The Hakkas ethnically belong
to Han Chinese majority, spread in provincial areas of Guangdong, Fujian,
Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan, Zhejiang, Hainan and Guizhou. The Hakkas
originated from relatively northern provinces particularly Henan and Hubei. In
a series of migrations, they moved and settled in their present areas in
Southern China, and from there, substantial numbers migrated overseas to
various countries throughout the world. Chinese characters for Hakka (客家)
literally mean "guest families". Unlike other Han Chinese subgroups,
the Hakkas are not named after a geographical region, a province, county or
city, in China.
Throughout history Hakkas have been frequently
subjected to hatred and discrimination by other Chinese ethnic groups that they
have interacted with. These usually ended up with various forms of retaliation
by other ethnic groups ranging from minor verbal insults to committing
genocides against the Hakkas.
The Hakkas came to Taiwan
quite early. The German historian Riess studied Dutch historical sources and
found that during Dutch rule over Taiwan
Hakkas were used as a translators in communication with the aboriginal tribes.
After Koshinga defeated the Dutch Hakkas gradually became minority to Hoklo
people from Fujian province. There was a great deal of animosity between these
ethnic groups and Hakkas were gradually pushed to the mountain region of Taiwan
where they stayed more or less isolated from the rest of the island. Taiwanese
mountain region is not easily accessible and that was even more true in the
past and that is the main reason why Hakka people chose to live there. While
they were pretty safe from other Chinese Han ethnic groups, they had constant
friction with aboriginal tribes that suffer similar fate as Hakkas and were
also pushed in the mountains. Today Hakka
people comprise about 15 to 20% of the population of Taiwan and form the
second-largest ethnic group on the island. They are descended largely from
Hakka who migrated from southern and northern Guangdong.
Being under constant threat
of attack Hakkas brought and further develop their unique martial styles. One
of these styles, a rare form of Hakka boxing that can be found only in Taiwan
is Liumin quan.
Traveling a lot and in
constant fighting with vast array of enemies Hakka people experienced firsthand
large numbers of different fighting styles and techniques. Based on that
experience they formed their own style and training approach. In Liumin quan
accent is put on practicality and reality, while forms are of secondary
importance. Great emphasis is put on body conditioning and physical strength.
This style was made for selfdefnse and it doesn’t suffer from unnecessary
moves, acrobatics, or visually pleasing and attractive forms. There is a saying
that defines Liumin quan fighting approach which can be translated as “If you
can’t defeat enemy in three moves, run”. This style teaches that fight should
be ended quickly, if opponent can’t be defeated with first three moves it means
he is a good fighter and there is a great chance that fight will not end as
expected.
Liumin quan indeed performed very well
in full contact competitions. Proponents of this style won 4th Taiwan Zhengzheng
Cup Championship in 1978, and also won
the gold medal in the first free fight World Cup in Beijing. Chinese Marine Corps Special
Service Team and other public security units have hired masters of Liumin
Boxing to train them. Within Hakka community this style is known as a
"fist of courage" .
