Li Lian Jie (Jet Li) is undoubtedly the most famous of all China’s Wushu superstars and according to many coaches and judges his level of performance was among the best. He is know not just in China but also all over the world and is one of the most respected stars of Hong Kong Cinema.
Li Lian Jie was born on the 26th of April 1963 in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. Sadly Li’s father passed away when he was only two years old and the whole family moved to Beijing.
When Li was eight years old his Physical Education teacher in the Changqiao Primary School in Beijing discovered the young boy's jumping, agility and grace. He sent Li to the Beijing Amateur Sports School for Wushu training, where he fell under the tutelage of Coach Wu Bin.
Li Lian Jie’s natural agility and flexibility soon was wedded to a deepening love of the martial arts and after three years of intense Wushu training, he became a member of Beijing's professional team in 1974.
A Wushu Superstar
From 1974 - 1979, he was Men's All-Round Champion (5 consecutive years, a record which has never been broken!!) and represented China for guest performances in many countries in Europe, Asia, America, Africa and the Middle East. In 1979, he obtained a Special Beijing City First Grade Merit Award, and in 1983 a National Sports Honour Reputation Medal.
Although skilled in many styles, two of his most famous Wushu routines were his Sabre routine, called Jingang Dao (Diamond Sabre) and his Chang Chuan routine called Qiankun Chuan (Universe Fist). Both are very rich in content, and have many complicated movements. He was also famous for his dazzling Yingzhao-Fanzi Chuan (Eagle Claw-Tumbling Fist) and for the use of some other weapons such as 3 Section Cudgel, Pudao (Long Handle Sabre), Drunken Sword...etc. He also did many types of Duilian (Set Sparring) with and without weapons.
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