Based on MasterYao Chengrong’s traditional Yiquan teaching method and Master Yu Yongnian’s modern Zhanzhuang health-preservation teaching method, Master Zhang Yongmou developed a new martial art training system, putting forward the concept of “Yiquan martial art training as a healthy lifestyle,” integrating philosophical thinking into both his health-oriented and combat-oriented students.
During the Cultural Revolution, Yu Yongnian ’s spine was broken due to brutal mistreatment but was miraculously recovered by Zhanzhuang.
Yao Zongxun (姚宗勋), the successor of Master Wang Xiangzhai, founder of Yiquan, was one of the best martial artists in modern China.
Who Inherited Yiquan from Master Wang Xiangzhai? The Story of Yao Zongxun & Sons Read More »
In the mid-1940’s, Wang Xiangzhai set forth a new style of boxing widely acknowledged as effective for health and self-defense. Strictly speaking, Yiquan is reformed Xingyiquan. Master Wang stripped Xingyiquan’s already minimalistic style down to its essential component – the ancient practice of Zhanzhuang. He then composed training drills for expressing Zhanzhuang’s martial power without the limitations of formwork. The result was Yiquan – a lean, streamlined quan that proved competitive and often superior to other styles.
The Origins of Yiquan & The Legendary Wang Xiangzhai Read More »