Song Jiang Zhen battle array martial arts troupe. Dating back to the early Qing Dynasty in Taiwan, they historically numbered 108 members but nowadays 36 is more common. (Craig Ferguson)

Song Jiang Zhen battle array is a martial or military arts troupe. Dating back to the early Qing Dynasty in Taiwan, they historically numbered 108 members but nowadays 36 is more common. While they do have a reputation of being fierce fighters, particularly in various uprisings during the Japanese colonial era of Taiwan (1895-1945), today they exist as ceremonial and performance troupe only. They can regularly be seen participating in important religious events, and every year there is a major competition for the various troupes held in Neimen, Kaohsiung.

A lot of the weapons used by the troupe were originally modifications of agricultural implements and farming tools. Even today, they still use actual tools in the performances, and injuries can and do happen from time to time.