Yiquan (pronounced yee chuan), also known as Dachengquan, was created by Wang Xiangzhai (1890 - 1963) after a lifetime of practice and research into martial arts. From childhood Wang Xiangzhai trained in Xingyiquan under a famous master named Guo Yunshen. After Guo's death, Wang travelled extensively around China to exchange information with top teachers.

Part of his research took place in the 1930's, in Shanghai, where Wang studied medicine and culture with Qien Xian Tan, a famous scholar and doctor with an extensive library was full of classic texts.  It was here that Qien introduced him to exploration of Zhang Zhuang (standing practice), which later became fundamental to the development of Yiquan.

As a result of this research into the essence of martial arts, Wang had become convinced that far too much time and effort was spent on learning empty forms with pretty movements. He based his teaching on Xingyiquan, but kept simplifying and modifying it to put greater emphasis on mental training rather than outer movement. He therefore decided to drop 'xing' (form) from Xingyiquan and called his new system Yiquan - where 'yi' means mind or intent, and 'quan' means boxing.

Yiquan was very successful at that time but Wang Xiangzhai noticed that while his students developed considerable strength, their dexterity and co-ordination were not the best. He therefore entered into a second period of intense research and modified his system accordingly.

In 1939, after moving to Beijing and perfecting his system, Wang Xiangzhai issued an open challenge to all other masters of martial arts to "come and exchange experiences and ideas". Many came to test their skills but none succeeded in defeating Wang Xiangzhai, nor the four top students he designated to take challenges (Han Xingqiao, Hong Lianshun, Yao Zongxun and Zhou Ziyan).

At this time, because of the successes his system was enjoying, students and the public started to call his martial art Dachengquan - Great Achievement Boxing. Wang Xiangzhai adopted the use of this name for a time but eventually decided to revert to calling his art Yiquan again, as it reflected more accurately the spirit of the system.

During his lifetime, Wang Xiangzhai designated Yao Zongxun as his successor. After Wang Xiangzhai's death, Prof. Yao Zongxun carried on his teacher's work and spirit of continuing innovation by creating the Beijing Yiquan Research Association in 1984 and  becoming it's first president.

In the West, Yiquan became known through two books written by Wang Xuanjie - Dachengquan and Dacheng Kungfu. Wang Xuanjie was a student of two of Wang Xiangzhai's students, Yang Demao, and Li Yongzong, despite his written claims to the contrary.