The Chinese Iron Fan Part 1- A Series of Articles by Shafagh Amiraftabi Instructor WCMA

The White Crane Metal Fan form has 66 postures and I had the great pleasure , some years ago, of witnessing several single and double fan forms in Fuzhou. Fuzhou is the capital of South Eastern China’s Fujian province. We travelled to this area many times, studying and practicing Kung Fu and Tai Chi in the parks, training halls and individual studios with different Masters and Instructors. Learning these intricate, elegant and powerful forms was one thing. The other is the continued dedication by myself and the Chief Instructor to continue studying and practicing so that we are now able to pass on some of these beautiful patterns. This way others can enjoy and benefit as we have done.

The White Crane Metal Fan form is part of our soft style system in White Crane Martial Arts. The 66 postures in this pattern improves strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. As a powerful soft style form it enhances the internal energy flow.

As if the above is not enough I have felt that there is yet another dimension to this system of training. By this system I mean the Metal Fan. Yes this is a beautiful, elegant, fluid soft style form; however those moments in opening and closing the fan and the way it affects the energy flow during those periods gives us more. Could this form be that physical connection between our soft and hard style forms? An actual connection, like a bridge. This makes the system of the Metal Fan an invaluable training tool.

A symbol of Chinese and Japanese Culture the fan is an effective weapon. There are stories of Samurai armed only with their fans unarming opponents holding swords.

The principles of the Fighting Fan are;

Thrusting, Blocking, Parrying, Concealment and Distraction.

Part 2 to follow.

The image is of Instructor Joshua Haigh performing the Metal Fan form.