Shuai Jiao

Shuai jiao emerged around 2,000 years ago. It was originally taught only to the military elite. Starting in the Qin Dynasty, Shuai jiao was demonstrated in tournaments for the Imperial court. During the Qing Dynasty, China maintained a camp of 300 full time fighters who trained for competition with China's allies. Today, Shuai jiao is still taught primarily to the military and police in China and Taiwan. Shuai jiao is a Northern Chinese martial art that was not well known in the south until the 1930's.

Shuai jiao was introduced to the United States in 1978 by Dr. Chi-Hsiu Daniel Weng. Dr. Weng started martial arts training at age 11, beginning with judo. After achieving second degree black belt in judo, he began study of Shuai jiao from Grandmaster Chang Dongsheng. Dr. Weng spent 20 years studying Shuai jiao with Grandmaster Chang, including 10 years as Shuai jiao instructor at the Taiwan Central Police College. Dr. Weng is an 8th degree black belt in Shuai jiao, and is president of the U.S. Shuai-Chiao Association.

There has been a large growth of interest and participation in Shuai jiao during the past several years. Major Chinese martial arts tournaments now include Shuai jiao divisions. Shuai jiao fighters have also competed successfully in Sanshou (full contact fighting) competition. The five-man U.S. full contact team sent to the 2nd World Wushu Championships included three Shuai jiao fighters.