Lian Huan Quan

Lian Huan Quan – Chain Fist Form

Course Length: 4–6 weeks

Level: Beginner | Intermediate

Prerequisites: Shaolin Five Stances or equivalent foundational training.

We recommend you complete the Foundation courses (Build Pillar) on our Level 1 Roadmap, before starting this form 

Course Description:

Lian Huan Quan (连环拳), meaning “Chain Fist,” is a classic Shaolin routine known for its fluidity, speed, and continuous linking of movements. This form emphasizes the seamless transition between techniques, mimicking the unbroken flow of water or a chain reaction in combat.

In this course, students will learn:

    •    The full sequence of Lian Huan Quan

    •    Key principles: continuity, rhythm, and energy flow and the use of internal explosive power

    •    Offensive and defensive applications hidden within the form

    •    How to maintain power while moving with speed and grace

    •    Breathing and intention (Yi) to enhance performance

This form bridges the gap between basic technique and applied combat flow. It’s excellent for developing timing, coordination, and the ability to adapt under pressure.

Ideal for: Students who want to level up their striking fluency and form expression, and those preparing for more advanced Shaolin hand forms or sparring scenarios. (This is the last form on our Level 1 Road map before you move on to level 2 Kung Fu training path). 

More In-depth details about Lian Huan Quan:

Forms are sequences of techniques; these are the antiques and treasures of the Shaolin Temple, moving scriptures that you can enjoy on many levels. They transcend any spoken language. You can take them anywhere with you. You can give them away to another and yet you lose nothing. They harmonize your body, breath and mind.

Although Chinese rarely translates succinctly to English, Lian Huan Quan has widely been known as the Chain Fist Form and Continuous Fist Form in English. Lian Huan, is understood to mean to be linked together as a chain, with a wide view you can see it as linking various combat techniques together into combination in a form or routine, but looking closer it means to link your body together so that your bodily movements are in harmony and assist each other. ‘'Quan' means fist or boxing, what this word entails is that within the set of harmonizing bodily movements there exist a sophisticated set of combat techniques of attack and defence. In the course of learning this form you will be guided through a variety of defence and attack techniques such as striking, kicking, joint – locking and grappling, these are some of the key components of Lian Huan Quan. The basic stances in kung fu such as Ma Bu, Gong Bu Pu Bu, Xu Bu, Xie Bu and Ding Bu as are also worked on as part of learning Lian Huan Quan.

Who is this Course suitable for:
LHQ is a foundation form; it is often the first few forms one would start learning in Shaolin kung fu, the other being Wu Bu Quan (Five Stances Form) . One would either learn the above two forms first or start straight with Lian Huan Quan. 

Thus, Lian Huan Quan is suitable for all levels, it is a great form for you to begin with to build the good foundations needed for more advanced forms. It is also good course for more experienced kung fu practitioners to take, as LHQ can be performed at different levels, the more you practice the more you will learn and understand about the deeper layer of meanings and uses of the form. This structured training program is created to help you establish a solid foundation in traditional kung fu training, master the essential details, understand the use of form in combat application and at the same time enhance you level of fitness as you progress.

How is the course presented:
Master Yan Xin uses a very personal approach throughout the course; you will find he is training with you every step of the way, directing you with clear instructions, so it’s very much like having a private training session with Master Yan Xin.