Martial Arts Popular in Dong’an, Yongzhou

Photo taken on November 24 shows Wen Shaodi, the six-generation inheritor of Wenjiaquan (Wen’s family boxing), practices Wenjiaquan with villagers at Shiling Township, Dong’an County.

　　Dong’an martial arts was originated from Emeiquan (Emei mountain boxing) in the Three Kingdoms Period (220 – 280 AD), with a history of nearly 2,000 years. Martial arts is popular among the public in Dong’an. There are various martial art sects, with different styles integrating characteristics of Emei, Shaolin, and Wudang skills. Due to its long martial arts tradition, Dong’an was titled “The Town of Martial Arts” by the Hunan Provincial People’s Government in 1984, and by national authority in 1992.

　　In order to raise its profile as “The Town of Martial Arts”, Dong’an carried out various activities to promote an integrated development of martial arts and cultural tourism. It sorted out martial arts culture; encouraged martial art practices in governmental departments, enterprises, schools, communities, and villages; and, implemented classification and ranking measures, so as to protect and promote martial arts.

　　Dong’an people got brilliant results in kinds of martial arts activities, with 26 first prizes, 36 gold medals, and 220 awards in more than 20 national competitions and performances; and, 368 gold medals in 26 Hunan’s martial arts contests.

Photo taken on November 24 shows students practice martial arts at Jiangdong Wenwu School in Dong’an County. (Photo/Jiang Keqing)

Photo taken on November 24 morning shows a citizen practices Taijiquan (Tai Chi) in Dong’an County. (Photo/Huang Chuntao)

Photo taken on November 24 shows three students practice handstand skill against wall at Jiangdong Wenwu School, Dong’an County. (Photo/Gu Pengbo)

Photo taken on November 24 shows Wen Shaodi instructs a child to practice quanfa (fighting technique) in Shiling Township, Dong’an County. (Photo/Liu Xinrong)

Photo taken on November 24 shows Zhou Mingde (R), a 76-year-old inheritor of Yuejiaquan (Yue Fei’s family boxing), practices martial arts with villagers. As the third-generation inheritor of Yuejiaquan, he started to learn martial arts when he was 8. (Photo/Liu Xinrong)

Photo taken on November 24 shows over-70-year-old Huang Liangyi makes dragon and lion dance balls. He has devoted in this job for nearly 60 years. Thanks to local government’s promotion of martial arts and related industry, there are three dragon and lion dance tool producers, making an annual output value of 10 million yuan. (Photo/Chen Taiyang)

Photo taken on November 24 shows Dong’an Forest Bureau staff practice martial art exercise. (Photo/Huang Chuntao)

In Dong’an, 70% people, including 80% of female population, practice martial arts. The photo shows a young lady practices boxing at a fight club.