Taiping Institute

02/09/2026

Martial Arts from Nanmiao in Yichun, Jiangxi.
In 2002, I had travelled to Nanmiao to study. At the time, the redeveloped road was under construction, so we had to motorbike in, gather with officials for some watermelon discussions and then climb some mountainous terrain to stay with the teacher for training. Nowadays, it is great that the families of martial arts there are being better promoted.

13/08/2026

Eyes, Focus and Intention in Practice:
意到拳到 “Where intention arrives, the fist arrives.”

I have noticed lately how many people practise with the mind wandering elsewhere. So, a reminder to note the eyes or intention as a martial artist when practising.

A practitioner can have excellent flexibility, beautiful posture, clean lines and technically impressive choreography, yet the eyes reveal that the movement is disconnected from martial intent.

They look vaguely into space or simply follow the next movement. The body is performing a sequence; it is not responding to an opponent. When the eyes wander, the mind wanders. There is no opponent. The hands are floating through empty space, following a memorised routine rather than responding to something.

The eyes do not need to look aggressive. In good practice they can be calm. But they should be occupied. There should be a point of attention: an opponent, an incoming action, distance, and an opening. The gaze gives the movement a destination.

This is why some demonstrations can feel strangely "dead" despite being physically impressive. You can see the hands moving, but you cannot feel what the practitioner believes is happening. A punch is not really being received or avoided. A hand is not really controlling another hand. The practitioner is simply moving through a predetermined pathway.

In proper practice, the eyes give the movement purpose. You see the opponent, the attack, the distance and the opening. The body follows the mind.

In traditional Chinese thought, the eyes are the gate of the Shen and the expression of intention. With intention, movement has purpose. Without it, the movement is empty.

Note: there are some exceptions to this when undertaking exercises or internal work, but for martial intention development it is vital.

09/08/2026

Wang Ziping and the warlord, Ma Liang.

Have somehow bumped onto a number of discourses or youtube briefs that discuss about Wang Ziping. Noticed that many do not know or rather do not emphasize his earlier life correctly, especially the importance of Ma Liang at the time.

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Wang Ziping being born in Cangzhou, Hebei, residing in the YiheJie street area behind the great mosque, within the moslem quarter. He was allowed to learn martial arts and studied under the tutelage of M. Li Shuting (李树亭) in Cangzhou (Cangzhou Daliuhe Men) and also said to have some guidance from Sha Baoxing (Cangzhou Chahua Men).

Wang brought his teacher Li Shuting to Ma Liang (马良 then the garrison commander of Jinan and brigade commander of the arm, later founder of the Shandong Military Training Institute in Jinan, Shandong), as an instructor.

It was there, along with many invited experts that Wang Ziping was able to futher develop his skills, teaching and formally became a disciple under Yang Hongxiu (杨鸿修), who became the founder of his own type of Cha Quan (Yang Family Cha Quan), Yang had studied with Ma Laowei, disciple of Li Baotai. Cha Quan, or Chahua Men as we call it, itself includes elements of Hong, Hua, Pao, Tantui & Cha within. It is not a series of different styles per se.

Ma Liang was trying to modernize martial arts at the time. With the invited masters he commissioned the creation of the "New Chinese Martial Arts" 《中华新武术》 Textbook Between 1911 and 1914, it also adopted training methods from Western and Japanese "military gymnastics," breaking down the originally continuous martial arts routines into segmented and sectioned movements, accompanied by verbal commands.

Ma Liang was born in Kongcheng Village, Qingyuan County. He had two brothers; his elder brother, Ma Zhong, came from the Beiyang New Army and graduated from the Beiyang Military Academy. He served as the commander of the Left Garrison Supply Battalion of the Beiyang Army's Regular Army, a staff officer of the 6th Division, the commander of the 21st Regiment of the 11th Brigade of the 6th Infantry, and the commander of the 6th Artillery Regiment of the 6th Division. He studied under the renowned wrestling master Ping Jingyi, and his troops, mostly Hui Muslims, practiced wrestling extensively.

In 1912, the first year of the Republic of China, he served as the brigade commander of the 9th Brigade under Jin Yunpeng, the commander of the 5th Division of the Central Army. Later, he was transferred to Shandong as the brigade commander of the 47th Mixed Brigade. In 1916, he was promoted to garrison commander of Jinan. Ma Liang also served as the commander of the 2nd Division of the participating army. In 1919, he was reorganized into the 2nd Division of the Northwest Border Defense Army, still stationed in Shandong.

The "Shandong Martial Arts Training Institute" “山东武术传习所” was founded in 1917 by Ma Liang at the former site of the Wanshou Palace in Jinan's West Gate to train instructors. Ma Liang utilized military and political resources to hire masters from various schools to teach there.

The training institute recruited educated youth from various counties (requiring graduation from teacher training colleges or higher primary schools), implementing a two-year formal education system with a strict graded assessment model. The institute trained over 700 graduates, who were then assigned to various levels of schools or the military as instructors, spreading the seeds of martial arts throughout the country.

Leveraging his military and political influence within the Beiyang government (especially the Anhui clique under Duan Qirui), Ma Liang vigorously lobbied and promoted it nationwide: Mandatory for Military and Police: In 1917, "New Chinese Martial Arts" was officially designated as a mandatory course for military and police personnel nationwide by the Beiyang government.

In 1920, Duan Qirui launched the Northwest Border Defense Army to participate in the Zhili-Anhui War, appointing himself Commander-in-Chief of the Dingguo Army, with Ma Liang as the commander of the southern route, capturing Dezhou. The war resulted in a major defeat for the Anhui clique, Duan Qirui's resignation, and Ma Liang's dismissal, retiring to Jinan.

National Martial Arts Conference: Ma Liang also initiated the "National Chinese Martial Arts Games" “中华全国武术运动大会” in Jinan, one of the earliest nationwide martial arts competitions in modern China, further expanding the influence of the new martial arts.

Wang Ziping became one of the premier "faces" of Ma Liang’s movement. Wang traveled with Ma Liang to major national exhibitions, such as a famous 1922 showcase in Shanghai, such as feats of strength heavily promoted Ma's martial programs to the public and the foreign press

Ma Liang's attempt broke the old custom of "passing down knowledge only within the family," establishing the modern term "martial arts." His educational experience and teaching methods directly inspired the later Jingwu Athletic Association, Nanjing Central Martial Arts Academy, and Shandong Martial Arts Academy. Simultaneously, his extreme advocacy and promotion of wrestling directly established Jinan's historical status as the "Wrestling City" “跤城” of the country.

Coupled with the intellectuals' criticism of "national essence" during the New Culture Movement, "Chinese New Martial Arts" gradually faded from the historical stage in the mid-to-late 1920s, replaced by the "National Martial Arts Movement" led by the Nanjing Nationalist Government.

In 1927, at the invitation of Zhang Zhijiang, Ma Liang served as the director of the teaching affairs department of the Nanjing Central Martial Arts Academy, and was responsible for teaching wrestling. Wang Ziping was appointed to head the Shaolin Division (Shaolin Men) under the institute's umbrella. Both shared a deep commitment to transforming traditional martial arts from secret family lineages into a unified, transparent curriculum aimed at building national strength.

In 1930, Han Fuqu became the chairman of Shandong Province and appointed Ma Liang as the chairman of the Shandong Anti-Drug Committee. In February 1933, he served as a councilor of the Military Advisory Council of the Nationalist Government. In January 1936, he was awarded the rank of Lieutenant General.

In 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War began. The Japanese army captured Nanjing and established the Provisional Government of the Republic of China in Beijing. Ma Liang joined as a member. In 1938, he was appointed as the governor of Shandong Province and concurrently the commander-in-chief of the security forces. In 1940, Wang Jingwei established the central government in Nanjing, and Ma Liang served as the acting chairman of the Nationalist Government, the premier of the Executive Yuan, and the chairman of the Military Commission. Ma Liang joined the North China Political Affairs Committee and was issued an arrest warrant by the Chongqing Nationalist Government.

In 1945, the Japanese army announced its unconditional surrender. In the same year, Ma Liang was arrested in Jinan by Li Yannian's troops and imprisoned on charges of treason.
(suppressing the May Fourth Movement and later becoming a traitor, who was heavily criticized for his later brutal suppression of student movements and his treason. During the War of Resistance against Japan, he joined the Wang Jingwei government)

In 1947, he died in prison in Jinan at the age of 72.

Of course, given the nature of Ma Liang's ending, much of this part of Wang Ziping's background is not emphasized afterwards, leaving only legends.

----- Whilst many focus on the legends or stories. It is always important to know the actual influences on an individual in their martial arts journey.

There are other stories of those times such as the 1921 Beijing incident and the rivalry between Ma Liang and Sun Lutang (often indicated as Wang Ziping but it was on behalf of Ma Liang). It was because Ma Liang was forcing his 'new' style curriculum requirements and biased in his judging. That had involvement of Sun's son Sun Cunzhou and later continued at the Nanjing Guoshu academy with bringing Gao Zhendong, but will leave such matters for another day.

09/08/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

In an era of "information at your fingertips," we have mistaken access to data for possession of knowledge. This has fundamentally distorted our understanding of what it means to learn.

We live in an era where everyone "knows better." With a smartphone in every hand, information is ubiquitous, instant, and free. Because we can look up any fact, we have begun to view education as a simple transaction: I pay for the data; you provide the instruction.

To many, the traditional concept of a Sifu, a Teacher-Father, seems an archaic or even "odd" construct, a relic of a hierarchical past that has no place in our era of individual autonomy.

But this misunderistand is dangerous. It misses the fundamental difference between Information and Transformation.

The relationship between a true Teacher and a Student is not a transaction; it is a Sacred Architecture of Responsibility.

When we speak of the Sifu or the Teacher-Father, we are not talking about blind obedience or an ego-driven hierarchy. We are talking about a functional, structural bond built on two pillars: The Blueprint and The Ex*****on.

The Teacher provides the Blueprint. Through years of accumulated scars, failures, and triumphs, the teacher offers more than just "tips." They provide the map, the nutritional strategy, the technical correction, and the warning of the pitfalls ahead. This is the 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦: the distillation of experience into a path that has already been tested by fire.

The Student provides the Ex*****on. This is where the modern world fails to understand the importance of Discipline vs. Commitment. A student can be 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 to an art (they show up, they love the movement, they possess the passion), but without 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦, that passion is directionless. Discipline is the ability to implement the teacher's "Blueprint" even when it is uncomfortable, even when it contradicts one's immediate impulses, and even when the results are not yet visible.

The Bond is not "Blind Faith", it is "Functional Alignment." Many dismiss the teacher-student bond as "blindly following orders," often because they have seen the relationship misused by those who seek power rather than purpose. But true trust in this context is much more sophisticated. It is the student’s trust that the teacher's path leads to the goal, and the teacher's trust that the student will apply the discipline required to walk it.

The "Trust" is not in the person; it is in the Outcome.

When the Teacher provides the correct advice: the right way to breathe, the right way to eat, the right way to move, and the Student applies it with unwavering discipline, the result is an achievement that neither could reach alone. The student reaches a level of mastery they could not have found through self-study; the teacher sees their life’s work manifest in the success of another.

Without this bond, we are left with a world of "experts" who know everything about the 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵, but nothing about the 𝘩𝘰𝘸. We are left with students who have all the tools, but no way to build anything lasting.

True mastery is not found in knowing more than the teacher; it is found in having the discipline to follow the truth the teacher has uncovered.

14/07/2026

GM Chen's situation serves as a timeless reminder that modern martial arts must prioritize integrity, purpose, and accountability over superficial achievements like belts or popularity. True mastery extends beyond physical technique to encompass mental resilience, ethical growth, and unwavering discipline, demanding that instructors cultivate practitioners of character rather than mere performers.

In an era prone to complacency, his journey warns against losing sight of the art’s deeper values, urging the community to apply their training with real-world courage, selfless service, and a commitment to legacy over ego.

Ultimately, Chen’s message challenges today’s martial artists to reaffirm their dedication to the foundational principles of duty, honor, and purposeful practice.

"I've long admired Master Chen's reputation; it's an honor to meet you today. May I ask if you ever worked as an instructor at the Nanjing National Martial Arts Academy?" the visitor asked politely.

"Yes, but I resigned!" Chen Fengqi said indignantly, "I taught martial arts there. I taught the Kuomintang's Second Guard Division, Chiang Kai-shek's bodyguards. In the mornings I taught the staff and adjutant's officers, and in the evenings I taught the commanders and orderly soldiers. I wanted to do my best to teach them everything I knew so they could fight for their country to the fullest extent. But everyone was indulging in pleasure all day, not practising properly, and then the Japanese invaded China..."

"They turn a deaf ear, still living a life of debauchery. What's the use of teaching them? I quit."

04/07/2026

Tongbei (通背) or Posterior Chain Dominance is the engine. Liuhe (六合) or Kinetic Chain Coordination is the transmission system. The six external harmonies connect the body segments in proper sequence, minimizing energy leaks and force efficiently.Tongbei generates force; Liuhe transmits force, allowing power, speed, stability, and efficiency to become one integrated expression.

https://taipinginstitute.com/2026/07/04/why-the-martial-arts-principles-of-tongbei-and-liuhe-were-early-principles-of-cutting-edge-sports-science/

29/04/2026

Explosive Striker - 18 Essential Exercises for Jumping Kicks and Combat Acceleration : Lower-limb strength and power are critical for martial arts athletes to perform complex manoeuvres. These physiological attributes govern ex*****on speed, movement amplitude, and postural control during the high-stress environment of combat.

Lower-limb strength and power are critical for martial arts athletes to perform complex maneuvers such as aerial outward swings. These physiological attributes govern ex*****on speed, movement amplitude, and postural control during the high-stress environment of competitive combat.

29/04/2026

Baguazhang thus emerges not merely as a fighting system, but as a complete philosophy of movement, breath, and consciousness. In the words of the tradition, the practitioner becomes like water flowing around stone, wind bending through bamboo, and ultimately, the dragon that commands both earth and heaven with equal mastery.

Baguazhang thus emerges not merely as a fighting system, but as a complete philosophy of movement, breath, and consciousness. In the words of the tradition, the practitioner becomes like water flowing around stone, wind bending through bamboo, and ultimately, the dragon that commands both earth and....

29/04/2026

The core is defined as an interconnected system of muscles including the abdominals in the front, the paraspinal and gluteus muscles in the back, the diaphragm above, the obliques on the sides, and the pelvic floor and pelvic muscles below. Training this region is essential because it acts as the primary hub for power transfer between the upper and lower extremities.

The core is defined as an interconnected system of muscles including the abdominals in the front, the paraspinal and gluteus muscles in the back, the diaphragm above, the obliques on the sides, and the pelvic floor and pelvic muscles below. Training this region is essential because it acts as the pr...

19/02/2026

Wishing you a powerful and energetic Year of the Fire Horse in 2026! May the swift spirit of the Horse gallop into your life with strength, freedom, bravery, and blazing success