Differences between styles of Fujian White Crane

[camotheman]

Hi all, Karate practictioner here, doing some research into different styles of martial arts.

Does anyone have experience in Fujian White Crane and can potentially explain the differences between the main styles of Fujian White Crane? I know that Zonehequan, Minghequan, Shihequan, and Feihequan are the most prevalent styles, but information regarding them and their differences is few and far between. 

 

Thanks! - CS

[Wado Heretic]

I have limited experience. It is something I have researched in an effort to find the proclaimed White Crane Heritage of Karate. Meaning I can only offer what I know on Fukien White Crane. Shaolin and Fuzhou fall outside my area of study. I will say I have been forced to conclude, based on the evidence I can find, that the only real concreate connection is the Nipaipo/Naipai kata introduced by Go Kenki. It may be a family set or an abridgement of Er Shi Ba, but that is based on a side-by-side comparison of the forms and not historical written or recorded verbal statements. Also, neither version of Nipaipo/Naipai feature the characteristic shaking power of most forms of White Crane. Though, I have seen footage of a Sanzhan Taolu which bears a resemblance to Higoanna Seisan (To'on-Ryu) and Shu Shabu Seisan (Uechi-Ryu), there is no documented proof to make a concrete connection.

That aside, the following are usually where the systems differ: 

Shaking Power - This is characteristics of most modern forms of White Crane., Why I am not sure but I suspect the influence of the centralisation and characterisation of Quen Fa in modern China. However, the different lineages, and different teaches, emphasise it in different ways. Some will only display it with some techniques, and will otherwise flow smoothly from movement to movement. Others will expect some fixture between each technique with some display of power. Another factor is the maturity of the individual student, and the level of their technique. 

Breathing - Some schools emphasise the stylised and controlled breathing known as Ibuki in Goju-Ryu, and is likely the origin of said breathing in Goju-Ryu. Others focus on natural breathing though with the posture designed to promote breathing without  impeding the diaphragm. The latter is my preferred approach, and I liked the logic I was given by the teacher, which is that we do not want our opponent to be able to read our breathing easily. 

Monkey Steals Peach has some great footage of training with various White Crane teachers. In regards to English Language Source most are quite poor, and some of the easier to find are by people with questionable credentials. Sorry I cannot be of more direct help