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Zhao Kuangyin (Emperor Taizu)

Emperor Taizu of Song

Founder of the Song Dynasty and legendary creator of the Northern Taizu Changquan (Long Fist) style.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth3/21/0927
Date of Death11/14/0976
Era10th century
Country of OriginChinaChina
Rank / TitleFounder of Taizu Changquan
Active Years0960–0976

Biography

Emperor Taizu of Song (Zhao Kuangyin) was an elite military general before founding the Song Dynasty. He created 32 long-fist routines (Taizu Changquan) celebrated across Northern China.

Associated Martial Arts

Changquan (Traditional Long Fist)Founder→

A family of northern Chinese styles with long reach, high kicks and deep stances — not a single style. The modern competition version dates from the 1950s.