In 1982, he was challenged by masters from across China one by one at a national showcase — here's what happened

By the early 1980s, Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang's reputation had spread far enough that challenges came looking for him.

In September 1981, Beijing's Sports Institute arranged a test: Feng versus Kumar, an American champion who had defeated fighters from 50+ countries and beaten 20+ of China's top martial artists. Using what witnesses called "mysterious Tai Chi techniques," Feng sent Kumar flying repeatedly. Kumar returned to Beijing multiple times afterward to learn from him.

Then in July 1982 at a National Tai Chi Masters Showcase in Shanghai, the organizers sent challengers at will — masters from across China, internal and external styles alike. One by one, they were launched into the air.

Shanghai's martial world talked about it for months. The phrase that spread everywhere: "Feng Zhiqiang — true Tai Chi."