www.chinaservicesinfo.com

Study

Distinctive kung fu style enters curriculum in Hebei

Updated: Mar 28, 2023 By Zhang Yu in Shijiazhuang chinadaily.com.cn Print
Share - WeChat
Wang Jiandong, an inheritor of the Baguazhang kung fu style, instructs students in Wenan county of Langfang, Hebei province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wenan county, home to Baguazhang eight diagrams palm — one of the major internal (Neijia) Chinese martial arts — has found a way to pass the art to younger generations.

Located in Langfang, Hebei province, the county is also home to Dong Haichuan, founder of the Chinese kung fu style, which emerged during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The art is derived from the philosophy of the Book of Changes, an ancient Chinese book of divination and a source of Confucian and Taoist philosophy. It is characterized by the use of spiral movements with evasive footwork, relying primarily on open-hand techniques and full body movement, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Wang Jiandong, an inheritor of the Baguazhang kung fu style, instructs students in Wenan county of Langfang, Hebei province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

To pass on the kung fu style, Wenan county has made it a compulsory course for primary and secondary schools. The courses on the theory and practice of Baguazhang are offered at 25 schools in 13 townships of the county, according to the local government.

Wang Jiandong, a sixth generation inheritor of Baguazhuang, has taught the martial art to around 2,000 students at the local Wenzhu Martial Arts School.

"The local government has continued to strengthen the inheritance and preservation of Baguazhang. It's our responsibility to carry it forward as inheritors," he said.

Students practice Baguazhang kung fu in Wenan county of Langfang, Hebei province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Students practice Baguazhang kung fu in Wenan county of Langfang, Hebei province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Copyright©2024 China Daily. All rights reserved.

京ICP备13028878号-6

京公网安 京公网安备 11010502032503号