Sun Tzu

From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source

Sun Tzu is the renowned writer of the immortal text The Art of War written 2000 years ago. Sun Tzu means "Master Sun", thus the name "Sun Tzu" is just a monicker for his real name is Sun Wu which means Sun the Militia.

Sun Tzu

The only remaining account of Sun Tzu as a historical person is in Ssuma Chien's (China's Grand Historian) Shih Chi, also called the Records of the Grand Historian. In this account, Sun Wu is said to have lived in the Warring States Period during the Han Dynasty. He was probbably born in the state of Wu in 544 BC and died in the same place in 496 BC. According to the "Spring and Autumn Annals" (an annal in the Shih Chi), he excelled at military strategy but dwelled in secrecy far away from civilization, so ordinary people did not know of his ability. He was also described as enlightened, wise, and skilled in discrimination and could penetrate the enemy's defence without fail as a general. Skilled and experienced in warfare matters during a time of unprecedented political and military turmoil, Sun Tzu validates his treatise. When asked by King Ho-lu (his superior at that time) whether the book's principles can be applied to anyone, Sun Tzu replies, "Yes." As proof of his competency and to confirm the principles' effectiveness, he successfully transforms 180 court women into trained soldiers in one session.

With Sun Tzu as general, King Ho-lu captured the capital city of Ying to defeat the powerful Ch'u state in 506 BC. He then headed north and subdued the states of Ch'i and Chin. Not surprisingly, Sun Tzu's name quickly spread throughout the land and among the feudal lords.

Sun Tzu's deat is not well accounted, however an ancient Chinese describes Sun Tzu's grave found outside the walls of the great city of Wu Hsieh in the state of Wu. Sun Bin, Sun Tzu's descendant, also known as "Sun the Mutilated",also wrote a text known as the Art of War. A more accurate title might be the Art of Warfare since this was more directly concerned with the practical matters of warfare, rather than military strategy. There is, however, no commonality between the content or writing style in Sun Bin and Sun Tzu.