In 1984, Chinese researchers, in an effort to preserve traditional martial arts systems in danger of extinction, uncovered a series of rare sword routines called "Qing Ping Jian." Authorities on swordsmanship consider its techniques unsurpassed. Qing Ping swordplay dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, and was used by emperors and generals for self-defense and as an emblem of imperial power. During the 18th century, a Taoist monk and skilled swordsman named Yuan Gui formally systematized the Qing Ping techniques into a series of six routines. Qing Ping Swordplay is characterized by a rich variety of techniques. The entire series consists of 365 moves. Each move has a four word phrase that is descriptive and poetic, such as "Phoenix Nods Her Head." Each offensive and defensive move is executed with precision and grace, and requires nimble footwork, agility and good body mechanics. Soft and hard techniques are combined with a multitude of directional changes to outwit rather than overpower an opponent.

The researchers, in a project sponsored by China's National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports, contacted Master Lu Jun Hai, the foremost expert on Qing Ping Swordsmanship. Some books had been published on this system, but their contents were incomplete and very few people knew all the routines. Fortunately, Master Lu had inherited the routines from his father Lu Zheng Duo, the late martial arts master. Up until this point, Qing Ping swordplay had always been treated as a family heirloom, to be jealously guarded and not to be passed on to outsiders. However, realizing that these crown jewels of Chinese swordsmanship might be lost forever if he did not pass them on to succeeding generations, Master Lu generously shared his expertise and guided the researchers in documenting the routines for posterity.