Li Shuwen | |
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Born | 1862 Qing Dynasty, Wangnanliang Village/Shazhangzhuang Village in Cangzhou[1] |
Died | January 24, 1934 (aged 71–72) Republic of China, Weixian County, Shandong Province [1] or Tianjin Xiaozhan Town[2] |
Other names | "God Spear Li" |
Style | Bajiquan |
Teacher(s) | Huang Sihai, Zhang Jingxing |
Notable students | Huo Diange, Zhang Xiangwu, Liu Yunqiao, Li Etang, others |
Li Shuwen (Chinese: 李書文) (1864–1934) was a master practitioner of the Chinese martial art of Bajiquan. He was known as "God Spear Li" (神槍李).[3] His prowess was said to be such that he boasted that he did not have to strike the same opponent twice.[4] He was a martial arts adviser of Fu Zhensong, notably once fighting him to a draw.[5] Li's students eventually became personal bodyguards for Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai-shek, and Puyi.[5]
While not due to malicious intent, Li Shuwen killed many people during his life in either martial arts matches or self defense, causing victims' relatives to hold a grudge. He died after consuming poisonous tea served by one of them. Regardless, his reputation as one of the world's greatest martial artists persists to this day.[citation needed]