A controversial martial artist has been ostracized by members of the tai chi community for claiming she can move people using the power of chi.

Yan Fang appears in an online video clip, flinging people across a room with little or no contact.

Tai Chi masters have branded the video fake and claimed it uses actors.

Li Shujun, second son of Li Jingwu, one of the most famous tai chi masters of the 20th century, told a forum in Beidaihe, Hebei province, to mark his father's centenary year, that the family would ostracize Yan Fang because of the video's negative impact on the image of tai chi.

Jia Zhongman, vice-president of Hebei Wushu Association, said during the forum that it was not possible to move people using chi.

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that is practiced for health benefits as well as self-defense.