Li Shuwen | |
Other Names: | "God Spear Li" |
Birth Date: | 1862 |
Birth Place: | , Wangnanliang Village/Shazhangzhuang Village in Cangzhou[1] |
Death Date: | January 24, 1934 (aged 71–72) |
Death Place: | , Weixian County, Shandong Province [2] or Tianjin Xiaozhan Town[3] |
Martial Art: | Bajiquan |
Teacher: | Huang Sihai, Zhang Jingxing |
Students: | Huo Diange, Zhang Xiangwu, Liu Yunqiao, Li Etang, others |
Li Shuwen (1864–1934) was a master practitioner of the Chinese martial art of Bajiquan. He was known as "God Spear Li" (神槍李).[4] His prowess was said to be such that he boasted that he did not have to strike the same opponent twice.[5] He was a martial arts adviser of Fu Zhensong, notably once fighting him to a draw.[6] Li's students eventually became personal bodyguards for Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai-shek, and Puyi.
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 after consuming poisonous tea served by one of them. Regardless, his reputation as one of the world's greatest martial artists persists to this day.
Li Shuwen is depicted as a Servant, a type of familiar, in the Fate franchise, beginning with Fate/Extra.[7] 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.