苏家拳的传奇历史可以追溯到明朝正德年间（大约公元1506年），由一位杰出的武术家舒裁缝在河南创造。他的弟子苏金财和苏金祥将这门拳法带到了四川，并经过长时间的刻苦训练和不断改进， eventually establishing the distinctive style of Su family martial arts. By the late Qing dynasty, a renowned practitioner named Peng Xiaoxin, also known as Peng Shui Lao Liu, had mastered Su family boxing and brought it back to his hometown of Rongchang. He not only passed the martial arts exam with flying colors but also taught the art to many students in the region, making it extremely popular at that time.
Peng Shui Lao Liu was considered the 23rd generation inheritor of Su family boxing. He transmitted his knowledge to several notable successors including Chen Zizhuang, Peng Youqi (who kept it within his family), Cheng Bucun, Yang Chengzhi and others who formed part of the 24th generation. These individuals then went on to teach their own apprentices such as Peng Yiningbing (a direct descendant), Li Zhenglun, Cao Yiguang and others who made up part of the 25th generation.
In turn, these masters transmitted their skills to yet another group consisting of practitioners like Peng Zhiyong (a direct descendant), Zhang Guangcai and Xie Xiangguang who are considered members of the 26th generation.
The core characteristics of Su Family Boxing include maintaining a centered stance while executing precise punches and palms; emphasizing large movements combined with subtlety; relying more on close-range combat rather than long-range attacks; using fewer kicks but focusing on powerful footwork instead; utilizing diverse techniques such as connecting punches with elbows while combining rapid strikes with strong defenses. The art also emphasizes six different body stances coupled with six distinct leg movements resulting in an unpredictable fighting style where opponents often find themselves unable to anticipate incoming attacks similar to those found in "hidden leg" techniques from other martial arts disciplines.
Su Family Boxing is truly an extraordinary system that has stood through centuries due largely to its adaptability and continuous evolution over generations by skilled practitioners who have contributed significantly towards preserving this ancient art form for future generations.
