The David Brent Wolfe Dictionary of

Chinese Martial Art Terms

When possible, terms are given in Mandarin (Hanyu) pinyin spelling. The older spelling of the Wade Giles method is used when it is the more commonly known version. For some terms the most common version is given in Cantonese.

- Q -

• Qi means to begin or to stand up.
• Qi means breath, air, or energy. A lot of myth and fantasy has grown up around this concept due to poor language skills and many con artists. Even the Chinese who invented the concept more than 2,000 years ago have problems with this concept.
• Qia means strangle hold.
• Qian means forward or first.
• Qian bei means forearm.
• Qian chuan means forward penetrating palm.
• Qian zhao means forward move. It is a technique in the Chen family style Taiji quan routine called old frame first set, Lao jia yi lu.
• Qiao is used to describe forearm techniques.
• Qilin is a mythological animal in Chinese culture dating from about 500 B.C.E. In Chinese culture, this animail is a symbol of virture. In early times, it was described as a deer-like animal with hooves. Later, it's description evolved into an animal with a horse-like body with hooves. The body and legs are covered in scales. The head is dragon-like. Some individuals have begun using a unicorn as the qilin through lack of knowledge of Chinese culture. The qilin has two horns. This animal is the symbol of the kung-fu style, Qi lin quan-fa that was taught by Denis R. Decker.
• Qi long bu means dragon riding stance.
• Qi men jian means Qi's family straight sword. It is the term used for the several straight sword sequences devised by Qi Ji-guang.
• Qin means the color of very dark green.
• Qin means to capture, to grab, or to control.
• Qing long chu shui means green dragon comes out of the water. It is a technique in the Chen family style Taiji quan routine called Chen village broadsword.
• Qin lung chu shui means green dragon emerges from the water. It is a Chen family style Taiji quan technique taught in the routine called old frame first set, Lao jia yi lu.
• Qin na means grab control. They are the grabbing techniques found in various Chinese martial arts that emphasis controlling the opponent's joints and balance to set up strikes to vital points, known as acupuncture cavities.
• Qi xie means weapon.
• Qi Xing jian means seven star straight sword. It is the name of a sword routine.
• Qixie tang lang means seven star preying mantis. It is one of numerous variations of the original preying mantis style of Chinese martial art. Tang lang tou tau is a seven star preying mantis empty handed routime meaning preying mantis steals the peach.
• Qi xing means seven stars.
• Quan means fist.
• Quan bi lian xi means forearm twist.
• Quan bi zu dang means forearm block.
• Quan chong means punch forward rotation.
• Quan dao is a long handled broadsword named after the famous Chinese general Quan Yu. It is made of a blade, a long shaft with a guard, and tassels attached to it. The techniques include cuts, swinging blows, upward thrusts, parries, and swirling moves done with either the cutting edge or back of the blade. The sweeping long range techniques have earned it the nick name of 'King of the Weapons.'
• Quan dong means eastern gate. It was originally the fifth empty handed routine in Zha Quan martial arts system. It is also currently taught in the Bei Shaolin Quan Men system.
• Quan qiang means to encircle with a spear. It is an alternative to using na or lan.
• Quan shi means form.
• Quan shu means barehanded exercise. This together with exercises with weapons form traditional Chinese martial arts, wu shu.
• Quan Yu was a famous Chinese general. His favorite type of weapon became named after him as Quan's knife, Quan dao.
• Que di long means sparrow dashes an earth dragon. It is a technique in the Chen family style Taiji quan routine called old frame first set, Lao jia yi lu.