Zhang Xiang San 張詳三 (1900 – 1982)
Zhang Xian San born in 1900 in Huang County (today Longkou City) in Shandong District, He is a direct disciple of Ding Zicheng 丁子成 (the sixth-generation descendant of Liuhe Praying Mantis). He was among many top Kung Fu experts to migrate to Taiwan during the war in China. In Chang Kai Shek’s Taiwan he taught his major art, Six Harmony Praying Mantis (Liu He Tang Lang). He was also a Kung Fu brother of Liu Yun Chiao and encouraged him to teach openly. Both men respected each other and Liu would recommend people to Zhang if they showed interest in Liu He Mantis. Zhang also talked some Seven Star Mantis.
In 1926, Ding Zicheng founded the Huangxian National Martial Arts Research Association, and Zhang Xiangsan served as the coach of the association. After arriving in Taiwan in 1949, he initiated the formation of the Taiwan Provincial Martial Arts Association with his friends, and served successively as director, standing director, and acting director.
Ding Zi Cheng’s method of instruction was progressive (though in some ways a throwback to authentic traditional teaching) and influenced Zhang Xiang San’s method of instruction all the way down to his disciples. The disciples of Zhang Xiang San’s third generation (the seventh-generation successor of Liuhe Praying Mantis) consist of 30 people including Dai Shizhe, Zhan Desheng, Chen Weishen, Lin Mingwen, Wang Giren, Cai Yonghuang, Chen Mingde among others.
Zhang Xiang San also wrote a number of books on his art many of which are now highly sought after. He is the author of books such as Zimu serial boxing, Liuhe Tanglangquan, Qixing Tanglangquan, Pure Yangjian, Taijijian, and Zhangshi Practical Taijiquan (all in Chinese)