Li Xingjie (李星阶), also known as Li Wenting (李文亭), was the successor of Li Cunyi (李存义, 1847 – 1921), Li was the person in charge of Chinese Warrior Association of Tainjin City after Li Cunyi’s retirement in 1918. Chinese Warrior Association was known as the breeding ground of Hebei Xingyiquan of early 20th century.
Li Xingjie was born in a martial arts family at Dingxing County of Hebei Province in 1879, both his grandfather Li Jian (李鉴) and father Li Jun (李钧) are well known martial artists. Li Xingjie, together with his brothers Li Chengzhang（李呈章）and Li Ziyang (李子扬), began their studies of Xingyiquan under Li Cunyi in 1899.
Li Xingjie (right) and Sun Lutang (center)
Li Xingjie followed his family foot steps and got involved in the “biaoju” (transporter cum escort cum security cum bodyguard) business since 12 years old. Li later joined the government army in crusade of the warlord states during the early years of the Republic of China. Upon Li Cunyi resided from Taijin to his hometown at the age of 70, Li Xingjie took over as the head of Chinese Warrior Association in 1918. During Japanese invasion (1938 – 1945), Li returned to his hometown and joined the local self-defense force against the Japanese army. After the Second World War, the 66-year-old Li again took up the teaching of Xingyiquan at Beijing City and Baoding City. Li Xingjie passed away at his hometown, Dingxing County, at the age 69 in 1948.
Li Xingjie was well known with his combat abilities, besides Li’s service at the army and self-defense force, he had involved in countless fights against the bandits during his early life, and many challenge matches when he was in charge of Chinese Warrior Association.
Notes:
Li Xingjie’s younger brother, Li Ziyang, was Li Cunyi’s adopted son.