Zhang Sanfeng
Zhang Sanfeng was also an expert in the White Crane and Snake styles of Chinese martial arts, and in the use of the "jian" (double-edged Chinese sword). According to 19th century documents preserved in the archives of the Yang and Wu-styles "taijiquan" families, Zhang Sanfeng's master was Xu Xuanping, a Tang dynasty Taoist poet and "daoyin" expert. The "taijiquan" families who honour Zhang Sanfeng as the creator of "taijiquan" traditionally celebrate his birthday on the ninth day of the third month in the Chinese calendar.