Luohan Quan (羅漢拳) in the Shun Wu Tang System:

 

The Arhat Fist: Root of Southern Shaolin Tradition and the Heart of Shun Wu Tang

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Historical Origins of Luohan Quan:

 

Luohan Quan, also known as Lohan Chuan or Arhat Boxing, is one of the oldest and most foundational styles within Shaolin martial arts, with origins tracing back over 1,000 years to the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, Henan Province. It is traditionally linked to Bodhidharma (Da Mo), the Indian monk credited with introducing Chan (Zen) Buddhism and internal cultivation to Shaolin monks during the Liang Dynasty.

 

The style is named after the 18 Luohan (Arhats)—enlightened Buddhist disciples who transformed from bandits to saints. Their legendary martial prowess is immortalized in the 18 statues at the Shaolin Temple, inspiring the forms and philosophy of Luohan Quan.

 

 

Luohan Quan: The Core of Southern Shaolin in Shun Wu Tang

 

While Luohan Quan exists in both Northern and Southern variations, the Southern Luohan Quan style is the form taught within the Shun Wu Tang Martial Arts Academy. This Southern tradition developed in Fujian and Guangdong provinces and spread widely through Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

 

Shun Wu Tang’s Southern Luohan Quan is characterized by:

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• A structured curriculum of 68, 88, or 108 techniques emphasizing practical combat efficiency.

• Integration of hard Qigong (chi kung) and iron-body conditioning, notably the famed Black Luohan Hand method.

• The use of spiral, corkscrew force generation originating from coordinated hip, waist, and shoulder movement.

• A balanced fusion of internal (neijia) and external (waijia) martial principles, resisting the flashy modernization of contemporary Wushu.

• Inclusion of Qin Na (joint locking and seizing) and Shuai Jiao (throwing/wrestling), reflecting a comprehensive fighting system.

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Technical Features and Fighting Principles:

 

Southern Luohan Quan employs:

 

• ​Dynamic stances rooted in the “One-Character Horse” (一字馬), enabling stability and mobility.

• Hand techniques based on the “Three Holistics” (三正): correct hand positioning, body alignment, and stance for optimal power transfer.

• A combat style featuring explosive, short-range strikes, using spiraling and corkscrew motions to deliver maximum impact.

• Methods of defense and offense that smoothly integrate hard and soft techniques, emphasizing adaptability and flow.

• The principle of “bow-body-hand-foot integration” (身弓手足合), where the body, arms, and legs function as a unified system.

 

 

Philosophical Foundations:

 

Luohan Quan is not merely a fighting style but a path of martial virtue (Wu De 武德) and spiritual cultivation. The 18 Arhats symbolize:

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• Transformation through discipline

• The harmonious balance of strength and wisdom

• The unity of body, breath, and mind

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Training progresses through stages of:

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• External Strength (力, Li): building physical power and form.

• Internal Energy (氣, Qi): cultivating breath and internal force.

• Spiritual Awareness (神, Shen): refining intention and presence for fluid mastery.

 

 

Luohan Quan’s Influence within the Shun Wu Tang System:

 

Shun Wu Tang is a composite martial arts system combining several classical styles:

 

• Luohan Quan: Core, root style; basis of internal-external fusion and close-range power

• Tai Tzu Quan (Grand Emperor Fist): Fluid footwork, strategic adaptability, Emperor Taizu's legacy

• Dazun Quan (DaMo Revered Fist): Internal cultivation, meditative clarity, spiritual core.

 

These three pillars create a holistic curriculum combining hard and soft, internal and external, and yin and yang principles.

 

 

Lineage and Masters:

 

Master Lou Loong: The art of “Shun Wu Tang” was brought to Taiwan by the first generation Master, Lou Loong. Not much is known of this Master or the history of Shun Wu Tang prior to his arrival in Taiwan.

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Master Wu Chi (Wu Ji): The second generation Master is Wu Chi, who was a resident of Taiwan. This Master was the teacher of Grand Master Su Jin Miao's father, the third generation Master, Su Mo.

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Grand Master Su Mo: He is credited with the amalgamation of the original Su family system of Tai Tzu with the system of Shun Wu Tang learnt from Master Wu Chi to form the system of Shun Wu Tang currently being taught today by the Su family.

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Grand Master Su Jin Miao: The current lineage holder of Shun Wu Tang and is known for his expertise in the system. He also brought this integrated system to South Africa and expanded it internationally.

 

 

Cultural and Global Impact:

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Shun Wu Tang maintains an international presence, with schools in Taiwan, South Africa and Europe. The system emphasizes preservation of the authentic Southern Luohan tradition while incorporating diverse martial backgrounds of instructors worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive traditional martial arts systems available today.

 

 

The Meaning of 順武堂 (Shùn Wǔ Táng):

 

順 (Shùn): To follow, harmonize, and flow naturally

武 (Wǔ): Martial, both combat and the philosophy of stopping conflict

堂 (Táng): Hall or place of lineage and gathering

 

Together, the name reflects “The Hall of Harmonious Martial Flow”—a place where martial skills, ethics, and spiritual growth meet.

 

 

Why Train Luohan Quan with Shun Wu Tang?

 

• Experience a direct link to ancient Shaolin martial arts and the profound Buddhist-Arhat tradition.

• Develop both physical power and inner energy, balanced through rigorous training.

• Join a living lineage taught by masters with authentic connections and a global network.

• Access a comprehensive curriculum combining striking, grappling, weapons, internal cultivation, and ethics.

• Preserve a rare, pure Southern Luohan system, free from modern Wushu dilution.

 

 

Discover the Art of Luohan Quan. Transform your body, mind, and spirit through the path of the enlightened Arhats, and become part of the Shun Wu Tang legacy.

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