Fang Chi Niang & the White Crane:
During the last years of the Ming and the early days of the Qing Dynasties, a martial artist named Fang Chi Niang (Fang Qi Niang) lived in what is now Xia Pu County of Ning De District of Fujian. She was a formidable martial artist of great physical beauty and appeal and was very clever. She was married to a neighbours son while very young. The two father in laws were good friend and often tested each others martial techniques. One fateful day whilst drinking, Fang Zhong Guan fought with the father in law and was injured eventually to die from his injuries. This infuriated Fan Chi Niang and she vowed that she would have her revenge one day.
One morning while quietly mourning the unfortunate death of her father Fang Zhang Guan, she heard strange and melodius sounds coming from the courtyard. Fang Chi Niang rushed into the yard where she saw a large white crane next to a big tree. As it washed and shook its wings the tree shook and leaves fell, as if by the power of the white crane's cry and motions.
Deciding to test the crane, she approached it, lifted a long cane pole and struck downward at the crane's forehead with all the strength she could muster. The white crane simply evaded the strike by ducking its head backward, then shook its wings striking the cane pole.
Fang Chi Niang tried to sweep the crane with the cane pole. The crane evaded by shrinking its body and spreading its wings. It then stood perfectly and calmly still. Now angry, Fang Chi Niang, struck again this time aiming her blow at the crane's abdomen; but the crane crane raised up to avoid the strike and and kicked at the cane. This move can be seen within the beginning motions of the Calling Crane forms. As the crane flew off into the sky, it gave a powerful shout. At this moment Fang Chi Niang came to the realisation that it was a heavenly crane sent to give her inspiration so she expressed her thanks to the sky.
Fang Chi Niang had three trials with the white crane. The crane was smart and used subtle body techniques: ducking backward, shrinking its body and raising up to avoid the crane pole attacks. Then it won by striking after its enemy had struck. By using its masterly movements of undertake, sweep with surprise, and raising up Fang Chi Niang was defeated by the crane's SanZhan (three wars/combats) to Simen (four doors). SanZhan is the foundation form in the White Crane fists and includes both attack and defence.
Fang Chi Niang pondered on the battle with the white crane day and night and came to understand the natural motion of the crane's techniques. After three years, she became very skilled in the ways of the white crane.
The Revenge of Fang Chi Niang:
Fang Chi Niang copnsumed by grief for her father's death at the hands of her father in law, went to his house and challenged him to a duel. She launched an attack against her father in law. he raised his arm to defend off her attack. Fang Chi Niang wrapped his tiquan (raised fist), then turned sideways to move past his side body door evading his quan (fist). Using "opening wing up" and the "snapping kick" down she inflicted a painful attack on her father in law.
Fang Chi Niang then flew at him with and with a loud gunshen (war cry), and rolling her body to attack with the Lian huang chuang xing zhang (interlink penetrate-heart palms) she delivered the final and fateful strikes. Her father in law died instantly and Fang Chi Niang was avenged.
Fang Chi Niang went into seclusion keen to start a new life and to cultivate her mind, body and spirit. Acknowledging the lessons of the crane, she went on to commence the White Crane Fist style.
For well over 500 years the magnificent art of White Crane has quietly been developed and passed down form master to disciple. Taking the form of Flying Crane, Sleeping Crane, Eating Crane and Calling Crane it has spread to the world.