The Great Swords of History, Part 3 – Chang Dao (Long Saber) and Miao Dao

Warlord Cao Kun (曹锟), noting the martial spirit of the Cangzhou region, specially recruited soldiers there to form a martial arts battalion. The battalion appointed Liu Yuchun, Ren Xiangrong, and others as instructors to teach the two‑handed sabre technique, which was called "Miao Dao" (苗刀). Hence, the battalion was also known as the "Miao Dao Battalion." In fact, only one battalion specialised in training Miao Dao, and Tong Zhongyi (佟忠义) served as its company commander.

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An encounter with Chuojiao and Xingyi Quan

He Yunheng (贺运亨, 1839–1924), a native of Menggao Village, Taigu, Shanxi, and the second Shanxi disciple of Li Laoneng, the founder of Xingyi Quan, and the second‑generation Chuojiao grand master Wei Changyi (魏昌义, est 1835–1915, from Xiqizhuang, Lixian County, Hebei), who was then in charge of the Fuyuan Security Logistics Bureau in Beijing, formed a bond through martial arts.

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Wang Zhan Ao (王占鳌): The Iron-Armed Logistics Security Officer

With single-arm strength, Wang Zhan Ao (王占鳌) executed "Dragon Coiling the Sea" (盘龙搅海), then "Golden Rooster Nods" (金鸡乱点头), forcing Li Gong to retreat. A final strike, "Kun Peng Spreads Its Wings" (鲲鹏展翅), sent the spear whipping toward Li Gong like lightning. The bandit barely dodged, but the shaft grazed his back, knocking him down.

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Jiangsu Provincial Martial Arts Institute

By reviewing precious old photographs and publications from the Republican era, we are able to glimpse the true appearance of the Jiangsu Provincial Martial Arts Institute (江苏省国术馆). It was the official orthodox martial arts institution of Jiangsu Province at that time, and also the most prosperous testament to the martial arts movement in Jiangsu during the Republic of China period.

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Medical Monks of the Southern Fujian Tradition

The term "Medical Monks" (医僧) refers to Buddhist monks who, in their mission to spread the Dharma and benefit all beings, also practice medicine to heal the sick and save lives. Throughout history, Southern Fujian (闽南) has been home to many renowned medical monks who excelled in healing and treating illnesses. The earliest recorded among them dates back to the Tang Dynasty, with Master Yizhong (义中禅师), followed by Master Puzu (普足禅师) in the Song Dynasty.

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