DAOYIN YANGSHENG GONG

Master Zhang Guangde was born in Tangshan, Hebei Province, in 1932. Coming from a medical family background, he was encouraged to developed an interest in the Chinese system of health promotion through exercise.

In 1955 he was enrolled in the Wushu Dept of the Beijing University of Physical Education where he remained ever since, progressing from student to Senior Professor of the Institute.

In 1972 Master Zhang began to suffer from hypertension, coronary heart disease and hepatitis. To add to this in 1974 he was diagnosed as having tuberculosis and haematopathy. Worst of all, he was deprived of medical treatment due to his hypersensitivity to chemical drugs. At death's door he undertook a deeper study of the classical theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Daoyin, Yangsheng and Longevity schools. He had inherited a family owned ‘‘Exercises for Chronic Diseases’’ and basing his work on this huge wealth of traditional knowledge, Master Zhang developed Daoyin Yangsheng Gong. It was through the use of this health system that it is claimed that he overcame his own illnesses.

Since that time, he has continued his studies as well as sharing his knowledge through teaching visits to other countries. It is estimated that throughout the world close to four million students are involved in its practice.