Tzu Men Chuan (Zimen Quan) or when translated; Eighteen Character Boxing, is commonly referred to as ‘Poison Fingers Boxing’. It is a rare system that focuses purely on fighting and self-defense. It’s methods are soft and vicious and it’s strategies, in particular, target spear hand and finger thrusts at the opponent’s vital points that will end a confrontation instantly!
Due to it’s methods and strategies, it is ideally, but not exclusively, suited to the smaller, weaker or aged fighter defend against a more powerful opponent. It is suitable for both men and women, however, this system requires sufficient strengthening of the hands and in particular, the fingers, beyond that of the average person, in order for the techniques to be truly effective in self-defence.
The origin of this system is shrouded in mystery. The earliest recorded history of Tzu Men Chuan is in the Ching Dynasty, during the reign of the Emperor Chenlung (1736-1796). Master McNeil was introduced to Master Chin Cheng-Yen by Grandmaster Chiao, who at the time suggested he learn this rare style in order to help preserve it for future generations. With such a high level introduction, Master Chin accepted Master McNeil as a student and over the years taught him all of techniques to this system.
Tzu Men Chuan is one of the few systems that actually teaches the ‘death touch’ points of the human body. Master McNeil has taught the basis of this system to select students over recent years but to my knowledge, none to date have been taught the ‘death touch’ points, methods and strategies associated with them. Master McNeil explains that this method will be passed on only when the time is right, to a person who possesses good moral fibre. He feels this is important as the knowledge this system brings, when used incorrectly, can be extremely dangerous and may be used for immoral purpose and this is not the reason it was developed.
The Tzu Men Chuan system is relatively compact, containing only six fundamental exercises, three forms, eighteen character/principles and a program of finger/hand strengthening exercises. Therefore, the movements and exercises can be learnt quickly but to understand the theories and strategies, and condition the hands in relation to application, takes many years of well supervised study.
When practising this system you must know how to use every move of the form in a fighting situation. Each movement may have many different applications and students must explore these and be creative in their application. Each of the eighteen characters represents a different principle. In fighting, each character has its own special spirit and method of application.
Tzu Men training suits the student who is solely interested in self defence. Alongside this system it is advised to study the Advanced Method of Iron hand training which allows for increased effectiveness of the 'Poison Fingers' striking method.
How do you learn this rare and unique system?
There are currently no weekly classes available to learn this system, it can only be studied via private lessons or intensive training courses which are advertised on the intensive training schedules page of this website. If you cannot find a schedule to suit you feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.
Level 1 Basic Training course
First Form instruction, Six Fundamental exercises, Stance training, hand and body conditioning programme, Shaolin 3 exercises, appropriate fighting applications.
Course 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.
Level 2 Intermediate Training course
Full review and correction of First Level training, Second Form instruction, appropriate fighting applications, development of hand conditioning training, application of strategy Characters 1-8 theory into practice.
Course 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.
Level 3 Advanced Training course
Full review and correction of First and Second Levels of training, Third Form instruction, appropriate fighting applications, progression of hand training and conditioning exercises, application of strategy from Characters 9-18 theory into practice, introduction into application in free fighting situations. Full review of all syllabus with emphasis on student’s own requirements. Plus a recording of student’s own training for self-analysis.
Course 1 weekend (4 Days) 4 hours per day.
Note: Certificate of course completion in this system will only be awarded on successful completion of Level 3 of the course and after Grand Master McNeil has reviewed the student’s practise, either in person or via DVD analysis. There are no belt ranks available in this system.
This course does NOT include the Advanced Iron Hand method of training, required to become proficient in the Poison Fingers striking techniques. This can be taught separately. Ask for details.
All private lessons and intensive courses are taught at the fully equipped Little Nine Heaven UK School by qualified and insured instructors. Private instruction at other venues may incur travel and accommodation costs. For training costs of intensive training courses, see Timetable and Prices. Feel free to contact us for any further information. Intensive courses do not include food or lodgings.
