Li Ziming

Li Ziming (李子鳴) (1903-1993) was a 3rd generation descendant of Baguazhang creator Dong Haichuan under the lineage of Liang Zhenpu - progenitor of Liang Style Baguazhang. He was born in Lijia Village, Ji County in Hebei province on June 25th, 1903 and died at on January, 23rd 1993 at the age of 91.^[1] He had a very cultured upbringing including the study of literature and martial arts, and was very talented at calligraphy and painting. In 1921, he became a disciple of 2nd generation Baguazhang master and friend of his father Liang Zhenpu and began intensive study of Baguazhang.^[2] Liang passed down the art of Baguazhang through the oral tradition. He practiced every day until he achieved a very deep understanding of the fighting secrets of Baguazhang.

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After extensive training with Liang, Li entered the Hebei province Martial Arts Academy and trained in martial arts under famous masters Zhang Zhankui, Shang Yunxiang, and Ju Qingyuan.^[3] He later returned to Beijing where he often exchanged techniques and sparred with martial arts brothers Guo Gumin, Li Shaoan, and Zeng Xingsan as well as many other famous martial arts masters. Li reached a very high level of technical proficiency and attainment in all aspects of Baguazhang including forms, weapons, theory, fighting methods. He was especially skilled at the art of fighting and his hand-to-hand combat skills increased perceptibly over the years. Li dedicated his life to the preservation of Baguazhang forms, the research of Baguazhang theory, and the popularization of the art.

In 1979 in order to protect Dong Haichuan's tomb he suggested to move it to Wanan Public Cemetery from the old location; on August 2nd and 3rd, 1980 a group of over 100 Beijing Baguazhang practitioners under his leadership moved Dong's remains as well as accompanying stone tablets to the new location in Wanan Public Cemetery.^[4]

Li Ziming was conscientious and meticulous with all things relating to Baguazhang. He was not given to flattery, and followed a strong code of morals and righteousness. He was well known for always being very generous, kind, modest, amiable, charitable, and benevolent to others. He was very patient when teaching his students, while never holding anything back from them. He conducted extensive research about the applications of other styles of Baguazhang and took the best elements from each style. He inherited the complete Baguazhang system and fostered the development of many famous martial artists and masters.

In 1981, he helped establish the first single-style research association in China - The Beijing Baguazhang Research Association - and he was elected its first president, he held this title until his death in 1993.^[5] He also established a Baguazhang coaching station. He received many honors of distinction by both national and international martial arts associations. After he passed away, he was only the second person to be buried next to Dong Haichuan after Liang Zhenpu in Wanan Public Cemetery.

Li Ziming's more famous disciples include Ma Chuanxu (second president of the Beijing Baguazhang Research Association), Wang Shitong, Zhao Dayuan, Di Guoyong (current president of the Beijing Xingyiquan Research Association), Sui Yunjiang, Li Gongcheng, Wang Tong, Zhang Quanliang (who has released several VCDs and DVDs), Sun Hongyan, and Ma Ling.

References

• Gongcheng, Li. "Baguazhuangzhang Jijishu". Beijing Physical Education University Press, Beijing, 1994.
• Beijingbagua.com website
• Chinafrominside.com website

Notes