The brutal martial art used by China's imperial bodyguards
In short: While Shaolin Kung Fu captures the public imagination, China’s elite security forces historically favored a far more pragmatic and violent system: Bajiquan. This video explores why this explosive close-range style remained hidden from the mainstream for so long.
Bajiquan is a functional self-defense system designed to neutralize threats instantly before they can escalate. Historically, it served as the primary training for the bodyguards of figures including Pu Yi, Chiang Kai-shek, and Mao Zedong’s personal security units. Elements of its techniques persist in modern Chinese security training today.
The style originated in the Hui Muslim community of Mengcun, Hebei. It was shaped by Wu Zhong's spear-based methods and later forged into a formidable close-combat system by Li Shu Wen, known as "God Spear Li," in the early 20th century. Its obscurity is directly linked to its utility: it was designed for real-world violence rather than performance.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why Did China's Imperial Bodyguards Use This Martial Art?
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/sport-why-did-china-s-imperial-bodyguards-use-this-martial-art.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Martial arts · More in Sport & Games · Latest · A–Z · All topics
