Water Style for Beginners

Taught by Master Helen Liang, Liu He Ba Fa (or "water style") is a martial arts style that incorporates 66 movements and draws from tai chi, bagua, and xingyi. Also known as water boxing, this form has both martial arts applications and benefits for strengthening the body and promoting health. Liang explains in detail how water style incorporates elements of the Tao, offering insight into the philosophy and purpose of the movements. Mastering water style means cultivating the mind to be able to blend mind, body, and spirit, using techniques such as advance and retreat that require quick responses. But water style moves can range from fast to slow, high to low, and like water, can be surging or gently flowing. Of the 66 movements, some require strength to go down low and may be easier to learn if viewers have previous experience with martial arts (several leg stances are employed: horse, bow, empty, and cross stance). Liang presents a walkthrough demo, gives instructions split in two parts for all of the movements, and then performs a full 10-minute routine. Liang’s instructions are clear and specific, and she employs repetition, offers different views for positions, and gives background information explaining each of the movements. A fine introduction to a lesser-known martial art/exercise routine, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Root)