Developments of Martial Arts in Taiwan January 31 st , 2005 • Initiation Tracing back the history, martial arts probably have been brought into Taiwan as early as the Qing/late Ming dynasty along with the troops of Zheng Cheng-Gong. It was not officially documented, but what can be certain is that along with the troops of Zheng Cheng-Gong, there must be generals that are highly skilled in martial arts. Be it migrated along with the settlements of the troops or brought in by late Ming rebel organizations reserving the intentions to fight against the Qing Empire, martial arts were certain to have spread into the society. During the period, martial arts popular in Taiwan were predominately genres from Southern China . This should be the high time when martial arts migrated into Taiwan in large scale. Later, along with the unification by the Qing dynasty, exchanges of martial arts between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait became more and more frequent. During the Japanese Colonial Period, it has been noted that a famous Crane Fist master had come to teach in Taiwan , which left profound influence to martial art developments in Taiwan . Along with the Republic Government, many genres of Northern Chinese martial arts were brought in. These new genres were infused into the martial art development in Taiwan and brought a new life into Taiwan 's martial art societies. Under stable economic and political development in Taiwan , folk cultures have been more integrally preserved. During this period, martial arts societies of various genres sprouted. For promotion of the sports, the government set up the Martial Art Association of R.O.C. and International Taichi Chuan Association, Taiwan , R.O.C. at the central level and subsidiary martial arts and Taichi associations at the county level. With flourishing private organizations and institutions, Taiwan could be said to be a paradise for high-quality martial art learning. Along with the development of the society and revolution in the ways of information transmission, the once secretive or rarely known knowledge of martial arts began to be widely spread, researched and discussed. Martial arts were no longer trainings for military or militia purposes. They were absorbed into folk cultures. Nowadays, even dance arts have absorbed the muscular ascetics of martial arts, and their benefits to health have also become known by the world. Up till today, the development of martial arts in Taiwan has been a diversified and lively journey that is worth exploring. • Developmental stages of martial arts Before the Japanese Colonial Period, martial arts in Taiwan were mostly passed down from the forefathers of Taiwan migrants besides those spread to the society from Ming military. The exact process was not documented, but many schools of Kungfu and legends have been talked about for generations in many communities. One of the well-known legend is the Siluo Qikan ( 西螺七崁 ) story. Since the old times, villages in China have been known to hire famous martial art masters to teach their militias for the purpose of protecting their homes. The same custom was practiced in Taiwan . During the Daoguang Period of Qing Dynasty, Liu Pao ( 劉炮 ), alias Ming-San (A-San-Shi 阿善師 ), came to Taiwan from Zhangzhou, Fujian and set up the Guangxing martial art institute, “Zhenxing She ( 振興社 )”, in Siluo. During the same period, the prominent family of Liao Jin-Ye ( 廖金埜 ) integrated the Liao-family style and famous Chinese master, Gao Rong-Shi's ( 高榮師 ), martial arts in to a school and promoted the style locally. Liao's seventh son, Liao Mao-Zhao ( 廖懋昭 also known as the Wan-De-Shi 萬得師 ), was exceptional in the arts. During the Guangxi Period of Qing Dynasty, he passed the Martial Art Xiucai ( 秀才 , imperial exam at the county level) and afterwards he opened his own martial art institute at age of twenty-four. His father named his institute the “Qinxi Tang ( 勤習堂 )” and opened the doors to pupils interested in this school of art. Both “Zhenxing She ( 振興社 )” and “Qinxi Tang ( 勤習堂 )” were highly influential in Taiwan during that period. In the Dajia area, there were also martial arts passed down from the common folks. According to Mr. Guo Ying-Zhe's (Taiwan Martial Arts Culture Research Association) study, the Dajia Wu-Shi-San Zhuang (fifty-three villages) Martial Arts Institution System can be roughly classified into the following schools – Daan ( 大安 ) “Qingxi Tang ( 勤習堂 )” – Pao Shi ( 炮師 ), Dajia “Jiying Tang ( 集英堂 )” – Hei Fan Shi ( 黑番師 ), Waipu “Yihu Tuan ( 義虎團 )” – Cuo Shi ( 師 ), Yulin “Jin Shi Zhen ( 金獅陣 )” – Yi Shi ( 益師 ), “Qilin Shen Shi Zhen ( 麒麟神獅陣 )” – Wang Zai-Jia ( 王仔甲 ), Daan “Zheng Xing She ( 振興社 )”, Dajia “Jin Sheng Tang ( 金勝堂 )”, “Yu Lin Guan ( 玉麟館 )”, and “Zhong Yi Tang ( 忠義堂 )”. Each institute has its own specialty. Among which, “Qingxi Tang ( 勤習堂 )” practiced the “Lian Huan Bagua Zhen ( 連環八掛陣 , serial bagua)”, and, according to studies, the “Yong Chun Bai He Quan (Yongchun White Crane Fist)” practiced by “Yu Lin Guan ( 玉麟館 )” was probably one of the oldest style in the Crane Fist system, which is not only rare in Taiwan but also in the world. The “Yihu Tuan ( 義虎團 )” is just as unique – it was one and the only troop practiced Tiger instead of Lion Dance martial art. • Martial arts development during the Japanese Colonial Period The most famous genre prominent in the Japanese Colonial Period is the Crane Fist (He Quan). Although Crane Fist was originated in Fujian , it was highly popular in Taiwan . Since it was not disrupted in the midst of political and cultural destruction, it was preserved relatively intact. Crane Fist was said to have been developed by Fang Qi-Niang ( 方七娘 ), and the White Crane Fist was known to have been brought into Taiwan by four masters – Zhang Chang-Qiu ( 張常球 , also known as Taichung Ergao), Fang A-Feng ( 方阿鳳 ), Lin Guo-Zhong ( 林國仲 , know as Huwei Ergao or Yigao), and Lin De-Shun ( 林德順 , Ruishi). Crane Fist currently practiced in Taiwan was mostly passed down by these four masters. The following is a brief illustration of the legends of these masters. • Lin De-Shun ( 林德順 ) was hired by the affluent gentleman, Liu Gu ( 劉故 ) of Liuying Tainan County - after he arrived in Taiwan in 1927 as a private trainer. He also taught in Madou and Jiali area. During the Sino-Japan War, Japanese suspected him of working for the Chinese as an intelligence worker and attempted to arrest him for many times. After he was arrested, the Japanese intended to deport him back to China . Afraid that he would escape, the Japanese injected him with anesthesia before putting him on a boat back to Fuzhou . Mr. Lin De-Shun was over-dosed and died on the boat. His school of Crane Fist is called the Shi He Quan (eating crane). Liu's posterity taught in the Xinying and Liuying area, including Mr. Liu Jin-Long and Liu Zheng-Jia. • Lin Guo-Zhong ( 林國仲 ) set foot in Huwei, Yunlin around 1922 and began to teach Bai He Quan (white crane fist) in this area. Till today, his posterities are still holding up the school and devote themselves into promotion of Bai He Quan. The Zhong He Quan Association ( 縱鶴拳 ) was established by this school. Mr. Lin Guo-Zhong passed away in 1956 at age 87. His lineage includes Mr. Hong Zong-Ji, teaching in Taipei City , and Mr. Lin Chao-Huo, teaching in Zhonghe, Taipei County . • A Feng-Shi ( 阿鳳師 ) was a linear descendant of Shi-Pei Zu-Shi ( 世培祖師 , Shi-Pei Grand Master). Hearing the beautiful sceneries of Taiwan , A Feng-Shi came to Taiwan for a visit. During his prolonged visit, he taught in areas of Kaohsiung , Tainan , and Yanshui. He left Taiwan when called by the public office of Fuzhou . A Feng-Shi and Mr. Zhang Chang-Qiu ( 張常球 ) were sworn-brothers. At present, there is Mr. Cheng Ming-Lun teaching A Feng-Shi's He Quan (Crane Fist) system. In addition, there is also the Ro-Quan (Soft Fist) system developed by Mr. Tong Jin-Long. • Mr. Zhang Chang-Qiu was originally teaching martial arts in Taipei . He came to Taichung in 1915. Mr. Zhang Chang-Qiu was highly skilled in martial arts. His students were often winners in competitions. Unfortunately, Mr. Zhang Chang-Qiu passed away in 1929 at age forty-nine. He taught numerous students and most of them were scholars of arts and literature. Most of these scholars learned martial arts for self-defense or physical training; therefore, very few of them teach martial arts for living. Currently, there are Mr. Lai Xing-Ming and Cai Zhe-Ming teaching in Taichung . • Martial arts development in the Republic era The period when the Republic Government migrated to Taiwan can be said to be the height of martial arts inflow into Taiwan . Almost all famous martial art styles were introduced into Taiwan at that time. At that moment, a fanfare-like atmosphere rose in the martial art society. Since martial arts were less destructed in Taiwan , they are mostly preserved in their original forms. However, without government support, most of them were not developed. And, most of the older generation martial art masters have passed away. Without inheritors, it is unfortunate that traditional martial arts are fading away. After the doors of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait were opened, exchanges of martial arts between the two sides became possible. And, after martial arts became one of the competitions in the Asian Game, martial arts have become valued by governments of Asian countries. Although so, these competitions are limited to set-forms (Tao Lu 套路 ). Set forms have been compiled based on traditional martial arts. The biggest difference between these two different categories is that the history and culture and philosophy of martial arts are lost. Therefore, set-form (Tao Lu 套路 ) martial arts are not included in the scope of discussion in this thesis. • Bei Shaolin Chang Quan ( 北少林長拳 , Northern Shaolin Long Fist) Northern Shaolin Chang Quan in Taiwan was mostly brought in during 1949. The highly popular Northern Shaolin Long Fist was mostly taught by the Central Martial Art Institute. The content of this style includes Lian Bu Quan ( 連步拳 ), Shi-Lu Tan-Tui ( 十路彈腿 ), Mai-Fu Quan ( 埋伏拳 ), Cha Quan ( 查拳 ), and San-Cai Jian ( 三才劍 ). Northern Shaolin is a school of martial art centered on long-distance combat skills. Its range of leg-extension is relatively farther than other styles. It is a style with open frame, clean-cut movements, and clear tempo. The master who had the most number and widest spread of pupils in Taiwan would be the Martial Zhuang Yuan ( 狀元 , Champion of the National Level Imperial Exam) – Mr. Han Qing-Tang ( 韓慶堂 ). Although Master Han passed away in 1979, his students carried on his spirit and art. Among his students, Wang Jian-Xu ( 王建緒 ), Shen Mao-Hui ( 沈茂惠 ), Jiang Chang-Gen ( 姜長根 ), Tang Ke-Jie ( 唐克杰 ), and Meng Xian-Ming ( 孟憲明 ) were called the “Han Men Wu Hu (Five Tigers of Han School)”. In addition to the above masters, quite a few renowned masters have also taught Shaolin Chang Quan in Taiwan . The following are two representative masters active in Taiwan . Mr. Shen Mao-Hui ( 沈茂惠 ) is a member of the Chang Quan Committee of the Martial Art Association R.O.C. (Northern Shaolin Chang Quan) and the master trainer of Cheng-Gong High-School. Mr. Shen Mao-Hui began his martial art training at age twelve under the famous master of Zhejiang County , China – Mr. Yu Ke-Jin ( 虞可金 ) and later Mr. Cheng Huai-Sheng ( 程淮生 ) in Shanghai . After he came to Taiwan in July 1949, he began his study in Shaolin Chang Quan, Mantis Fist, Monkey Fist, Drunken Fist, and Double Hook under Mr. Han Qing-Tang ( 韓慶堂 ) and Wang Song-Ting ( 王松亭 ). Later, he followed Mr. Lu Zu-He ( 呂祖和 ) for his training in Tiger-Tail Whip. He taught in government investigation and national defense departments for martial arts, bare-hand combat, wrestling, and weapon tussle (knife, gun, etc.). Mr. Jiang Chang-Gen ( 姜長根 ) was born in a martial art family. He has been trained in the “Feng Yang” School of Southern Shaolin since young, as well as Hong Quan under famous Hong Quan Master, Mr. Wang Cheng-Jun ( 王成俊 ). After arrived in Taiwan along with the Republic Government, he entered the law enforcement forced and studied Northern Shaolin Chang Quan and wrestle/combat skills at the school of contemporary Northern Shaolin Chang Quan Grandmaster, Mr. Han Qing-Tang ( 韓慶堂 ). He has also followed the Grandmaster of Mantis Fist, Mr. Wang Song-Ting ( 王松亭 ), learning various martial art skills of Mantis Fist. Mr. Jiang Chang-Gen can be said to have been a master with complete knowledge in both Northern and Southern styles of martial arts. Later, he taught in the Investigation Bureau. He is now a committee member of the Martial Art Association of R.O.C, the chairmen of Northern Shaolin Chang Quan Association R.O.C., a National Level trainer, and an international referee. Mr. Jiang Chang-Gen is currently teaching in the Northern Shaolin Chang Quan Promotion Association R.O.C., Cheng-Chi University , and Zhong-Zheng High School . • Hong Quan ( 洪拳 ) Many legends have denoted the origin of Hong Jia Quan (Hong Family Fist, commonly known as Hong Quan). the most widely agreed story would be the Hong Xi-Guan ( 洪熙官 ) story. Legend has it that Hong Xi-Guan entered as a pupil under the Zhi-Shan Zen Master ( 至善禪師 ) of Shaolin Temple. After completed his training, he created a style of kungfu based on Shaolin martial art. His surname is Hong; therefore, the style of kungfu is called the Hong Quan. Hong Quan has two styles: one is a widespread and wide-open combat skill – this is the more commonly known style, and the other is a narrow spread close combat style. Modifications are common to a school of martial arts that have existed for a few hundred years with numerous practitioners to suit the trend and individual needs. Guangdong (Cantonese) Hong Quan has been widely used in Hong Kong kungfu movies; therefore, it is a more commonly seen style of martial art familiar to people. Mr. Qi Guan-Jun ( 戚冠軍 ) from Hong Kong and the Ling-Nan Martial Art Association in Taiwan have trained many Hong Quan masters in Taiwan . However, most Hong Quan practitioners in Taiwan have probably been trained by Mr. Zhang Ke-Zhi ( 張克治 ). Hong Quan taught by Mr. Zhang Ke-Zhi is very different from the Guangdong school. Currently, there are many trainers teaching Mr. Zhang Ke-Zhi's Hong Quan, for example, Mr. You Shao-Lan ( 尤少嵐 ) of Shaolin Hong Quan Association R.O.C. and Dr. Lu Wen-Cheng ( 盧文琛 ) in Zhongli. Unofficial documentation documented the lineage of Hong Quan as the following: Grand Master Hong Xi-Guan ( 洪熙官 ) → Hong Wen-Ding ( 洪文定 ) → Lu A-Cai ( 陸阿彩 ) → Huang Qi-Ying ( 黃麒英 ) → Huang Fei-Hong ( 黃飛鴻 ) → Lin Jia-Kun ( 林家坤 ) → Zhang Ke-Zhi ( 張克治 ). • Ba-Ji Quan ( 八極拳 ) Ba-Ji Quan was originated in Dong-Nan Village of Cang County, Hebei Province . Based in Cang County , Ba-Ji Quan spread to the neighboring Yanyou County , Nanpi County , and Ningjing County in Qing Dynasty. Ba-Ji Quan was called the “Ba Zi Quan” in the old times. Ba-Ji Quan is a powerful style of martial art with maximum strength, emphasizing coordination of eight body parts – head, shoulder, elbow, hands, tailbone, crotch, knees, and feet. Since there are a large number of masters practicing Ba-Ji Quan, various styles of Ba-Ji Quan have been developed, such as the Wu Baji, Huo Baji, Qiang Baji, and Ji Baji. Among which, the most famous Ba-Ji masters are Li Shu-Wen ( 李書文 ) and his two students – Mr. Huo Dian-Ge ( 霍殿閣 ) and Mr. Liu Yun-Qiao ( 劉雲樵 ). Mr. Huo Dian-Ge became the martial art trainer of the last emperor – Pu Yi, and Mr. Liu Yun-Qiao became the head guard of the Presidential Hall after he came to Taiwan . The two highly noticeable masters made Ba-Ji Quan even more famous. Practice of Ba-Ji Quan in Taiwan mainly centers on the Central Martial Art Institute System. In the Central Martial Art Institute, Mr. Ma Ying-Tu ( 馬英圖 ) and his colleagues taught Ba-Ji Quan and its combat skills. Its set-forms are almost identical to the Huo Baji. Trainees of the Central Martial Art Institute came to Taiwan with the Republic Government were mostly highly skilled in Ba-Ji Quan. During the earlier period, Mr. Li Yuan-Zhi ( 李元智 ) served as a martial art trainer in the military, and, ever since, Ba-Ji Quan became a required course of the Ministry. Ba-Ji Quan was also taught by Mr. Pan Wen-Dou ( 潘文斗 ) in Han Men Martial Art Institute and Mr. Fan Zhi-Xiao ( 范之孝 ) when he was teaching at the Department of Martial Arts, Chinese Culture University . The most widespread Ba-Ji Quan currently in Taiwan is the style passed down by Mr. Liu Yun-Qiao ( 劉雲樵 ). Mr. Liu Yun-Qiao established the Wu Tan, which contributed greatly to the martial art development in Taiwan . Wu Tan's Ba-Ji Quan forms include the Baji Minor, Baji Major, Baji Serial, and Liu Da Kai. There are quite a number of famous Ba-Ji Quan masters trained by Mr. Liu Yun-Qiao ( 劉雲樵 ). Ba-Ji Quan training is available at the Wu Tan Martial Art Center , Ba-Ji Quan Association of R.O.C. – Mr. Ye Qi-Lin ( 葉啟立 ), Da Nei Ba-Ji Martial Art Development Association – Mr. Jin Li-Yan ( 金立言 ), Zi-Ge Martial Art School – Mr. Xu Ji ( 徐紀 ), and Ba-Ji Mantis – Mr. Su Yu-Zhang ( 蘇昱彰 ). In addition, Mr. Ji Zhao-Hua ( 季昭華 ) is also teaching the Ji Family Ba-Ji Quan at Taiwan University and Mr. Wang Feng-Ting ( 王鳳亭 ) of Gong-Li Men(功力門) has also taught Ba-Ji Quan during earlier times. • Tang Lang Quan ( 螳螂拳 , Mantis Fist) Mantis Fist is also a popular style of martial art in Taiwan . It is believed that Wang Lang ( 王朗 ) of Shangdong created this style of martial art in late Ming/early Qing. Wang Lang was once a pupil in Shaolin Temple . Legend has it that he tried very hard to meet the level of his senior colleagues, but all efforts failed. One day, he saw a mantis, and on observing the mantis, he was inspired by its combat movements. After a period of close observation, he created the twelve basic movements of Mantis Fist – stick ( 粘 , zhan), glue ( 黏 , nian), adhere ( 貼 , tie), lean ( 靠 , kao), clutch ( 刁 , tiao), advance ( 進 , jin), plunge ( 崩 , beng), hit ( 打 , da), hook ( 勾 , gou), hold ( 摟 , lou), grab ( 採 , cai), and hang ( 掛 , gua). Combined with the essence of seventeen genres of famous Northern martial arts and monkey steps, Wang Lang created the Mantis style. Therefore, it can be said that Mantis Fist is a style containing the essences of eighteen schools of martial arts. In the earlier period, one of the famous Mantis masters was Mr. Li Kun-Shan ( 李昆山 ). Mr. Li Kun-Shan scored the top in the long-range weapon category of Shangdong Province Martial Art Exam and Nanjing Martial Art Exam in 1933. The style taught by him was the Qi-Xing Tang-Lang (Seven-Star Mantis). Many renowned masters in Taiwan have studied with him. Among which, Mr. Wang Song-Ting ( 王松亭 ), know as the “Iron Arms”, also taught Seven-Star Mantis. Currently, there is Mr. Gao Dao-Sheng ( 高道生 ) teaching master Wang's martial art in the Chang-Quan Mantis Institute established by him. Chang-Quan Mantis Institute has had a long history of training Mantis masters with students in not only Taiwan but also all over the world. Mr. Gao Dao-Sheng has, for many times, been invited to Japan to teach. At present, a number of his students are teaching in Taiwan . Mr. Lin Chang-Xiang ( 林昌湘 ) in Danshui established the Qing Dao Martial Art Institute, promoting Chang-Quan Mantis, and its Songshan Branch is hosted by Mr. Yan Ming-Da ( 顏明達 ). Mr. Zhang Xiang-San ( 張詳三 ) is famous for his Liu-He Mantis. His student, Mr. Dai Shi-Zhe ( 戴士哲 ) is currently teaching and promoting the art in Taipei . Mr. Wei Xiao-Tang ( 衛笑堂 ) is famous for his Babu Mantis (eight-step mantis), and his student, Mr. Zhang De-Kui ( 張德奎 ) is a master in “Mi-Men Mantis”. He has students – Mr. Yang Feng-Shi ( 楊逢時 ), teaching in Chinese Culture University and Mr. Shi Zhen-Zhong ( 施振忠 ), who established the “Tainan Penglai Martial Art Institute”. There are also Mr. Jia Jin-Ting ( 賈金亭 ) and Zhu Yong-Qiang ( 朱勇強 ) currently teaching Mantis Fist in Taiwan . • Tai Chi Chuan ( 太極拳 , also spelled as Taiji Quan) Most people think Zhang San-Feng ( 張三豐 ) created Tai Chi Chuan, but, through historic studies, a more credible theory points to Chen Wang-Ting ( 陳王廷 ) of Chen-Jia-Gou, Henan Province. Nevertheless, it is widely known that, in modern Tai Chi, Yang Lu-Zhan ( 楊露禪 ) was the creator of Yang Tai Chi. It has been said that Yang Lu-Zhan learned Tai Chi Quan in Chen-Jia-Gou and became famous in Beijing . From which, a number of varied styles of Tai Chi was created, including Wu Taichi, Hao Taichi, and Sun Taichi. Taichi Chuan is known to have softer forms. It is now recognized worldwide as a sport highly beneficial to health. However, most people forget that Taichi Chuan was originally a defensive as well as combat martial art. Chen-Jia-Gou Family used skills of this style of martial art to kill the Big Head King of Taiping Tian-Guo (Nation of Heavenly Peace). If Taiping Tian-Guo was not defeated by the Chen Clan of Chen-Jia-Gou, the history would have been rewritten. As well, the Chen Clan used this martial art to defend their homes against mobsters (Ran Fei). Therefore, it can be said that Taichi Quan is a hard/soft-balanced style of martial art that is capable of overcoming hard forces with soft strength. The first generation and the creator of Yang Taichi system is Mr. Yang Lu-Zhan ( 楊露禪 ). The second generation is Yang Jian-Hou ( 楊建侯 ) and the third generation is Yang Shao-Hou ( 楊少侯 ). Quite a few famous Taichi masters came to Taiwan during the earlier period. The following is a brief summary of Taichi Chuan development in Taiwan . In 1946, students of Master Chen Wei-Ming ( 陳微明 ) of Shanghai Zhi-Rou Martial Art Institute – Mr. Xie Jing-Hu ( 謝鏡湖 ) and Mr. Zhou Min-Yi ( 周敏益 ) came back to Taiwan from Shanghai and began teaching in Hsinchu. Mr. Chen Zheng-Ming was the top pupil of Master Yang Cheng-Pu ( 楊澄浦 ). In 1948, Master Chen Zheng-Ming was invited to Taiwan for a performance as well as teaching seminar. The event stormed up the popularity in Taiwan and thus laid the foundation of Taichi Chuan Development. The next year, Master Qi Jing-Zhi ( 戚靜之 ), Wang Yan-Nian ( 王延年 ), and Shi Cheng-Zhi ( 施丞志 ) came to Taiwan and began teaching in the New Park and Yuan Shan. In 1949 and 1950, a large number of renowned martial art masters followed the Republic Government to Taiwan . During this period, Taichi Chuan training became widely available throughout the Island . The following is a brief description of a few renowned masters. Grand Master Zheng Man-Qing ( 鄭曼青 ) was called the “Master of Five Arts”. He was well cultured in literature, calligraphy, painting, medicine, and martial art. At age twenty-seven, he studied martial art with Master Yang Cheng-Pu ( 楊澄浦 ) in Shanghai. Later, for the needs of his students, he modified Yang Taichi Old Style into 37 forms and named it the “Cheng Tze Simplified Taichi Chuan”. After arriving in Taiwan , he established the “Shi-Zhong Institute”, teaching students with the principle of kindness. During the fifty years, he trained over thirty thousand martial art trainers. These trainers spread all over the world carrying the mission of promoting the art of Taichi. Those who are interested may contact the Cheng Tze Taichi Chuan Study Association in Taichung . Classes are also available at Shenglong Tai Chi Chuan Association and Chinese Tai Chi Institute. Cheng Tze Tai Chi is widely promoted in Taiwan . Training classes are available throughout the Island . Thirty-seven-Form Taichi Chuan has now entered into the National Game as one of the Tai Chi Chuan competition category. In addition, the Jiu-Jiu Taichi Chuan Association in Taichung County promotes Jiu-Jiu Taichi Chuan ( 九九太極 ), which is an integration of the essences of various Tai Chi styles created by Mr. Chen Pan-Ling ( 陳泮嶺 ). Mr. Chen Pan-Ling ( 陳泮嶺 ) studied Xingyi and Bagua with Mr. Tong Lian-Ji ( 佟聯吉 ), Liu Cai-Chen ( 劉彩臣 ), and Cheng Hai-Ting ( 程海亭 ) and Taichi Chuan with Wu Jian-Quan ( 吳鑑泉 ), Yang Shao-Hou ( 楊少侯 ), Ji De ( 紀德 , alias Cheng-Xiu), and Xu Yu-Sheng ( 許禹生 ). He had also studied under Xingyi and Bagua master, Mr. Li Cun-Yi ( 李存義 ). Mr. Chen Pan-Ling ( 陳泮嶺 ) had also been appointed as the Director of Henan County Marital Art Institute and Deputy Director of Central Martial Art Institute. Mr. Wang Yan-Nian ( 王延年 ), who taught Yang Family Secrete Taichi Chuan in Taiwan , was a student of Zhang Qin-Lin ( 張欽霖 ), and Mr. Zhang Qin-Lin was a student of the son of Yang Lu-Zhan ( 楊露禪 )- Yang Jian-Hou ( 楊建侯 ). Yang Taichi is a popular style of Taichi Chuan in Taiwan as well as the world. It is the most practiced martial art in the world. Furthermore, I would like to introduce Chen Taichi Chuan. Chen Taichi Chuan in Taiwan has its unique style. It preserved the essence of the old style Taichi Chuan. Six famous Chen Taichi Chuan masters came to Taiwan during the earlier period. 1. Mr. Du Yu-Ze ( 杜毓澤 , alias Ji-Ming) – Mr. Du Yu-Ze learned the old frame from Chen Yan-Xi ( 陳延熙 ) and the new frame from Chen Ming-Biao ( 陳名標 ). 2. Mr. Guo Qing-Shan ( 郭青山 , alias Yang-Zhi) - Mr. Guo learned the old frame from Chen Fa-Ke ( 陳發科 ). 3. Mr. Wang Jin-Rang ( 王晉讓 , alias Xun-Fu) – Mr. Wang studied with Mr. Chen Ying-De ( 陳應德 ) for the small frame. 4. Mr. Wang Meng-Bi ( 王夢弼 , alias Mu-Zhao) – Mr. Wang learned the old frame from Chen Fa-Ke ( 陳發科 ). 5. Mr. Wang He-Lin ( 王鶴林 ) – Mr. Wang He-Lin learned the old frame from Chen Fa-Ke ( 陳發科 ). 6. Mr. Pan Yong-Zhou ( 潘詠周 , alias Zuo-Min) studied with Chen Fa-Ke ( 陳發科 ) for the old frame. Mr. Wang Jin-Rang's ( 王晉讓 ) Taichi Chuan is also called the Zhaobao Taichi Chuan. This form of Taichi Chuan is taught by Mr. Xiao Zhi-Fu ( 蕭治傅 ) or Mr. Guo Dong-Bao ( 郭東寶 ) at the Kaohsiung County Wu-Dang Zhaobao Tai Chi Chuan Association. Mr. Pan Yong-Zhou's ( 潘詠周 ) Taichi Chuan is available at the following locations: Chen Tai Chi Association (Chairman Jiang Xuan-Cang), Taipei Chen Tai Chi Association (Mr. Hong Yun-He), and Yonghe City Sports Association Chen Tai Chi Committee (Mr. Hong Tu-Sheng). In addition, Mr. Wang He-Lin's ( 王鶴林 ) is currently available at the Ninth Branch of Chen Tai Chi Association, taught by Mr. He Ji-Lin. In Kaohsiung , there is Mr. Wang Jing-Xiang (top student of Mr. Du Yu-Ze) Jing-Ji Tai Chi Institute, Tu Zong-Ren, and Xu Ji currently teaching Chen Tai Chi Chuan. Furthermore, most people think Tai Chi Chuan is an old-man sport. It is no so. Here, I would like to introduce a Tai Chi Master – Mr. Li, Chang-Ren ( 李章仁 ). Mr. Li ,Chang-Ren was initially trained in bare-hand free fighting and Northern/Southern combat martial arts. Later, he graduated from the Department of Martial Art, Chinese Culture University . During his study, he was trained by renowned masters in various Chinese martial arts. He studied Chen Tai Chi with Master Du Yu-Ze ( 杜毓澤 ) and specialized in this school of martial art. Mr. Li Zhang-Ren was also trained by the Grandmaster of Monkey/Crane Double Form, Mr. Chen Ming-Lun ( 陳明崙 ), for practical combat skills, wrestling skills, and ying/yang balanced Tai Chi Chuan. In the form practices, Mr. Li Zhang-Ren infused Chi Gong practice. Tai Chi Forms taught by him is a classical style, filled with rounded and soft-twining forces. （ www.kongfu.org ） III. Diversified Development Nowadays, martial arts are no longer a type of combat skill. Through long-term deployment, Chinese martial arts have been integrated with an array of culture, knowledge, and philosophy. Martial arts have developed diversified characteristics. Kungfu movies have been made over and over again for many years. In Chinese literature, numerous novels have also been written around the materials of martial arts. In modern literature and technology, elements of martial arts are found in comic books and video games. Here, I would like to discuss a few types of culture-oriented development of martial arts. Culture brings diversified life to martial arts. 1. Martial arts for health 2. Tourism and folk culture Moreover, there are also traditional martial art activities in regular temple fares. One of them is Song-Jiang Troop. The origin of Song-Jiang Troop has had split opinions: one of theories contributes the origin of Song-Jiang Troop to the classical literature “Shui-Hu Zhuan”. It was described in the classical novel that Song-Jiang Troop was a formation used by Song Jiang in his battles. The second theory thinks that Song-Jiang Troop is a branch of combat skills of Shaolin martial arts. It is said to have been a style of Shaolin martial arts preserved along with Shaolin Dan Quan (Single Fist) and Lion Troops. The third theory originates from Qi Ji-Guang’s “Teng Pai Wu (Rattan Shield Dance)” or “Yuanyang Troop”. The fourth theory contributes the origin to Cheng Cheng-Gong’s “Teng Pai Soldiers (Rattan Shield Soldiers)” and “Wu-Hua Soldier Training”. According to researches, many experts think that Taiwan’s Song-Jiang Troop was formed in the Ming Zheng Cheng-Gong period, Zheng Cheng-Gong’s deputy, Chen Yong-Hua, proposed the policy of “Management in Religion”. From which, local martial art forces were combined with folk religions and developed into religious troops. In another word, it probably has come from Zheng Cheng-Gong’s “Teng Pai Soldiers (Rattan Shield Soldiers)”. Song-Jiang Troop is a collective performance of martial arts. It demonstrates the achievements of group martial art practices to the villagers in temple fares. This type of performance has also been integrated with percussion instruments into a type of "Kungfu Dance”. In the dance, the number of performers was gradually increased to denote the 108 generals of Liang Shan-Bo in Shui-Hu Zhuan, which symbolizes 36 heavenly deities and 72 earth spirits. Nowadays, the troops have become smaller. They are now commonly seen as 36-person groups. Performers wear light suits holding ancient weapons like knife, sword, spear, shield, and dagger-axe. The troops are usually led by a flagman and line up in two files. The troops march in the sound of luo and drum, performing single, double, and sometime group kungfu fights. Their movements are elegant and powerful. With the music of drums and luo, the troopers are like dancing in a very unique style. Song-Jiang Troop is practiced in Southern Taiwan and mostly gathers in Kaohsiung County. It can be said to be the home of Song-Jiang Troop. • Developments in arts The masculine aesthetics of martial arts have often been the creative ideas of artists. Martial Art itself can also become a unique form of performing art. Here, I would like to introduce a few art groups conceiving their creations based on martial arts. • Hupo Chinese Martial Art is the only group in Taiwan used martial arts as the creative elements. It presents and manifests the aesthetics, philosophy, and military theories through the rich performance of this martial art performing group. It brings martial arts onto the stages. By bringing martial arts onto stages does not mean turning martial arts into dances. Instead, it is a form of art that concerns how to present the masculine aesthetics on stage. It attempts to open the potential of inner and outer strength through the special body language of martial artists. Through choreography, martial art performance took on a refreshing and energetic form to express the unique art of martial arts. Through the performances, the group also wishes to demonstrate the special artistic and health value to the public. Since its establishment, Hupo Chinese Martial Art Company has put on over seventy shows in schools, the Taipei Art Festival, Pingtung International Music/Dance Festival, and the Theater Festival hosted by the Council of Cultural Affairs, cultural centers, the National Day celebration, and various cultural and international activities. Each of its performances received enthusiastic feedbacks. • Dancers of Cloud Gate Dance Company derived their ideas from the Buddhist poem - “Flowers in the mirror and moon in the water will eventually disappear.” The dance movements are developed from Mr. Xiong Wei's “Tai Chi Channeling” theories. In the Tai Chi of Eastern philosophy, oneself seems to have become the fiercest enemy of one's own. In the dance, forces that drive a body to move is no longer aimed outward for conquer; it is now channeled inward to conquer the immense inner territory. The beauty of Chinese-style body movements is often contained in martial arts. Martial art movements are also absorbed into theater movements. It is an important part of movement arts in Chinese aesthetics. • Utheater is one of the art groups of Taiwan that have moved to the international stage. It has won the best performance of French Avignon Art Festival in 1997, the most popular show in Leon Dance Art Festival in year 2000, and the Grand Award of the First Taishin Art Award. The theater was established in 1988. The leader, Liu Ruo-Yu (Jing-Min) came from the Nanlin Theater and studied in the U.S. She was profoundly influenced by Grotowski of Poland Theater. He thinks that art should return to life itself. After Huang Zhi-Qun (Zhi-Wen), who is from Malaysia and have learned martial arts since young, joined the Company, he insists in Learning Meditation before Learning Drums. The unique combination of Dao (or Tao) and art became a very special performance of Utheater. Training of this group of Utheater performers is also unique. Other than regular professionally training, the performers are also trained in folk drumming, martial arts, Tai Chi Channeling, meditation, and so on, and their training site is in the woods and hills of the nature. • Tap-dancing: “This time we combine tap-dancing with Chinese martial arts. This is the first ever in the world”, said leader of Dance Factory. Mr. Hao Jia-Long said, “The idea of combining the two elements of two different cultures is conceived to infuse oriental colors into tap-dancing. The commonly see tap-dancing familiar to the public are all from the west – Irish, American, and British. We want to give the audiences a new and different type of performance. Our dancers enter the stage as ‘Kungfu Heroes'. In the performance, the sound of traditional weapons and rods echoes the taping of shoes. A whole-new stimulating tap-dancing with a combination of Eastern and Western elements was presented.” The dance completely integrated the training and skills of martial arts. • Development as a sport Martial art classes are seen everywhere in the Country from children classes, university martial art clubs, to private classes. There are also numerous martial art competitions. In college, there are the College Cup, Huagang Sword Competition (Chinese Culture University), Zhu-Lu Zhong-Yuan Cup (Zhong-Yuan University), and the Lion Cup in Taichung. Martial art has also become one of the competitions in the National Game. Seventy-four martial art BBS families are found in PChome and nearly one thousand martial art families are listed with Yahoo. A few hundred associations relevant to martial arts have been registered with the Ministry of the Interior and there are 106 Tai Chi related websites linked to the website of the Council of Sports. One hundred and twenty-three martial art related associations have been officially registered. From the numbers, we can see that martial arts are actively developing into national sports spreading fiercely towards every corner of the Country. • Development in combat skills Self-defense skills in Chinese martial arts include kick, hit, wrestle, tussle, and throw, which are different from Karate's hitting, Taikuando's leg skills, and Judo's throw. As Chinese martial arts becoming more and more valued by the international society, counter battle of Chinese martial arts will become a demonstration competition on Beijing Olympic in 2008. It is highly possible that this competition will enter the Olympic game as an official competition in the near future. In earlier times in Taiwan , counter-battle competitions were called the “Rim Challenges”. Many extraordinary talents have come from the competitions. Quite a few championships have also been held in Taiwan and local athletes had performed very well. This fever is storming up in Taiwan . Now, there are also combat activities held in Taiwan . The most famous one is the Taiwan Full-content Kung-Fu Combat (TFKC). For those who want to learn free-style combat, trainings are available at the Chinese Martial Art Free-style Combat Association hosted by Mr. Zhang En-Huang. • Developments in academies: In the field of academia, promotion of martial art development has not been active. There are very few research institutes set up for studies of martial arts. There is a Martial Art Research Center in the National College of Physical Education and Sports. Other than the Martial Art Division inside of the Department of Sports of Chinese Culture University that is dedicated to professional training of martial art talents, there are no other higher education schools of martial arts, not to mention graduate schools. Martial art studies are mostly integrated into departments of sports, so are postgraduate studies. • Conclusion From the above, we came to understand that in this information age, martial arts must be promoted through diversified channels outside of the academic studies and international promotions. If martial arts can be well developed with a wide base of learners and professional talents, the essence of martial arts will never be lost. Through public participation, traditional Chinese martial arts will be able to infuse into life and become a common and widespread national sport, as well as attracting more people to become involved in martial art studies and creating a new era of martial arts. Furthermore, traditional martial arts in Taiwan have unique culture and historic background. It is a precious treasure of civilization. We will be able to scientifically analyze various martial arts to prevent misunderstanding and enable learning of martial arts with the correct concepts. We are also preparing to translate various martial art documents into English and made the information available to the international society. Through which, the international society will be able to see the essence of Chinese culture. To be well understood, a large amount of documented information is necessary. Only with written documents, martial arts of Taiwan will be able to get on the international stage. |