Zheng Huaixian (1897-1982), also known as Zheng Deshun, was originally from Anxin County, Hebei Province. Renowned as an expert of Chinese Medicine specializing in Orthopeadics, a Martial arts expert and great teacher. He was honoured as “ Wu Yi Zongshi” (Martial & Medicine Master).
When he was 13 years he encountered Li Erqing (nicknamed, King of the flying trident) and became his student. GM Zheng studied Bone Setting, traumatology and Orthopedics for 8 years. Zheng became quite skilled with the Flying Fork and later his teacher Li recommended that he study with M Wei Changyi, an expert of Chuoijao Fanzi. He became a disciple under M Wei and studied for a number of years. M Wei then introduced his friend Wei Jinshan in Beijing for GM Zheng to continue his studies there in the art of Yingzhao Fanzi (Eagle Claw) which he was able to master within just 3 years and also obtained further bone setting skills. M Wei felt he was talented and then recommended him to study with Sun Lu Tang. He later became a disciple of the well known Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi Master Sun Lu Tang studying for over four years. After that in 1928 Sun Lutang told Zheng that he does not need to continue following him for study and he could go out into the world confidently as he had achieve good skills. Sun Lu Tang organized by way of introduction a teaching position at the Shanghai Jiatong University. Zheng still continued to study Baguazhang with Sun Lutang’s eldest son who was in Shanghai, Sun Cunzhou. He lived and taught martial arts in Shanghai simultaneously entering the martial world and was able to study and exchange with a large number of prominent masters. Zheng also had non teaching posts such as being the Bodyguard for Du Yuesheng (Shanghai Tycoon, Mob Boss at the time).
In 1936. as a member of the China team he demonstrated Wushu in Berlin during the XI Olympic Games. After the formation of the new China he moved to Sichuan where in 1949 was a member of the China Wushu Association and Teacher of the Chengdu Sports Academy, which also included other experts such as Wang Shutian in its faculty. It is in Chengdu where he had a great impact, M. Zheng developed numerous classical routines and his curriculum became the basis of the education of would be masters that had passed through the Sports Academy/Institutions at the time. He was a very open and caring teacher who passed both the martial arts and medical treatment to many students.
The Sports Hospital (Sports Injury Research Centre) remains today as a legacy of his medical system. The hospital treats athletes for performance, sports injuries and recovering sports rehabilitation or issues of fatigue. It is a key integrated teaching, research clinic and practice center.
