One of the renowned masters of the I Chuan 意拳 / Da Cheng Chuan 大成拳 tradition is Guo Gui-Zhi, from Datong, Shanxi, in northern China.
Datong is a large city in the northern province of Shanxi. Centrally located in one of China's major coal regions, it functions as a hub for coal transportation. In earlier times, the region of Datong marked the connection between the fertile agricultural areas to the south and the nomadic regions to the north. From here, the various stretches of the Silk Road ran westwards.
Guo Gui-Zhi started his martial training at an early age and soon proved talented. Due to a serious medical condition, he came into contact with Professor Yu Yong-Nian, who instructed him in the practice of 'zhan zhuang chi kung', the foundation of I Chuan. The 'zhan zhuang' had not only proved itself as a key to martial application but could also be used therapeutically. Professor Yu had been instrumental in introducing it within hospitals in the post-war years. Guo Gui-Zhi's 'zhan zhuang’ practice resulted in a recovery, which motivated him to continue training under Professor Yu. The latter put him in touch with his own teacher, I Chuan founder Wang Xiang-Zhai. After the latter's death, Guo continued training under another top student of Wang Xiang-Zhai, Yao Zong-Xun.
Master Guo Guxi-Zhi's school is based in Datong. He also attracted many foreign students and was invited several times for trainings in Europe and Canada.
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