I Liq Chuan (Mental Physical [strength] Fist)

Introduction

I Liq Chuan is founded by its current Grand Master, Chin Lik Keong of Malaysia. As a system of Neijia Kung Fu, I-Liq Chuan emphasizes the development of internal power through mental attitude and awareness.

I-Liq Chuan (literally translated as Mental-Physical Martial Art) is an art of cultivating consciousness based on Tai Chi and Chan (Zen) principles of non-assertion, non-resistance, harmony of yin and yang, oneness and the present moment. In the universe all things are created by conditions and function through the energy of yin and yang. The whole universe has yin and yang energy. When yin and yang energy is balanced, they are harmonized. Students are taught the art through philosophy and a series of exercises in order to learn to recognize and discipline the inner energy flow (Chi). Developing this art benefits the whole nervous and intrinsic systems and brings total control, harmony and awareness to the mind and body. By understanding the harmony (yin and yang) of the body, recognizing the limits of the structure, the movement in each of the three dimensional planes of cycles, the student transforms this internal energy into internal power, accumulating Chi which propels the appropriate natural body movements. I-Liq Chuan makes you aware of your strength, its limits, and the best use of your strength for self-defense.

As a system of Kung Fu, I-Liq Chuan emphasizes the development of internal power through mental attitude and awareness. The training develops sticking and merging abilities, circular spiral energy, Chin Na, F'a Jing, Chi Kung, and most importantly, integration of the mind's complete awareness in the present moment be it in daily life or any situation. The inner feel is cultivated first, and then the appropriate external movement is merely an expression of the developed inner feel. Practitioners of I-Liq Chuan integrate this art into their daily lives to maintain their awareness by not hurting themselves or others. The awareness developed reveals the nature of everything. Thus, the student understands cause and effect in life and has the ability to maintain the right understanding in all situations. Right mindfulness is the mental state of being neutral, formless, and in the present. It is a state (Wu Chi) of being emotionless and unattached to but being aware of the physical world.

History

I Liq Chuan is the accumulation of centuries old Chinese ‘Hakka’ martial arts (‘Kung Fu or Kuntao’). In their travels and migrations in historical China, they developed many fighting arts to protect themselves. These arts are not taught to other ethnic Chinese groups and were only handed down within their blood lines in their family or clan. I Liq Chuan evolved through Chin Lik Keong dissolving, distilling and realizing the essence of the following Chinese martial arts: Lee Style from Sifu Lee Sum, Phoenix Eye from Sifu Len, and Feng Yang Lu Yi from Sifu Lee Kam Chow by Chin Lik Keong.

One of these arts is ‘Fung Yang’. ‘Fung’ refers to the male of a Chinese mythical bird. It is supposed to have five colors that represents the coming of peace and prosperity. It also represents justice, obedience and fidelity. The appearance of the ‘Fung’ signifies the good deeds. ‘Yang’ refers to ‘bright’ ‘shiny’ ‘illuminating’. Thus, the art can be translated as the ‘luminous man who brings justice’. It is an art based on internal strength, fa jing, hand grabbing, sticky hands and chin na. Other Hakka arts that have influenced the creation of I Liq Chuan include Fung Ngan – the Eye of the Phoenix – a dim mak art using the index knuckle to strike at meridian points.

Over 30 years, Grandmaster Chin, Sifu Sam and Sifu Jimmy had further developed their skills and art which culminated the system known as I Liq Chuan today.

About Sifu Jimmy Heow

Master Jimmy Heow is the founder of Jimmy Heow I Liq Chuan Academy & Co – Founder of International I Liq Chuan. His Uncle the founder, Grandmaster Chin Lik Keong trained Master Jimmy Heow in the martial arts since childhood. Master Jimmy Heow has participated several championships during his 20’s.

Sifu Jimmy Heow ( in black) in open karate tournament

• In 1975, he won the International Karate Open Championship Group B.
• In 1977, he won the Heavy Weight Group B championship in the Kuala Lumpur / Selangor 2nd Chinese Martial Art Championship.
• In 1978, in the First All Malaysian Chinese Wushu Tournament, he was the Heavy Weight Group B runner-up.
• In 1980, he was the second runner-up, Heavy Weight Group B, in the Fifth International Chinese Martial Arts Championship organized by the Malaysian Chinese Wushu Federation.
• In the same year, he was the Champion, Class B, in the Third Selangor KL Chinese Wushu Association Championship and was the First Runner Up in the Hong Kong Open Champion of Champions Tournament, Heavyweight Division.
• In 1985, he was the Push Hand Champion in the KL Selangor Chinese Wushu Federation Tournament.
• In the same year, he was the Champion in the Malaysia - Thailand Kickboxing Championship.
• In 1986 to 1990, Jimmy challenged in the media, any and all Tai Chi exponents in Malaysia and abroad to Push Hand competitions. Challengers representing all the known Tai Chi schools such as Chen and Yang styles came from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and as far as Hawaii. He was undefeated.

Fifteen Basic Exercises

These constitute the foundation of the learning process if I Liq Chuan:

1. Mechanism of the Body's Movement
2. Three Dimensional Planes
3. Energy Force of Yin and Yang,/li>
4. Standing Meditation
5. Breathing Exercises
6. Footwork
7. Kicking
8. Power Training

Forms

1. The 21 Movement Form
2. The Butterfly Form which contains "Fa Jing" or explosive actions.

Partner Training

1. Spinning Hands
2. Sticky Hands
3. Chin-na
4. Sanshou