Gu Ruzhang

Gu Ruzhang was a Chinese martial artist who disseminated the Northern Shaolin martial arts system across southern China in the early 20th century. He was known for his expertise in Iron Palm hand conditioning among other Chinese martial art training exercises. He has become a legendary heroic figure in some Chinese martial arts communities. Gu Ruzhang was born in 1894 in Shandong province. He was the son of Gu Lizhi, a martial artist and security escort businessman. He learned the Tan Tui and Zhaquan styles from his father and his father's friend Yan Jiwen. He also learned the Northern Shaolin style from Yan Jiwen, who was a disciple of the Qingyun Temple near Dinghu Mountain. He mastered many routines, weapons, and qigong techniques, such as the Iron Palm, Iron Body, and Golden Bell. He was selected by the Central Guoshu Institute to teach Northern martial arts in the south as one of the "Five Southbound Tigers". ² Gu Ruzhang also learned from other famous masters at the Central Guoshu Institute, such as Li Jinglin, Yu Zhensheng, and Sun Lutang. He learned Yang Taijiquan, Bajiquan, Wudang Sword, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan from them. He became a versatile and well-rounded martial artist, who could adapt to different situations and opponents. He was also an instructor for the Guangdong Armed Forces and a judge for the National Wushu Fighting Examination. He entered the first National Wushu Fighting Examination and placed in the top 15 competitors. ² According to legend, Gu Ruzhang challenged and defeated many foreign fighters who looked down on Chinese martial arts. He also used his Iron Palm skill to subdue a Russian circus horse that was kicking people off the stage. He struck the horse's back and made it lie down, but he refused to take any money from the owner. He was also photographed breaking twelve un-spaced bricks with one strike. He was respected and admired by many people for his generosity, compassion, bravery, and skill. He was regarded as one of the greatest martial artists of his time. ² Gu Ruzhang died in 1952, at the age of 58. He had no spouse or children, but he had many disciples who spread his style throughout China and overseas. His style is still practiced today by thousands of practitioners around the world, and is one of the most popular and influential styles of Chinese martial arts. ²