Yi Long

Biography

Liu Xingjun, or better known as Yi Long or One Dragon is a Kung Fu fighter out of the Shandong Province in China. He is often touted as a Shaolin Monk. Shaolin Kung Fu is the largest school or style of Kung Fu in China with many styles in southern and northern China using the name of Shaolin.

He began training at 14 years old. His father imparted stories of Chinese martial arts and he decided he wanted to become a fighter. He is a large proponent of traditional Martial Arts. He has a record of 43 fights with 36 wins, 7 losses and 1 draw. 

Fight Career

Yi Long’s fight style is spectacular as he will often leave his guard down and rely on his inner powers to be able to sustain himself from damage. In kickboxing matches he normally does not kick and attacks with western style boxing making him very susceptible to attacks.  He has an unorthodox training regime as he trains Tai Chi and other martial arts in order to prepare for Muay Thai matches. He often practices breathing techniques as well. He wears a traditional Kung Fu outfit of long yellow pants and keeps a shaved head adding to his iconic style.

He most famously fought Buakaw Banchamek on a Wu Lin Feng kickboxing promotion in 2015 where he lost a decision against Banchamek for a bout entitled “Fight of the Century.”

For his preparation against Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee at YOKKAO 9 Yi Long said that “Sudsakorn is a very experienced and smart fighter,” and that he didn’t have a particular plan of attack against the Thai fighter. The bout ended with a decision win for Sudsakorn after Yi Long flailed punches at the Thai for 3 rounds.

According to Yi Long his training allows him to control his weight perfectly.

In a discussion about the difference between Muay Thai and Shaolin Kung Fu he is quoted as saying “But Shaolin kung fu and Muay Thai have many things in common. Muay Thai is good at steel knees, iron elbows and iron legs, those who master Muay Thai have strong defenses. It’s the same in Shaolin kung fu. In Shaolin we have iron fists, iron legs and iron cloth (means the body is hard enough to defend any attack),” he said.

In December of 2010 a spokesman of the Shaolin Temple claimed that “Yi Long, who was billed as the No. 1 Shaolin Kung Fu monk, is neither a Kung Fu monk of Shaolin Temple, nor could he be named as the No.1 Shaolin Kung Fu monk at all.” 

Are you are interested in hosting a seminar with Yi Long or inviting him to fight on your show?