“Da Lohan Quan” literally means “Big Lohan Fist”, but “Fist” here refers to a Kung Fu set. “Lohan” is the Chinese word for the Sanskrit “Arahan”. An Arahan or a Lohan was a direct disciple of the Buddha.

When the great Bodhidharma arrived at the Shaolin Temple in the year 527 he taught the monks a set of Chi Kung exercises called “Eighteen Lohan Hands”. Later this set of chi kung exercises evolved into a Kung Fu set called “Eighteen-Lohan Fist”.

The Eighteen-Lohan Fist became the prototype of Shaolin Kung Fu. Over the centuries there were many versions of this Lohan Kung Fu set taught by different masters during different periods in the long history of the Shaolin Temple. But whatever the version, it was a beautiful set comprising the fundamentals of Shaolin Kung Fu.

A shorter vision of the “Eighteen-Lohan Fist” was also practiced, and it was called “Xiao Lohan Quan”, or “Little Lohan Fist” to differentiate from the longer version called “Da Lohan Quan” or “Big Lohan Fist”.

As Sifu Wong had not learnt “Da Lohan Quan”, he asked Ronny to show him the set. Then he explained the combat applications of the set, pattern by pattern. Although Sifu Wong did not know the set, he could explain the combat applications of its patterns because of his profound understanding of Shaolin techniques and philosophy.

Sissok Roland Mastel, the Assistant Instructor of Shaolin Wahnam Switzerland, happened to have a video camera with him. These video clips were taken impromptu and are released here without any editing.

Part 1 - 4.50 MB

Many students may not realize that bringing the fists to both sides of the waist has martial functions. As explained by Sifu Wong here, every movement in a Kung Fu set has combat application. Sometimes, one may need to modify some movements, like using the right side instead of the left side as in the set, to suit the combat situation.

Part 2 - 2.51 MB

This video clip is a continuation of the previous one where Sifu Wong demonstrates a dangerous application of a seemingly innocent move of bringing two hands parallel together. Students practicing this application need to be very careful not to hurt their training partner.

Part 3 - 2.18 MB

If your opponent holds your hands, an effective counter is to release his grip by “sinking”, then strike him with a palm thrust or a palm strike. Another effective counter is to kick him while releasing his grip.

Part 4 - 1.26 MB

Sifu Wong demonstrates how a pattern which may appear flowery can be used in a sophisticated manner to lock an opponent’s leg and hand and simultaneously strike him.

Part 5 - 3.50 MB

Sifu Wong demonstrates counters against an opponent’s triple attacks.

Part 6 - 3.02 MB

First Sifu Wong demonstrates an elbow strike. Then he shows how he may press in to attack the opponent, causing the opponent to be in such an awkward situation that the on-lookers laugh.

Part 7 - 3.00 MB

In this video Sifu Wong asks the student to apply what he (Sifu Wong) has just shown him.

Part 8 - 1.34 MB

Sifu Wongs shows how he can use patterns from Da Lohan Quan to counter the pressing attacks.