Martial Arts Archives - Page 2 of 13

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

Post category:18 Weapons Liuhe Martial Arts

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.

An encounter with Chuojiao and Xingyi Quan

Post category:Chuojiao Martial Arts 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.

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

Post category:Chuojiao Martial Arts

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.

Jiangsu Provincial Martial Arts Institute

Post category:Martial Arts

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.

The Great Swords of History, Part 2 – Swords and Sabers

Post category:18 Weapons Martial Arts

The Han Dynasty (汉朝) saw the rise of the Huán shǒu dāo (环首刀), The Tang Dynasty (唐朝) introduced the liuyedao (柳葉刀), the khanda (खंडा), a double-edged straight sword and The scimitar (saif al-muqawwar سيف المقور),

The Great Swords of History, Part 1 – Evolution of the Blade

Post category:Martial Arts

A sword needed much more than just a sharp edge to be useful. In addition to a blade geometry suitable for its intended function, it required a controlled combination of hardness, toughness, strength, elasticity, edge retention, and fracture resistance

The famous story of the 13 Shaolin staff wielding monks

Post category:Martial Arts Shaolin

Li Yuan was not rescued, nor was Li Shimin trapped. The one who actually fought the Shaolin monks was Wang Shichong's nephew, Wang Renzhe. The Shaolin monks did participate in the battle, but the story of rescuing the Tang emperor is a legend embellished by later generations based on historical facts.

The Legend of Baoding Wrestling: Ping Jingyi (平敬一)，the Hook Legs of Baoding” (保定的钩腿子)

Post category:Martial Arts

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.