Zhang Sanfeng

Immortal / Daoist

Legendary Daoist monk of Mount Wudang, traditionally revered as founder of internal martial arts Neijiaquan and Tai Chi.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth12. století

Date of Death14. století

Era12th–14th century

Country of OriginChina (Wudang)

Rank / TitleLegendary Founder of Neijia / Tai Chi

Active Yearsca 1200–1380

Biography

Zhang Sanfeng is traditionally credited with originating Tai Chi Chuan at Wudang Mountain after witnessing a duel between a crane and a snake, symbolizing softness overcoming hardness.

Associated Martial Arts

Tai ChiFounder→

The Chinese internal art documented from the seventeenth century. Its founder is Chen Wangting; Zhang Sanfeng is a nineteenth-century legend.