Tongbeiquan (通背拳) is also known sometimes as Baiyuan Tongbeiquan (白猿通背拳, White Ape Through the back boxing), is a famous martial art from North China which specializes in large opening and closing movements that rely on the exertion of energy through the body and to the limbs often whipping in power and with continuous actions.
Tongbeiquan has been feared in history for its powerful and highly efficacious combat fighting techniques. Whether long distance or short distance, with specialized striking hands and unique power generating methods, whether striking or wrestling.
Tong bei (通背, through the back) represents the power which is generation by passing through the back and to the extensions. It is often mentioned in legend that Tongbeiquan dates back to over 2,000 years ago during the Zhan Guo (战国, Warring States Period 475 - 221 CE).
The legendary origins of Tongbeiquan date to ancient times (A master named Yuan Gong fought with a master of the Mojiao (魔教, Mysterious Sect) and lost. As a result he lived in seclusion in nearby forests and bushlands. It is said that through the years he developed long white hair and beard and when people saw him that referred to him as Baiyuan Laoren (白猿老人, White Ape Old Man)).
According to the Boxing Chronicles by Xu Jianchi (1931), Qi Xin of Zhejiang went to teach back-through boxing at Gu'an County in Hebei Province in the middle and latter half of the Qing Dynasty. His style was then called Qi-style Boxing which was later named as "Tongbei" or Back-through Boxing. Qi's son, Qi Taichang, improved and developed the boxing techniques. People then divided Qi-style Tongbeiquan into an old style (represented by the father) and a new one (represented by the son). The old style emphasizes simplicity and power whereas the new style concentrates on exquisiteness and suppleness.