For all you ladies out there: are you looking for a new form of exercise that is designed just for you? Check out Mulan quan!
Tai Chi, a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise, is becoming more and more popular in the West. Tai Chi is one of the fastest growing exercise regimens, and many people have noticed that this sport is attracting a large number of women. The ancient form of exercise helps women battle stress, weight, depression, and bone loss, as well as supporting a healthy emotional state. However, many people don’t realize that there is a type of Tai Chi that is dedicated exclusively for women!
Mulan quan is a modern form of Tai Chi that was created by Sifu Mei Fing Ying, a female Tai Chi master. When literally translated, Mulan quan means “wooden orchid fist”, but the style itself was named after Hua Mulan, a female warrior who took her father’s place on the battle field. Mulan quan was consequently created in order to help women defend themselves and become healthier people.
The mulan style of Tai Chi is designed to bring out a woman’s natural grace, confidence, and inner power. The primary goal of a regular Mulan quan practice is to increase self-esteem and a feeling of empowerment in women, and is distinguished from other forms of martial arts by the elegance of its moves. Mulan quan designed to instill a sense of elegance in motion and personal power that will help to transform the practitioner’s view of herself.
The practice itself is comprised of 24 powerful, yet delicate, movements that flow gracefully into each other. Ying designed the moves based on huajia quan, an ancient martial art that features dance moves. She felt that huajia quan sequence wasn’t powerful enough to help women defend themselves, nor sufficiently calculated to help improve health. In Mulan quan, all the power comes from the waist, and practitioners use a combination of punches and fists to beat the opponent.
Mulan is also a terrific method of healing. Mulan quan is recommended for a variety of chronic conditions including obesity, heart disease, insomnia, and back problems. Reports from hospitals in China indicate that the exercise has been shown to be useful for patients who are recovering from stroke. Cancer patients report that Mulan quan helps to improve their appetite, weight gain, and overall health.
Each sequence of Mulan quan is no longer than seven minutes, so it’s a great exercise for people of all fitness levels. If you are interested in learning more, check out a few books and DVDs so you can practice Mulan quan at home!
