Changquan
/ˌtʃɑːŋˈtʃwɛn/noun
A Chinese martial-arts form characterized by extended movements, agile footwork, kicks, and long-range techniques.
Did you know?In modern wushu, Changquan became a standardized competition event in the 20th century, drawing on several northern Chinese martial-arts traditions rather than representing one single ancient style.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
長
“Long, extended, or enduring”
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
拳
“Fist; later, boxing or a fist-based fighting method”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
長拳
“A compound meaning “long fist” or an extended boxing method”
Ming–Qing period
Chinese
長拳 / 长拳
“A name associated with long-range or extended-style boxing traditions”
20th Century
Mandarin
chángquán
“A category of northern-style Chinese martial arts emphasizing extended techniques and acrobatics”
Modern English
English
Changquan
“A standardized wushu competition discipline and a broader term for long-fist martial-arts styles”
Explore more surprising origins