The Legacy of Ping Jingyi
Ping Jingyi was born in Gonggong Street (国公街), Baoding. A master of wrestling, he is credited with pioneering the Baoding wrestling movement. After refining his skills, his wrestling prowess became legendary. Ping was a disciple of Nangong Mengliu (南宫孟六), from whom he learned Shaolin martial arts, further solidifying his reputation as a foremost martial artist of his era. His contributions to Baoding’s “Fast Wrestling” (快跤) style were particularly significant.
In 1930, Xu Zhedong (徐哲东) wrote in A Brief Discussion on National Martial Arts (国技论略):
“In the modern era, the true successor of Shaolin martial arts is Nangong Mengliu (南宫孟六) of Hebei, who passed his skills to Ping Jingyi (平敬一). Ping’s martial arts were unrivaled in his time.”
The Legend of Baoding Wrestling: “The Hook Legs of Baoding” (保定的钩腿子)
The phrase “Beijing’s slick talkers, Tianjin’s sharp tongues, and Baoding’s hook legs” (京油子，卫嘴子，保定府的钩腿子) highlights Baoding wrestling as a distinctive and renowned traditional sport of the Hui ethnic group.
The Origins of Baoding Hui Wrestling
Baoding Hui wrestling emerged in the early Ming Dynasty (明朝初年). According to historical records, during the Jianwen reign (建文年间), two Mongol brothers, Buyan Buhua (布彦不花) and Bu Hur (布呼尔), fought alongside Prince Yan (燕王朱棣, later the Yongle Emperor) in his military campaigns. After Zhu Di ascended the throne, he bestowed the title of “Qianhu” (千户, a military rank) upon them, granted them the surname Ping (平), and named them Ping Yilian (平毅良) and Ping Yiqing (平毅清). They were also awarded a mansion in Ping-Jia Hutong (平嘉胡同), later known as Ping Family Hutong (平家胡同).
The Ping brothers were not only skilled cavalry warriors but also masters of wrestling. The Hui people of Baoding, facing numerous threats and with a strong martial tradition, sought to improve their self-defense and combat skills. They invited the Ping brothers to teach wrestling, marking the beginning of Hui wrestling in Baoding.
Over generations, Hui martial artists refined and enhanced wrestling techniques, integrating them with Hui martial arts footwork and body methods. This evolution led to the distinctive Hui wrestling style, characterized by its fierce, stable, precise, fast, and clever techniques, earning it the name “Fast Wrestling” (快跤).
The Legendary Match: Ma Changchun (马长春) vs. “The Great and Second Wild Ox” (大耗牛, 二耗牛)
In 1822, Prince Yijin (奕经), a Qing royal, brought six imperial guards and two “Fu Shi Hu” (跛士胡, Manchu for “first-class wrestlers”) to participate in a wrestling tournament in Baoding. These two wrestlers, nicknamed “The Great Wild Ox” (大耗牛) and “The Second Wild Ox” (二耗牛), were formidable opponents known for their strength and skill，they had even defeated fierce wild oxen in combat.
After defeating the wrestling champions selected by the Governor of Zhili (直隶总督), The Great Wild Ox boasted, “Baoding is nothing special!” Ma Changchun (马长春), a Hui wrestler from Baoding, was provoked by this insult and stepped forward to challenge him. The two wrestled for over 30 rounds without a clear winner. The Great Wild Ox then unleashed his signature move, “Sticky Adherence” (黏沾), but Ma Changchun remained calm and counterattacked, throwing his opponent several meters away with a powerful takedown. After multiple throws, The Great Wild Ox refused to continue, admitting defeat. He praised Ma Changchun, saying:
“Your waist is softer than the willows of Jiangnan! Baoding wrestling—this is true skill!”
From then on, Ma Changchun earned the nickname “Jiangnan Willow” (江南柳).
Ping Jingyi: The Second Legendary Figure in Baoding Martial Arts
Ping Jingyi (平敬一), also known as Luo Jing (洛敬), was a renowned Hui ethnic martial artist from Baoding, Hebei (河北保定). A master of fist fighting, staff techniques, and Shaolin’s Eighteen Arhats Fist (少林寺正宗十八罗汉拳), he was particularly celebrated for his exceptional wrestling skills, which played a pivotal role in shaping the “Fast Wrestling” (快跤) style of Baoding. Ping established a security escort agency (镖局) on Nanjie Street (南街) in Baoding, where Feng Yuxiang (冯玉祥), a future warlord, frequently visited as a guest. Ping was widely regarded as a true successor of Shaolin martial arts, and his skills were unparalleled in his time.
Following Ma Changchun (马长春), Ping Jingyi (平敬一) became the second most influential figure in Baoding’s martial arts community. A native of Gonggong Street (国公街), Ping was a closed-door disciple of Ma Changchun and also studied Shaolin martial arts under Meng Liu (孟六) from Nangong County (南宫县, present-day Nangong City). Ping was tall and robust, with a just and chivalrous character. He often stood up for the oppressed and was generous to those in need.
Even Master Yutong (玉通大师), a monk from Saint Hua Temple (圣华寺) in Mount Tai (泰山), Shandong, who had traveled across 13 provinces without encountering a worthy opponent, came to Baoding to challenge Ping. After their battle at the Drum Tower (鼓楼), Yutong was defeated and deeply impressed, leading to a close friendship between the two.
In 1860, at the Zhongzhou Guild Hall (中州会馆), Ping defeated Zhao Zhenfeng (赵振锋), a challenging “Master Grandfather” (教师爷), in just five moves. Humiliated, Zhao spent three years mastering the “Fox Whip” (狐狸鞭), a metal whip as thick as a teacup rim, and returned in 1863 for revenge. In their rematch, Ping wielded a white waxwood staff and struck Zhao’s back, knocking him to the ground. Fortunately, Ping showed mercy—had the blow landed on Zhao’s head, the outcome would have been far more severe. After regaining his footing, Zhao knelt and admitted defeat, saying:
“Master Ping, I am truly convinced of your skill.”
From that day forward, the two became close friends.
Ping Jingyi was a chivalrous hero who befriended many martial artists. His reputation was such that caravans passing through Baoding would stop within 100 meters of his home to pay their respects. He escorted numerous important caravans, foiling robberies and ambushes and ensuring their safe passage. His legendary status in northern China was further cemented by his victory over Master Yutong (玉通大师).
In his later years, Ping retired from the martial world and dedicated himself to teaching at a martial arts training ground (把式场) near the Baoding Mosque (保定清真寺) in Dongdakeng (东大坑). He had seven prominent disciples.
The Seven Disciples of Ping Jingyi
Ping’s seven disciples carried forward his legacy, elevating Baoding wrestling to its peak during the late Qing and early Republic era. Each was a master in their own right:
- Zhang Fengyan (张凤岩, “Iron Leg” 赛铁腿): Ping’s eldest disciple and son-in-law, known for his devastating leg techniques. He could entangle an opponent’s leg and snap it with a single twist. His fame spread after he defeated Beijing’s underworld wrestler, Bao Shan (宝善).
- Wang Futian (王福田): A master of both wrestling and martial arts, he defeated the wrestling tycoon Fan Tianlong (范天龙) in Jinan, earning great acclaim for Baoding’s martial arts.
- Bai Junfeng (白俊峰): Known for his relentless training, he practiced with a large jar in his home, twisting it back and forth until he could fill it with soil and hurl it great distances.
- Ma Weiran (马蔚然): Stayed by Ping’s side after his blindness and inherited all his master’s knowledge. His signature move, “Iron Rod with the Wind” (铁杆顺风旗), was unmatched. He later served as Chief Instructor and Dean of the Nanjing Central National Martial Arts Academy (南京中央国术馆).
- Yin Changlu (尹长禄): Moved to Wuhan, where he became a martial arts instructor for the New Army of Wuhan (武汉新军).
- Ma Liang (马良, courtesy name Ziliang 子良): Ping’s youngest disciple, he joined the military at a young age and later rose to Military Governor of Shandong (山东督军). His elite guard consisted of Hui martial arts masters from East Qingzhen Street (清真东街) in Baoding. In 1913, he founded the Shandong Martial Arts (Guoshu) Academy (山东国术馆) in Jinan and served as its dean. He also held the title of Honorary Dean of the Nanjing Central National Martial Arts (Guoshu) Academy (中央国术馆). A pioneer in standardising martial arts, he commissioned the compilation of martial arts textbooks, including sections on wrestling, fist and foot techniques, and swordsmanship. His efforts systematised and theorised Chinese martial arts.
- Yin Diankui (尹殿奎): The only Manchu disciple, he contributed to the diversity and richness of Ping’s legacy.
Except for Yin Diankui (尹殿奎), all were Hui ethnic. Ping emphasized both martial skill and moral integrity, teaching his students to strengthen their bodies, defend themselves, and uphold justice, never using their skills to bully others. This ethos laid the foundation for the modern Baoding Hui martial arts and wrestling tradition.
After Ping’s passing, his disciples carried forward his legacy, propelling Baoding wrestling into a golden age. Many of his students, became nationally acclaimed martial artists and wrestlers.
His son-in-law, Zhang Fengyan (张凤岩), also from Baoding, Hebei (河北保定), began studying wrestling under Ping Jingyi at a young age and mastered all his techniques. He later taught wrestling to many students in Baoding, contributing to the flourishing of Baoding wrestling.
Zhang was a gifted instructor, and his disciples excelled in competitions across the country. Yan Yishan (阎益善), Ma Wenkui (马文奎), Shi Naitang (石乃堂), Liu Jingbo (刘静波), Yin Shijie (尹世杰), Zhang Jingquan (张景泉), Mi Youxiang (米有祥), Jin Yuebo (金月波), An Songquan (安松泉), An Shoushan (安寿山), Ma Yaoxian (马耀先), Ma Chaodong (马朝栋). The four Chang brothers Chang Dongru (常东如), Chang Dongsheng (常东升), Chang Dongpo (常东坡) and Chang Dongfu (常东福), were first taught by their father Chang Lanting (常兰亭) who was also a student of Ping Jingyi, then they were later taught by his elder disciple Zhang Fengyan. Chang Dongsheng also became Zhang’s son-in-law, marrying his second daughter.
The Enduring Legacy of Baoding Hui Wrestling
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Hui people of Baoding continued their martial traditions, producing generations of wrestling champions. At the 1991 National Traditional Ethnic Sports Games, Hui wrestlers An Changqing (安长青) and An Bo (安波) won gold and silver medals, respectively.
Today, Baoding’s Shaolin martial arts teachers include Ma Hanqing (马汗清), Ma Wenlong (马文龙), Ma Zirong (马子容), and Ma Ziming (马子明), ensuring that the legacy of Ping Jingyi and Baoding’s martial traditions endures.
Note: Excerpt is from Cultural Stories of Baoding (保定文化故事)**, edited by Li Yangshan (李阳山), Sun Jinzhu (孙进柱), and Wang Jian (王简).
Appendix
Kuai Jiao’s empty-hand training, also known as fundamental movements, serves as the basic training for beginners. Traditionally, wrestling techniques were said to have “72 Forms”, which were later refined to “37 Forms”. By the early Republic of China era, “24 Forms” were emphasized. The following introduces the 24 fundamental movements of Baoding Kuai Jiao, excerpted from Zhang Guangming’s “Chinese Wrestling Origins, Techniques, and Practical Analysis“: Slant Strike (斜打), Circular Elbow (环肘), Locking Elbow (锁肘), Hook and Pull (钓罗), Forward Kick (前进踢), Forward and Back Kick (前进后踢), Lower Grip Forward and Back Turn (下把前进后转), Lower Grip Forward and Back Kick (下把前进后踢), Upper Grip Forward and Back Kick (上把前进后踢), Upper Grip Lift (上把挑), Pull (拉), Scoop (揣), Hook and Close (得合), Lean (靠), Spring and Twist (弹拧), Stationary Grapple (原地抱), Turning Grapple (转身抱), Leg Sweep (捡腿), High-Low Speed Movement (高矮速动), Separating Hands and Kick (分手蹩), Seizing Hands and Kick (掳手蹩), Swing (甩), Collapse (崩), Convergence (汇).
