The Origins of Xingyi Quan: Ji Jike, Yue Fei and the Making of a Martial Tradition
Who created Xingyi Quan? A translated Chinese martial arts magazine article by Wu Dianke and Wu Lianru examines the claims surrounding Bodhidharma, Yue Fei and Ji Jike. Byron Jacobs adds historical commentary on Shaolin connections, disputed manuscripts and the development of civilian boxing from spear methods.
Clumsy Yet Agile: The Bear in Dai Family Xinyi and Hebei Xingyi Quan
Outwardly calm, inwardly powerful—the Bear Shape reveals closely related principles in Dai family Xinyi and Hebei Xingyi Quan. Read a complete translation of Dong Liyi’s article alongside excerpts from Dragon Body, Tiger Spirit, exploring body coordination, contraction and expansion, and the interchange of rising and falling.
Dong Haichuan’s Tomb Restored: A Personal Link to Bagua Zhang History
Read Huang Bonian’s account of Baguazhang master Liang Zhenpu, translated into English with historical commentary on the legend and the documented events of his life.
Liang Zhenpu: A Rare Bagua Zhang Biography by Huang Bonian
Read Huang Bonian’s account of Baguazhang master Liang Zhenpu, translated into English with historical commentary on the legend and the documented events of his life.
Kung Fu on the Thames: Chinese Martial Arts Aboard the Keying in 1851 - The Illustrated London News
Kung Fu on the Thames: Chinese Martial Arts Aboard the Keying in 1851 - The Illustrated London News
A Short-Lived Boxer Revival in Sichuan, 1923 - The North China Herald (6)
A Short-Lived Boxer Revival in Sichuan, 1923 - The North China Herald (6)
Swimming Through Danger: The Tuo Shape of Xingyi Quan
Swimming Through Danger: The Tuo Shape of Xingyi Quan
Chinese Girl Athletes: A 1920 Western Glimpse of Kung Fu Women of the Chin Woo Athletic Association - The North China Herald (5)
Chinese Girl Athletes: A 1920 Western Glimpse of Kung Fu Women of the Chin Woo Athletic Association - The North China Herald (5)
Dancing, Prancing and Boxing: A 1928 Western Glimpse of Kung-Fu in Tibet - The North China Herald (4)
Dancing, Prancing and Boxing: A 1928 Western Glimpse of Kung-Fu in Tibet - The North China Herald (4)
Before Guoshu: A 1923 Chinese Martial Arts Performance at Shanghai Town Hall - The North China Herald (3)
Before Guoshu: A 1923 Chinese Martial Arts Performance at Shanghai Town Hall - The North China Herald (3)
Li Fuzhen: A Xingyi Master’s Stand Against the Boxers (1935 Article)
Li Fuzhen Fights Boxers in 1935
Wang Ziping Shanghai Performance - The North China Herald (2) - “Chinese Wrestling & Boxing” 1922
Wang Ziping in 1922: A Rare Eyewitness Account from The North-China Herald
Everyday Bodies, Everyday Shuai Jiao
The short video below features a series of Shuai Jiao scenes drawn from the 1962 film 大李小李和老李 (Dà Lǐ, Xiǎo Lǐ hé Lǎo Lǐ), a light-hearted comedy set in Shanghai during a particularly difficult and transitional moment in modern Chinese history.
Old China Through a Western Lens - The North China Herald (1) - “Chinese Boxing” 1872
Old China Through a Western Lens - The North China Herald (1) - “Chinese Boxing” 1872
Beyond the Silk Road — Egypt’s Crescent Sabre in the Armies of China
Beyond the Silk Road — Egypt’s Crescent Sabre in the Armies of China
Bu Xuekuan – A Lifetime in Xingyi Quan
Bu Xuekuan - An oustanding martial artist who lived the martial life and a wonderful example for all Xingyi Quan practitioners.
Zhang Yongyi (张永义) An Oustanding Inheritor of Shanxi Xingyi Quan
Zhang Yongyi (Zhang Yongyi 张永义)—a highly respected Shanxi practitioner whose life story embodies the evolution, resilience, and transmission of traditional Xingyi Quan through periods of profound national upheaval.
The Mystery of the Photograph of Guo Yunshen
Among the great figures of Xingyi Quan, few names stand out as prominently as Guo Yunshen (1822–1898), famed for his devastating half-step Beng Quan. His legacy is surrounded by legends, stories, and in some cases—controversies. One of the most enduring debates in recent decades centers on a supposed photograph of Guo Yunshen together with fellow master Che Yizhai and their disciples.