Li Shuwen

Li Shuwen
Born1862
 Qing Dynasty, Wangnanliang Village/Shazhangzhuang Village in Cangzhou[1]
DiedJanuary 24, 1934 (aged 71–72)
 Republic of China, Weixian County, Shandong Province [1] or Tianjin Xiaozhan Town[2]
Other names"God Spear Li"
StyleBajiquan
Teacher(s)Huang Sihai, Zhang Jingxing
Notable studentsHuo Diange, Zhang Xiangwu, Liu Yunqiao, Li Etang, others

Li Shuwen (Chinese: 李書文) (1864–1934) was a master practitioner of the Chinese martial art of Bajiquan. He was known as "God Spear Li" (神槍李).[3] His prowess was said to be enough that he boasted that he did not have to strike the same opponent twice.[4] He was a martial arts adviser of Fu Zhensong, notably once fighting him to a draw.[5] Li's students eventually became personal bodyguards for Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai-shek, and Puyi.[5]

While not due to malicious intent, Li Shuwen killed many people during his life in either martial arts matches or self defense, causing victims' relatives to hold a grudge. He died of a poisonous tea served by one of them. Regardless, his reputation as one of the world's greatest martial artists persists to this day.[citation needed]

In fiction[edit]

Li Shuwen is depicted as a Servant, a type of familiar, in the Fate franchise, beginning with Fate/Extra.[6] The franchise features several versions; he is depicted as a young or older man depending on the story, and due to Servants being subject to character classes, he is either a Lancer or Assassin.

The Japanese manga Kenji depicted Li Shuwen according to numerous accounts from various sources, notably from Li Shuwen's last student Liu Yunqiao.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Liu Yunqiao. Eight-stroke boxing. Xinchao She Cultural Enterprise Co., Ltd.. 2014.05. ISBN 9789863165101.
  2. ^ "4166com金沙(中国)有限公司".
  3. ^ DeMarco, Michael A. (2004). Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Volume 13, Number 1, 2004. Via Media Publishing Co. p. 61. ASIN B0012O3SV6.
  4. ^ Plum Staff (26 April 2013). "Li Shu Wen, Spearman Extraordinaire". Plum Publications. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  5. ^ a b Zhen, Lin Chao (16 February 2010). Fu Zhen Song's Dragon Bagua Zhang. Blue Snake Books. pp. 30–31. ISBN 978-1583942383.
  6. ^ Imageepoch (2010-07-22). Fate/Extra (PlayStation Portable). Marvelous Entertainment. Level/area: Week 5. The only kung fu master in history who claimed he needed no second strike. Li Shuwen.