About Xu Shen Chuan
At the White Oak Martial Arts Association we teach a system of Martial Arts called Xu Shen Chuan.
Xu Shen Chuan can be translated as "Guo Ming Xu Spirit Fist Method." Guo Ming Xu being Grand Master Xu’s name, Shen meaning Spirit (In Chinese this is different from what we might think of spirit in America. This is not a theological nor religious reference, rather a reference to seeking to reach the highest possible level of Martial Arts ability), and Chuan meaning Martial Arts method.
Xu Shen Chuan is a series of principles designed by Grand Master George Xu. These principles provide the practitioner with a systemized approach to reaching a very high level of knowledge and ability in any Martial Arts style.
This series of principles enables the practitioner to develop first a strong knowledge of technique covering all ranges of Martial Art: weaponry, kicking, punching, locking, throwing, and grappling. Then, to learn the principles of "jing," or physical power, followed by "chi," or the internal processes, "yi," meaning the use of intention or mental focus, and then "shen," translated as spirit-though it may be better to think of this as the emotional and intuitive mind.
This means that Xu Shen Chuan enables you to learn a series of physical techniques that fit your body and personality. Then, you will learn to focus and harmonize every aspect of yourself-body, mind, and spirit-within your art. Remember, this is a series of principles- so if you already practice a particular style you don't have to change your forms, techniques, or lineage- you simply begin to use these advanced principles to reach higher and higher levels within your own style.
You will be shown how to combine different styles into one distinctly individual system that is completely fluid. The end product is that of a complete martial artist who is well-versed in several different arts and can use them with a series of unifying theories and principles. A Xu Shen Chuan martial artist becomes completely formless in art, a person who can change from one art to another with seamless fluidity in order to adapt to any situation.
A high ethical standard is also extremely important in this system. The objective of Xu Shen Chuan is to obtain a higher understanding of the self, to become more in tune with your body, to develop a high degree of mental focus, and to be emotionally balanced.