Nan Quan MM Pants
夜奔南拳MM褲 Nan Quan MM Pants
Nan Quan MM Pants
Chinese martial arts are generally divided into Northern and Southern styles. Northern styles emphasize "waist and legs" in their training, while Southern styles often focus on the concept of "waist and horse" in their techniques. But is "waist and legs" the same as "waist and horse"? I've pondered this question for years.
Years ago, I watched ”The Sword Identity 倭寇的踪跡 “, set in the Ming Dynasty. In the story, four fictional martial arts clans select young warriors to fight each other, weapon in hand, in pairs. As they circle each other, a Bolivian woman in the crowd shouts, “Cowards! If you're real men, fight! Stop walking around like that, it's embarrassing!”
One of the young disciples retorts, “You don’t get it. Martial arts from the Central Plains isn’t street fighting. It simulates cavalry combat—lethal strikes happen in just a fleeting moment as the horses charge past each other.”
That one line changed how I viewed the film. A low-budget movie, but it told a big story.
The Ming Dynasty is distant from us, especially in terms of physical practices. The furthest I can connect in martial arts is within three generations of teachers, and even the footage I've seen doesn’t go back more than a hundred years. General Qi Jiguang’s methods are, to me, a reference but remain unimaginable.
How much of today's martial arts styles still carry remnants of the Ming Dynasty? I can't say for certain. What I can say for sure is that I haven't seen many martial arts masters riding horses and shooting arrows daily. Maybe Northern styles really did once have a deep connection to horsemanship. Wu Yuxiang suggested that Yang style Taiji's “Single Whip” and hooking hand were for grappling, but Wu style's “Single Whip” was altered to a palm, since Wu Yuxiang practiced archery as a military officer.
So why does Southern Boxing (Nan Quan) emphasize the "unity of waist and horse"? “腰馬合一”
Cantonese and Minnan dialects often preserve ancient language forms. I don’t practice Southern Boxing, so I can only speculate from the words. Maybe Southern Boxing absorbed the principles of horse warfare from Central Plains martial arts during several cultural exchanges and migrations from the North. Just as Northerners say “how much?” while Southerners preserve the older phrase “how many much?” or “read a book” is still said as “read a scroll” in some areas.
Perhaps "waist and legs" was originally said as "waist and horse."
Wing Chun, a shining example of modern Southern Boxing, was popularized in Hong Kong but originated in Foshan. Before it entered Hong Kong, it was a small local style passed down hand-to-hand, master to disciple. One of the rumored founders, Yim Wing Chun, is one of the rare female representatives of traditional martial arts. Wing Chun’s structure is clean, its force vectors sharp, and its Chi Sau practice is unique and self-contained.
One day, I came across a photo of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man practicing Chi Sau with Bruce Lee. Their stance, their poise—it was stunning.
That image inspired me. I wanted to design a pair of pants for Southern Boxing (Nan Quan), for women, and for the unity of waist and horse.
Fly by Knight’s latest release, the Nan Quan MM Pants, are made from carefully selected premium fabrics—perhaps the most comfortable material ever used. No expense was spared in making them.
What does "MM" mean? It’s up for interpretation. In Southern U.S. slang, MM stands for "mother’s milk"—the first meal for a newborn child, representing something comforting and nurturing. Old-school Americans would use MM to describe someone who is warm and caring, symbolizing nourishment.
<< Design Features of The Nan Quan MM Pants >>
The Nan Quan MM Pants could be for your sister, for your mom, or for someone cute and playful. No matter who wears them, their comfort brings the feeling of MM.
They allow you to stand, sit, squat, open your hips for a proper stance, and practice Wing Chun’s Chi Sau. They even come with an adorable belt to remind you to maintain that "unity of waist and horse."
Nan Quan MM Pants
- Relaxed and Comfortable: Featuring a cropped design, these pants offer a full range of motion, making them suitable for all body types.
- Perfect Structure: Inspired by Southern martial arts, the pants are designed to provide the necessary support and comfort for all kinds of martial arts training.
- Stylish and Versatile: With a simple, elegant design, the pants are perfect for both everyday wear and workout sessions, blending fashion with functionality.
- Waistband Design with Meaning: The built-in waistband serves as a reminder of the martial arts principle "waist and stance in unison."
- Freedom of Movement: Designed for sports requiring a wide range of motion, whether squats, side steps, or kicks, these pants easily accommodate all activities.
Group who love it!
- Martial Arts Enthusiasts: Ideal for practitioners of Southern martial arts, including Nan Quan, Wing Chun, Hung Gar, and other traditional styles, providing flexibility and stability.
- Yoga and Pilates Practitioners: Perfect for yoga, Pilates, and similar exercises, supporting full stretching and extension of postures.
- Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts: The fabric ensures excellent comfort and breathability, making it ideal for running, fitness training, or strength exercises.
- Dancers and Aerobic Trainers: The two-way stretch fabric is perfect for movements that require large ranges of motion, such as dance or aerobics.
- Climbers and Outdoor Enthusiasts: The lightweight design offers freedom of movement, ideal for climbing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
- Daily Comfort Seekers: Perfect for those looking for easy, comfortable wear for both work and casual outings, with high demands for comfort and style.
Fabric: 【Crafted from 100% Cotton Fabric, Smooth, Comfortable, Soft, and Breathable】
The fabric is carefully selected for its breathability and softness, ensuring comfort and lightness while worn.
- 100% Pure Cotton: Soft and breathable, perfect for long hours of wear without overheating, providing a cool and comfortable feel.
- Two-Way Stretch: Increases freedom of movement, ensuring no restrictions, making it suitable for various activities and training needs.
- Lightweight: The lightweight fabric reduces any burden during long practice sessions or everyday wear, making it feel effortless and free.
The Nan Quan MM Pants embody elegance, grace, and the rich cultural essence of martial arts through its design.
Incorporating the "waist and horrse unity 腰馬合一 " principle of Nan Quan, these pants are suitable for a wide range of sports enthusiasts. Whether it's martial arts, yoga, fitness, outdoor activities, or casual wear, they provide a comfortable, flexible, and stylish wearing experience.
The fabric selection ensures the Pants has excellent breathability and a comfortable, lightweight feel when worn.
⬇︎ MEN:172 cm 64kg Wear 中 (M) size
____________________________
Material: 100% Cotton
Color: Black
Size: S 人 / M 中
____________________________
▼"Click on the photo to explore how the Thorough Tee series pairs with the matching outfits in the collection."
▼"Click on the photo to explore how the Thorough Loops series pairs with the matching outfits in the collection."
DESIGN STORY
Long ago, I was curious – why is history called "History" in English, meaning "His Story"? Some scholars suggest that the earliest recorded writings were often associated with the military or government, essentially viewpoints documented by men.
So, is history truly "his story"? Then what about "her story"? Isn't that worth preserving as well?
Riding horses and engaging in warfare signified territorial expansion, acclaim, and glory – pursuits predominantly favored by men. Combat skills were akin to "soldiers on the battlefield," involving broad swords, swift horses, and the art of tactical maneuvers. The ease of donning and removing garments, symbolized by the thorough loop, echoes this physical mindset.
An alternative path for martial arts was its inclusion in ordinary households – a transference of skill, a personal challenge, a demonstration of expertise. This belonged to the realm of "leisurely mastery," akin to a chess match, where intent to conquer was hidden within contemplation – a gentle form of fortitude.
Men could lift heavy weights and throw spears, but women could carry children all day long. While Wing Chun boxing is said to have roots in women's combat, it might not necessarily be originated by them. Nonetheless, it undoubtedly discovered the intricate dynamics of the female physique and seamlessly incorporated them into martial arts – a brilliance beyond words.
For a while, I've wanted to create an attire exclusively for women. After much contemplation, I chanced upon Zhang Ziyi's Baguazhang portrayal in a movie. Wong Kar-wai, THE GRANMASTER of direction, skillfully depicted martial art in women through the lens, unveiling its elegance.
The gentle qipao, paired with the swift and intricate thorough loop, encompasses the twists of Bagua, the spirals of Tai Chi, and the spirit of Wing Chun – strength concealed within gentleness, subdued yet lavish.
Fly by Knight Creative isn't merely about recording History; we also yearn to hear Her Story.
"Born for Martial Arts in Every Move, Craft Your Martial Life."
Fly by Knight Creative, a martial arts cultural and creative brand, conquered Europe and America and was classified as a "Cultural Renaissance Movement" during its fundraising phase in the United States due to its cultural nature.
We ingeniously blend tradition with modern fashion design, dedicating ourselves to infusing the spirit of martial arts into contemporary life. Martial arts are not merely about physical exercises; they are also enduring life rituals, akin to signals that recalibrate your chaotic thoughts. It's an incremental elevation from within to without, a departure from the vexations of daily life, and a reclaiming of mastery over life.
Through the exploration of martial arts culture, Fly by Knight Creative seeks bodily aesthetics, offering the most refined and tangible martial arts attire, Kung Fu pants, jackets, denim, cotton-linen, qipao-style tops, and through-back tees. Expertly handcrafted, our selection enables you to freely express your personality and preferences.
"We aren't pursuing retro, but rather, recovering authenticity."
The founder, Daniel Huang, is a martial artist, kung fu instructor, and also the founder of Fly by Knight Courtyard Hotel, where he used to teach his guests kung fu before COVID.
Daniel found his passion for martial arts when he was a teen. Yet, it was not until he met the grandmaster, Adam Hsu, did he have a huge breakthrough. Hsu not only taught him Long Fist & Baji Quan, but also the philosophy and history of kung fu, including what a real kung fu attire looks like. It was where the journey started.
The purpose of this project is more than reviving a unique kung fu attire. What we really want to do is to promote Chinese martial arts, and how it benefits our body. Join us now and recover your sensitivity through kung fu training!
Should there be any further questions, please feel free to contact us at: fbkkungfuattire@gmail.com