A study on the martial arts of Zhang Naizhu, a traditional Chinese martial artist: Focusing on 『Zhang-shi Wuqi Shu』

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Zhang Naizhu's martial arts system, Zhangjiaquan, integrated traditional philosophy, medicine, and martial techniques, laying the foundation for the theoretical deepening, training standardization, and academicization of modern Chinese martial arts. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Sungkyun Cho; Shangzhou Jiang; Taekyung Yang

doi:10.51223/kosoma.2026.08.20.3.1-23

August 31, 2026대한무도학회지Open Access

A study on the martial arts of Zhang Naizhu, a traditional Chinese martial artist: Focusing on 『Zhang-shi Wuqi Shu』

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Key Points

To investigate the martial arts of Qing dynasty practitioner Zhang Naizhu and analyze its historical and theoretical influence on modern Chinese martial arts through classical texts such as Zhang-shi Wuqi Shu.
Conducted a qualitative historical and textual analysis of key literature, focusing primarily on Zhang-shi Wuqi Shu compiled by Xu Zhen.
Demonstrated that Zhang Naizhu integrated traditional medicine, the I Ching (易學), and boxing principles to establish Zhang-family boxing, which is designated as one of the Three Major Boxing Styles of Henan Province and recognized as intangible cultural heritage.
Identified that the system pairs central vital energy cultivation (中氣論) as an internal practice with the 24-character boxing system (二十四字拳) as an external training paradigm, merging combat techniques with health preservation.
Showed that Zhang Naizhu's integration of traditional Qi philosophy with unarmed combat and weaponry established foundations for theoretical systematization and standardized training in modern Chinese martial arts.

Implication

Historical text analysis reveals the integrative theoretical foundation of Zhang-family boxing, highlighting its role in standardizing traditional Chinese martial arts.

Abstract

No abstract yet. The journal hasn't published one we can show.

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Cite This Study

Cho et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a99355b636c6408cfa7d8e6 https://doi.org/10.51223/kosoma.2026.08.20.3.1-23

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

A study on the martial arts of Zhang Naizhu, a traditional Chinese martial artist: Focusing on 『Zhang-shi Wuqi Shu』

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

A study on the martial arts of Zhang Naizhu, a traditional Chinese martial artist: Focusing on 『Zhang-shi Wuqi Shu』

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Keep reading

Keep reading