12 Facts About Zhang Sanfeng

Zhang Sanfeng refers to a legendary Chinese Taoist who many believe invented the Chinese martial art tai chi.

Zhang Sanfeng's given name was Tong and his courtesy name was Junbao.

Zhang Sanfeng specialised in Confucian and Taoist studies, scholarly and literary arts.

Zhang Sanfeng's life was one of indifference to fame and wealth.

Zhang Sanfeng spent several years on Mount Hua before settling in the Wudang Mountains.

Zhang Sanfeng is purported as having created the concept of neijia in Chinese martial arts, specifically tai chi, a Neo-Confucian syncretism of martial arts with his mastery of daoyin principles.

Zhang Sanfeng is associated with the Taoist monasteries in the Wudang Mountains.

Stanley Henning's article, Ignorance, Legend and Taijiquan, criticised the myth that Zhang Sanfeng created tai chi and cast doubt on whether Zhang really existed.

Zhang Sanfeng was an expert in the White Crane and Snake styles of Chinese martial arts, and in the use of the jian.

Writings attributed to Zhang Sanfeng include the Da Dao Lun, Xuanji Zhi Jiang, Xuan Tan Quanji, Xuan Yao Pian, Wu Gen Shu Ci and others.

Zhang Sanfeng has seven apprentices, the "Seven Heroes of Wudang", one of whom is the father of the novel's protagonist, Zhang Wuji.

The emperor, who was unable to find Zhang Sanfeng, gave him the title of zhenren.