Fading Martial Arts: A Chronicle of Seeking Martial Arts in 1934

Author: Li Zhongxuan (narrated) Xu Haofeng (compiled)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: The last witness to the golden age of Chinese martial arts, revealing the supreme realm of Chinese martial philosophy through over 70 years of martial arts practice. His moving martial arts stories will awaken the spirit of martial virtue in every reader. If Li Laoshi is another sage of martial arts after Lu Lutang, some may object! But in my opinion, Sun Gong interpreted martial arts from a refined perspective, while Li Laoshi did the opposite, starting from trivial life matters and expressing profound truths in simple terms. One is refined, the other is down-to-earth, complementing each other perfectly! Reading Li Laoshi's writings, one cannot help but turn the pages; every word brings joy and sorrow intertwined, indescribable. Internal martial arts are the most precious cultural heritage of our nation, the best gift one can receive. Internal martial arts can change a person's destiny. The predecessors never abandoned their martial arts practice, even when they had nothing to wear or eat. Li Laoshi has shown immense kindness to the younger generation, and no thanks would be too great. Li Laoshi's teachings of the Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound saved my life, changing my perspective on life forever. Li Laoshi shared his most precious knowledge without any selfishness, embodying the heart of a true master and a role model for the younger generation. The profound teachings of Li Laoshi are truly invaluable. He had no formal disciples but guided countless younger martial artists at critical moments. Li Laoshi's writings will be passed down for generations alongside classic martial arts texts.
Reader's Review
A parting work by a reclusive martial arts master, awakening the fading spirit of martial virtue! For nearly 50 years, an old man guarding Xidan was a revered figure in the martial arts world; he retired from the martial arts at 34, suffered greatly during the Cultural Revolution, and underwent over a decade of labor reform. As the last witness to the golden age of Chinese martial arts, Li Zhongxuan vividly narrates his true and moving martial arts stories through over 70 years of practice, revealing that the supreme realm of Chinese martial philosophy is actually the realm of "Zen." While wuxia novels and martial arts films soar freely, captivating countless people, the true nature of martial arts and the martial world remains shrouded in mystery. This book presents a real martial world—not just for martial artists but for ordinary people too. Master Li's oral history, with its intricate details and profound insights, reflects the essence of traditional Chinese culture. The book includes precious images, martial arts manuals, and interpretations of the Heart Sutra, making it a masterpiece on the highest level of martial spirit.
For years, wuxia novels and martial arts films have remained popular, yet the true nature of martial arts and the martial world remains obscure, leaving the general public with little understanding, even viewing wuxia culture as mere imagination and fantasy. This book tells the story of a real martial world. Reality is more exciting than imagination. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the taboos on folk martial arts were broken. To save the nation from crisis, leaders like Sun Yat-sen and Feng Yuxiang promoted martial arts culture, even holding positions in martial arts schools. Chinese martial arts reached a peak, with Xingyi Quan standing out as the highest level of practical martial arts. When Li Zhongxuan was young, he studied under three masters of Xingyi Quan and later retired for decades, untouched by the commercialization of martial arts. His firsthand observations of these masters' lives and martial arts prowess offer a glimpse into the authentic essence of Chinese martial arts.
Born into a scholarly family, Li Zhongxuan was nurtured by Tang Weilu and later accepted as a disciple by Shang Yunxiang and Xue Dian, who emphasized his cultural refinement. True to this, after six decades, as the disciples of the three masters faded away, Li Zhongxuan, with his cultural background, left behind their words and martial arts for the world. Accepting Li Zhongxuan as a disciple was the deep intention of the three masters. Many older martial artists, limited by their education, struggled to express their profound martial arts knowledge, but Li Zhongxuan's writings represent a narrow victory for Chinese martial arts. The book includes martial arts events, the mindset of older martial artists, and training systems unique to China, distinct from Western combat techniques.
Martial arts originate from Taoist culture, yet today, martial arts practice is often separated from Taoist studies, losing its connection to higher wisdom. This book bridges the two, revealing the infinite progress of martial arts. It is not just for martial artists but for ordinary people too. With its detailed and nuanced insights, it reflects the essence of traditional Chinese culture.