Li Shu Wen
One of the only images
known to exist of the
undefeatable Li Shu Wen
Born in 1864, Li Shu Wen, first studied martial arts from Jian Dian Sheng (b. 1785) of Mong Village, home of Bajiquan. He then traveled to Luo Village and studied Piguazhang with Huang Si Hai.
Li was more than just a student. His martial arts were of the highest caliber. This was attested to by the fact that he was never defeated in his life. His spear technique became so powerful that he was known as the "God of the Spear." Born in Zhang Sha Village, he was a native of the famous Cang County, homeland of some of the best Kung Fu in all of China; both geographically AND historically. Gifted with incredible power it was said that he almost never had to strike an opponent twice. He attracted many students who were already formidable martial artists.
Li Shu Wen was not a "nice person." He took on challenges his whole life often boasting to the challenger the movement that would end his life. Even Li's final days was a matter of dispute. Li was challenged to a fight with spears by a much younger man. Though over seventy Li took on the challenge and dispatched his opponent. Furious the fallen boxer's family conspired and had Li poisoned. This was the end of the famous fighter. On the other hand Li was known for impassioned dedication to his art. Every chance he got he practiced his favorite weapon, the Great Spear. His lineage to this day still retains the unusual practice of this weapon.
A great teacher produces great students. Many of those who studied with Li Shu Wen became important in the history of martial arts. Four of his students from Luo Tong Village were Han Hua Chen, Ma Ying Tu, Ma Fong Tzu and Zhou Shu De. These four introduced a form of BaJi Quan to the Central Martial Academy in Nanjing, a very important organziation at the time dedicated to "modernizing" martial technique and education. This was during the struggling Republican period.
Other disciples include warlords such as Li Jin Lin (a famous swordsman), Ren Guo Dong, Zhang Xiang Wu, Na Yu Kuen, Liu Hu Chen and Liu Xu Dong. Li's first real disciple, Huo Dian Ge, became the bodyguard and teacher of Fu Yi, China's Last Emperor. Other people in the BaJi family became the bodyguards of Chiang Kai Shek, and Mao Tse Dong. So, even though these political opponents had deep distaste for one another, they understood the advantage of hiring protectors from the BaJi style also known as the Bodyguard Boxing.
