Xu Ai'san

Xu the Dwarf / Sifu

Reclusive Chinese master (nicknamed Dwarf Xu) who created the natural style Zi Ran Men.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth19. století

Date of Death19. století

Era19th century

Country of OriginChina

Rank / TitleOriginal Founder of Zi Ran Men

Active Yearsca 1840–1890

Biography

Xu Ai'san created Zi Ran Men (Natural Boxing) in 19th-century China. Discarding predetermined form routines, he emphasized natural body mechanics, passing his art solely to Du Xinwu.

Associated Martial Arts

Zi Ran Men (Natural Boxing)Notable figure→

A Chinese style without forms. Principles of movement are trained rather than kata, so two students of one school look different. Its base is running a one-metre circle.