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Jeong Yim Martial artist

Jeong Ah Yim (張炎; c. 1814–c. 1893) a.k.a. Jeung Yim, Cheung Yim, Cheung Hung Sing, Jeong Hung Sing, Jeong Hong Sing, Zhang Yan, Zhang Hongsheng; is recognized as an important contributor to the expansion of Choy Li Fut - a Chinese martial arts system, but his role in the development is unclear as exemplified in the variety of stories reported about his life, his involvement with the development of Choy Li Fut, and his anti-Qing revolutionary activities. Few authenticated facts are known about Jeong Yim but his legacy and influence on Choy Li Fut can still be felt today. Like all great martial artists; myths, stories, and legends, which surround them are often mistaken and confused as facts. The heated controversy surrounding Jeong Yim is in regards with his involvement with the development of Choy Li Fut. There are few written or published records verifying Jeong Yim's existence. Most of his history has been passed down orally and subsequently any materials available on him cannot be authenticated. Various Choy Li Fut branches have differing versions of how Choy Li Fut was founded or even created.Jeong Yim's 張炎 successor Chan Ngau-Sing 陳吽盛,(1864–1926) stated that the author Nim Fut San Yen created a popular fictional story (Wǔxiá) written during the period to increase the awareness of Choy Li Fut and anti-Qing revolutionary activities. This story was called, Fut San Hung Sing Kwoon. Chan Ngau-Sing 陳吽盛 knew the author Nim Fut San Yen personally. Such stories have no basis in historical fact. Popular Wǔxiá novels like Wan Nian Qing and the mythology of anti-Qing organizations such as the Heaven and Earth Society, were spreading wildly through China since the early 19th century.