for better health and closing of practice. This nei gongi (internal exercise) is called "tian di, yin yang gong" (heaven and earth, yin yang exercise). This exercise involves the practitioner to touch and to trace around the natural flow of the qi (life force) in the channels (jing luoi) and rubbing the dan tian in clockwise directions, maintaining healthy circulation. This exercise is very helpful in maintaining the health and as a rejuvenating exercise.

This special exercise was taught to master, Yan Long Chang by his teacher (and wifes uncle), Wang Guo'an. Master Wang Guo'an was Dai Kui's first disciple and he started learning Dai Xin Yi Quan when he was very young. The relationship between Wang and Dai was like father and son, as Dai had no children of his own.

Wang Guo'an in his lifetime solely taught one person this technique and this person was, Yan Long Chang.