Georgian Chin Woo Athletic Federation
Chin Woo in Georgia since early 80s, when Suen Zhaoshan opened the first wushu school in Georgia called “Tbilisi Shaolin Tsuen Fa” (which roughly meant Tbilisi Shaolin Discipline) Golden Eagle Style
Georgian Chin Woo Athletic Federation
Chin Woo in Georgia since early 80s, when Suen Zhaoshan opened the first wushu school in Georgia called “Tbilisi Shaolin Tsuen Fa”
History of Chin Woo (Elite Martial Art)
What is Chin Wu? Chin Wu (or Jin Wu) is an elite martial art. Chin Wu and Wushu are different styles of martial arts.Chin Wu is an organization founded in 1910 that promotes and teaches elite martial arts both in China and abroad. The program includes ten different types of fighting techniques, including unarmed and combat weapons training. During the competition, calligraphy and Chinese chess competitions are held, as it is a discipline whose mission is to cultivate a complete and harmonious personality. Wushu is a modern martial arts movement that can be described as a physically demanding spectacular type of folk dance or gymnastics, with movements based on traditional Chinese martial arts systems. It has three areas: unarmed, short-handed, and long-handed. So, the main difference between Chin Wu and Wushu is that Chin Wu is an organization, while Wushu is a branch of martial arts, such as karate, tae kwon do, and others. Chin Wu began to emerge during the Opium Wars (1840–1842 and 1856–1860) — a military conflict in China in the 19th century between Western powers and the Qin Empire.
As a result of its victory in the war, England gained a massive source of income from the sale of opium. In the Qin Empire, a prolonged period of state weakening and civil unrest began, ultimately leaving the country under the control of European powers. This led to the rapid spread of drug addiction, widespread social degradation, and a decline in the population.
Following the defeat of the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864) and the Yihetuan Rebellion (known as the Boxer Rebellion, 1899–1901), the Qin Empire made significant contributions to Western governments.
Following the defeat of the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864) and the Yihetuan Rebellion (known as the Boxer Rebellion, 1899–1901), the Qin Empire made significant contributions to Western governments.
The part of the territory, including the Shanghai coast, was ceded to Western concessions and settlements, where the Chinese were forbidden to enter. Alongside the rapid spread of drug addiction, widespread social degradation, and population decline, the people also suffered from deep spiritual depression and growing pessimism. A myth was made upabout the invincibility of the West. Numerous sects and secret organizations emerged, some of which served to population’s brainwashing. The country needed a national hero who would stop the spread of drug addiction and give the population the hope of victory.
The myth of the invincibility of the West was being formed. Numerous sects and secret organizations arose, some of which served to brainwash the population. The country needed a national hero who would stop the spread of drug addiction and instill in the population the hope of victory.
The myth of the invincibility of the West was being formed. Numerous sects and secret organizations arose, some of which served to brainwash the population. The country needed a national hero who would stop the spread of drug addiction and instill in the population the hope of victory.
Huo Yuanjia (1868‒1910)
Huo Yuanjiawas born in 1868 in Dongguan, Hebei Province. He was born not into an ordinary family, but into a family of people who had been studying wushu for a long time and had already achieved significant success. It would seem that everything is obvious - his father was a professional bodyguard and wushu master, he constantly trained Huo Yuanjia's brothers. By the way, Huo Yuanjiashould have started training early and become a master. But in fact, the story developed quite differently. The father noticed that the boy was very weak and often sick, and ordered his son to study civil sciences, deciding that the child would not achieve success in martial arts. The boy was offended by such an attitude and distrust of his father, but he did not even think of giving up. He watched how his father taught his brothers, and then trained independently in the forest. Over time, his father noticed this and was extremely happy that his son had such a strong and determined character. And, of course, immediately after this incident, his father began teaching Huo Yuanjiaalong with others.
Huo Yuanjiastudied the wushu style of Mizunzuen (Lost Fist Trace) for over ten years. By 1890, he was invited to join the Henan “Fist and Hand Society.” There, Huo participated in battles and after many victories, he became famous and was talked about by many people.
Later, while in the city of Tianjin, Huo was attacked by a dozen armed criminals. Huo Yuanjiafought and defeated them, earning him the nickname "Huo the Invincible."
Huo Yuanjiastudied the wushu style of Mizunzuen (Lost Fist Trace) for over ten years. By 1890, he was invited to join the Henan “Fist and Hand Society.” There, Huo participated in battles and after many victories, he became famous and was talked about by many people.
Later, while in the city of Tianjin, Huo was attacked by a dozen armed criminals. Huo Yuanjiafought and defeated them, earning him the nickname "Huo the Invincible."
He was called the "Yellow-Faced Tiger." He was not only a famous wushu master. He is also often remembered as a fighter against foreign colonization of China. His name was Huo Yuanjia
In 1901, a Russian athlete appeared in Tianjin. He showed off and constantly insulted the Chinese. Huo fought him and forced him to apologize. In the spring of 1909, the situation almost completely repeated itself: the American O'Brien arrived in Shanghai, also with show performances. He repeated that "he has defeated everyone in the world, it remains only to defeat he Chinese.
"Huo Yuanjiawas invited to Shanghai with two of his closest students, one of whom was named Liu Zhensheng. In order for the duel of the two masters to be spectacular, they prepared quite carefully. On the appointed day and time, the spectators, eager for the spectacle, gathered at the square. The match came. Only now the second participant in the fight did not wait. They had been waiting for him no less - all day. And the next day, a message came that O'Brien had preferred to hastily flee back and left Shanghai.
The Shanghai society circle that invited Huo came up with the idea of creating an organization whose purpose would be to transfer experience and teach Wushu. And it was created in the same 1909. It is said that Huo himself gave it its first name, and it was “Dzin Wu Ticao Xiuyuan”, which means: “Institute of Physical Education for the Refined Martial Arts”.
They found a residential building that was given over to the institute. It was in extremely poor condition and needed urgent and thorough repairs. About 500 yuan was collected to solve the problem and the renovations were carried out and the necessary training equipment was purchased.
The training began during the renovation, but at first the training had a more spontaneous character: whoever wanted to come, whoever wanted to leave.
This applied equally to both students and teachers. The so-called “Institute” did not even have a teaching schedule. But later the work of the organization gradually developed normally.
On September 14, 1910, Huo Yuanjiadied at the age of 42 from arsenic poisoning. Thus, the institute continued to develop under the leadership of his students.
Huo died under rather mysterious circumstances. A few days before his death, he caught a cold and, as a result, developed a severe cough. It is said that one of the Japanese doctors gave Huo medicine, supposedly for a cough, after which the master's health suddenly deteriorated. Huo's students sent the remaining medicine for testing and learned that it was actually a slow-acting poison. But it was too late, treatment was delayed, and it was impossible to help the great master Huo.
"Huo Yuanjiawas invited to Shanghai with two of his closest students, one of whom was named Liu Zhensheng. In order for the duel of the two masters to be spectacular, they prepared quite carefully. On the appointed day and time, the spectators, eager for the spectacle, gathered at the square. The match came. Only now the second participant in the fight did not wait. They had been waiting for him no less - all day. And the next day, a message came that O'Brien had preferred to hastily flee back and left Shanghai.
The Shanghai society circle that invited Huo came up with the idea of creating an organization whose purpose would be to transfer experience and teach Wushu. And it was created in the same 1909. It is said that Huo himself gave it its first name, and it was “Dzin Wu Ticao Xiuyuan”, which means: “Institute of Physical Education for the Refined Martial Arts”.
They found a residential building that was given over to the institute. It was in extremely poor condition and needed urgent and thorough repairs. About 500 yuan was collected to solve the problem and the renovations were carried out and the necessary training equipment was purchased.
The training began during the renovation, but at first the training had a more spontaneous character: whoever wanted to come, whoever wanted to leave.
This applied equally to both students and teachers. The so-called “Institute” did not even have a teaching schedule. But later the work of the organization gradually developed normally.
On September 14, 1910, Huo Yuanjiadied at the age of 42 from arsenic poisoning. Thus, the institute continued to develop under the leadership of his students.
Huo died under rather mysterious circumstances. A few days before his death, he caught a cold and, as a result, developed a severe cough. It is said that one of the Japanese doctors gave Huo medicine, supposedly for a cough, after which the master's health suddenly deteriorated. Huo's students sent the remaining medicine for testing and learned that it was actually a slow-acting poison. But it was too late, treatment was delayed, and it was impossible to help the great master Huo.
Chan Tzi Ching (1878‒1933)
The Chin Wu Athletic Association was the first organization to call for the unification of all schools and styles of kung fu. The invited masters of the Eagle Style played an important role in the development of the association. It was the great master of the Eagle Style, Chan Tzi Ching (1878‒1933), who was invited to the association in 1915 as a teacher. In 1919, Chan Tzi Ching became the vice-chairman of the association. From 1921 to 1924, he actively participated in the opening of new branches in Hong Kong, Singapore and Hangzhou.
In 1919, in Shanghai, at the age of 37, he fought under the rules that were limited to him. He defeated an American fighter. In the next fight with the Japanese, again under the rules, in 1922, he defeated a British boxer under the rules, for which he was presented as the prize-winner of the "Chinese Wushu King". It was said that when he was over 35, he could still win a fight with two or three moves. In the last years of his life, he felt unwell. They say that he could not come to terms with the collapse of the country, in July 1933, he died a strange death. Although the official cause of death was stomach cancer, there is also a version that the master was poisoned by the Japanese or members of one of the Shanghai clans.
In 1919, in Shanghai, at the age of 37, he fought under the rules that were limited to him. He defeated an American fighter. In the next fight with the Japanese, again under the rules, in 1922, he defeated a British boxer under the rules, for which he was presented as the prize-winner of the "Chinese Wushu King". It was said that when he was over 35, he could still win a fight with two or three moves. In the last years of his life, he felt unwell. They say that he could not come to terms with the collapse of the country, in July 1933, he died a strange death. Although the official cause of death was stomach cancer, there is also a version that the master was poisoned by the Japanese or members of one of the Shanghai clans.
Chan Tzi Ching (1878‒1933)
The Chin Wu Athletic Association was the first organization to call for the unification of all schools and styles of kung fu. The invited masters of the Eagle Style played an important role in the development of the association. It was the great master of the Eagle Style, Chan Tzi Ching (1878‒1933), who was invited to the association in 1915 as a teacher. In 1919, Chan Tzi Ching became the vice-chairman of the association. From 1921 to 1924, he actively participated in the opening of new branches in Hong Kong, Singapore and Hangzhou.
In 1919, in Shanghai, at the age of 37, he fought under the rules that were limited to him. He defeated an American fighter. In the next fight with the Japanese, again under the rules, in 1922, he defeated a British boxer under the rules, for which he was presented as the prize-winner of the "Chinese Wushu King". It was said that when he was over 35, he could still win a fight with two or three moves. In the last years of his life, he felt unwell. They say that he could not come to terms with the collapse of the country, in July 1933, he died a strange death. Although the official cause of death was stomach cancer, there is also a version that the master was poisoned by the Japanese or members of one of the Shanghai clans.
In 1919, in Shanghai, at the age of 37, he fought under the rules that were limited to him. He defeated an American fighter. In the next fight with the Japanese, again under the rules, in 1922, he defeated a British boxer under the rules, for which he was presented as the prize-winner of the "Chinese Wushu King". It was said that when he was over 35, he could still win a fight with two or three moves. In the last years of his life, he felt unwell. They say that he could not come to terms with the collapse of the country, in July 1933, he died a strange death. Although the official cause of death was stomach cancer, there is also a version that the master was poisoned by the Japanese or members of one of the Shanghai clans.
Hu Guanwen (1896-1958)
A devoted follower of Chen Zizhen since 1915, Hu Guanwen devoted all his free time to kung fu. By the mid-1930s, he had become one of the leading masters in the Heilunqiang branch of the Shanghai Qin Wu Association, where he taught the Eagle Style.
In 1934, at the request and insistence of his parents, Hu Guanwen took on the young Xuan Zhaoshan as a student. For six years, he consistently taught the young student the art of the Eagle Style and the Shaolin styles. Hu Guanwen was distinguished by kindness and attentiveness, but at the same time he was strict enough in terms of discipline and ethics of behavior. He also constantly required regular training and diligent work.
In 1934, at the request and insistence of his parents, Hu Guanwen took on the young Xuan Zhaoshan as a student. For six years, he consistently taught the young student the art of the Eagle Style and the Shaolin styles. Hu Guanwen was distinguished by kindness and attentiveness, but at the same time he was strict enough in terms of discipline and ethics of behavior. He also constantly required regular training and diligent work.
Xuan Zhao Shan (1922‒2000)
Xuan Zhao Shan was born on September 19, 1922, into a noble (mandarin) family in Heilunqiang, a Christian by religion. He survived revolutions and several civil wars and uprisings. His father achieved success and managed to organize a small enterprise for the production of soybean products. He had an estate on the outskirts of Heilunqiang. Then he moved to Harbin. His parents spared no expense for his son's education. Despite the difficult times, the parents managed to send the child to study at the local branch of the Shanghai Qing Wu Association, and the child received a higher technical education at the Institute of Technology, which at that time was available only to wealthy families. Xuan Zhao Shan's first mentor was Hu Guanwen, that is, he became a student of the "Eagle King" from 1934 to 1939.
In the 1940s, Xuan Zhao Shan continued his studies with the monk Chen Shigu, master Wu Xing Shi and Tai Chi Chuan. Their relationship lasted until 1958. Under the guidance of Chen Shigu Chuan, Zhao Shan learned the characteristics of several martial arts styles, including external and internal styles. Xuan Zhao Shan devoted his entire life to kung fu. Over time, he earned another nickname - "The Wall of Wushu".
In 1955, Zhao Shan met Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, the widow of a Russian officer, at the Moscow Cinema in Harbin (China), and after some time he married her. Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, née Urushadze, was a native of Harbin, an ethnic Georgian, from a family of specialists who lived in Manchuria since then until the revolution.
In 1945, during the defeat of the Japanese Kwantung Army, Soviet troops entered the borders of Chinese Manchuria, and all Russian-speaking residents had the opportunity to obtain a passport of a citizen of the USSR. When collectivization, dekulakization and the Cultural Revolution began in 1959, Xuan Zhao Shan moved with his wife and three children to the USSR for permanent residence.
In the 1940s, Xuan Zhao Shan continued his studies with the monk Chen Shigu, master Wu Xing Shi and Tai Chi Chuan. Their relationship lasted until 1958. Under the guidance of Chen Shigu Chuan, Zhao Shan learned the characteristics of several martial arts styles, including external and internal styles. Xuan Zhao Shan devoted his entire life to kung fu. Over time, he earned another nickname - "The Wall of Wushu".
In 1955, Zhao Shan met Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, the widow of a Russian officer, at the Moscow Cinema in Harbin (China), and after some time he married her. Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, née Urushadze, was a native of Harbin, an ethnic Georgian, from a family of specialists who lived in Manchuria since then until the revolution.
In 1945, during the defeat of the Japanese Kwantung Army, Soviet troops entered the borders of Chinese Manchuria, and all Russian-speaking residents had the opportunity to obtain a passport of a citizen of the USSR. When collectivization, dekulakization and the Cultural Revolution began in 1959, Xuan Zhao Shan moved with his wife and three children to the USSR for permanent residence.
Xuan Zhao Shan (1922‒2000)
Xuan Zhao Shan was born on September 19, 1922, into a noble (mandarin) family in Heilunqiang, a Christian by religion. He survived revolutions and several civil wars and uprisings. His father achieved success and managed to organize a small enterprise for the production of soybean products. He had an estate on the outskirts of Heilunqiang. Then he moved to Harbin. His parents spared no expense for his son's education. Despite the difficult times, the parents managed to send the child to study at the local branch of the Shanghai Qing Wu Association, and the child received a higher technical education at the Institute of Technology, which at that time was available only to wealthy families. Xuan Zhao Shan's first mentor was Hu Guanwen, that is, he became a student of the "Eagle King" from 1934 to 1939.
In the 1940s, Xuan Zhao Shan continued his studies with the monk Chen Shigu, master Wu Xing Shi and Tai Chi Chuan. Their relationship lasted until 1958. Under the guidance of Chen Shigu Chuan, Zhao Shan learned the characteristics of several martial arts styles, including external and internal styles. Xuan Zhao Shan devoted his entire life to kung fu. Over time, he earned another nickname - "The Wall of Wushu".
In 1955, Zhao Shan met Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, the widow of a Russian officer, at the Moscow Cinema in Harbin (China), and after some time he married her. Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, née Urushadze, was a native of Harbin, an ethnic Georgian, from a family of specialists who lived in Manchuria since then until the revolution.
In 1945, during the defeat of the Japanese Kwantung Army, Soviet troops entered the borders of Chinese Manchuria, and all Russian-speaking residents had the opportunity to obtain a passport of a citizen of the USSR. When collectivization, dekulakization and the Cultural Revolution began in 1959, Xuan Zhao Shan moved with his wife and three children to the USSR for permanent residence.
In the 1940s, Xuan Zhao Shan continued his studies with the monk Chen Shigu, master Wu Xing Shi and Tai Chi Chuan. Their relationship lasted until 1958. Under the guidance of Chen Shigu Chuan, Zhao Shan learned the characteristics of several martial arts styles, including external and internal styles. Xuan Zhao Shan devoted his entire life to kung fu. Over time, he earned another nickname - "The Wall of Wushu".
In 1955, Zhao Shan met Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, the widow of a Russian officer, at the Moscow Cinema in Harbin (China), and after some time he married her. Elena Noevna Shchegoleva, née Urushadze, was a native of Harbin, an ethnic Georgian, from a family of specialists who lived in Manchuria since then until the revolution.
In 1945, during the defeat of the Japanese Kwantung Army, Soviet troops entered the borders of Chinese Manchuria, and all Russian-speaking residents had the opportunity to obtain a passport of a citizen of the USSR. When collectivization, dekulakization and the Cultural Revolution began in 1959, Xuan Zhao Shan moved with his wife and three children to the USSR for permanent residence.
For some time, until 1963, they lived in Novosibirsk before moving to Transcaucasia, settling in Tbilisi. Xuan Zhao Shan lived in the Varketili estate and was known as Uncle Yura. He worked near the “Fire Department” on Dzerzhinsky Street, as it was called at the time. Xuan Zhao Shan was 182 cm tall – a physically strong and imposing man. Over time, he moved to a new apartment in Gldani. In the early 1980s, he founded the first Wushu school in Georgia, called "Tbilisi Shaolin Chuan Fa" (which roughly translated to Tbilisi Shaolin Discipline), specializing in the Golden Eagle Style.
The school attracted more than 150 young trainees, with training sessions primarily held in Vera Garden (then known as Kirov Garden). Despite periods of prohibition – when martial arts teaching was restricted in the USSR – the school continued to operate until 2000. That year, Mr. Xuan Zhao Shan passed away at the age of 78.
The school attracted more than 150 young trainees, with training sessions primarily held in Vera Garden (then known as Kirov Garden). Despite periods of prohibition – when martial arts teaching was restricted in the USSR – the school continued to operate until 2000. That year, Mr. Xuan Zhao Shan passed away at the age of 78.
The Georgian National Wushu Federation was founded under his leadership and patronage. Mr. Xuan Zhao Shan’s students achieved success in various competitions, participating in Riga (Latvia) in 1988, Zagorsk (Russia) in 1989, and Kiev (Ukraine) in 1989.
The Georgian National Wushu Federation was founded under his leadership and patronage. Mr. Xuan Zhao Shan’s students achieved success in various competitions, participating in Riga (Latvia) in 1988, Zagorsk (Russia) in 1989, and Kiev (Ukraine) in 1989.
Throughout his years of teaching, Master Xuan Zhao Shan never disclosed his connection to the Chin Wu Athletic Association. It was only in 2017 that we learned of this affiliation from the book written by his student, Giorgi Mikhailov: “Kung Fu: Energy of Power – The Fist of the Golden Eagle.” Our deep respect and admiration for our Shifu (master-teacher) inspired us to continue his legacy. With this mission in mind, we established the Georgian Chin Wu Athletic Federation and sought to contact with the Shanghai Chin Wu Athletic Federation. We hold great hope of becoming a recognized member of this historic organization.
Currently, the World Chin Wu Athletic Association is the only non-governmental, international organization focused on traditional Chinese martial arts, and it has more than 56 branches in 35 countries spanning 5 continents. The word Chin (Cantonese Jing) means elite, refined, high-class, or spirit. The word Woo (Cantonese Mo) means military, martial arts, and brave and courageous.
Currently, the World Chin Wu Athletic Association is the only non-governmental, international organization focused on traditional Chinese martial arts, and it has more than 56 branches in 35 countries spanning 5 continents. The word Chin (Cantonese Jing) means elite, refined, high-class, or spirit. The word Woo (Cantonese Mo) means military, martial arts, and brave and courageous.
Georgian Chin Wu Athletic Federation first participated in the Huo Yuandzia Memorial Competition held in 2019 in Berlin (Germany), and in 2023 successfully competed in the first European Open Championship in Chin Wu, Wushu Sanda and won 4 gold medals (Davit Huomerik in Win Chin Sil Lim Tao, and in Sanda Amiran Adamadze in the 90+ weight category, Shota Gogrichiani in the 65kg weight category, Manuchar Kvashilava in the 60kg weight category) and 1 bronze medal (Giorgi Bekauri in the 75kg weight category), as well as our President David Tatarashvili achieved good results and recognition in the Qi Gong demonstration.
Georgian Chin Wu Athletic Federation first participated in the Huo Yuandzia Memorial Competition held in 2019 in Berlin (Germany), and in 2023 successfully competed in the first European Open Championship in Chin Wu, Wushu Sanda and won 4 gold medals (Davit Huomerik in Win Chin Sil Lim Tao, and in Sanda Amiran Adamadze in the 90+ weight category, Shota Gogrichiani in the 65kg weight category, Manuchar Kvashilava in the 60kg weight category) and 1 bronze medal (Giorgi Bekauri in the 75kg weight category), as well as our President David Tatarashvili achieved good results and recognition in the Qi Gong demonstration.
From 2024 Georgian Chin Wu Athletic Federation is member World Chin Woo federation.
