Martial arts capital in Shandong promotes its development

As one of the first "martial arts capitals" in the country, Heze city – in East China's Shandong province – has been actively promoting the inheritance and development of traditional martial arts.

As such, it's delved deep into dozens of boxing styles such as Plum Blossom Boxing, Hong Boxing and Heart and Mind Boxing.

Through the establishment of martial arts inheritance centers, the launch of training courses and the implementation of martial arts activities in schools, the city is said to be passing on the martial arts culture and promoting its spirit.

At present, martial arts villages and towns are dotted throughout Heze's various counties and districts, with martial arts activities seen everywhere.

Liu Bocheng and over 20 teammates practice Plum Blossom Boxing in the plaza of the Heze Grand Theatre. [Photo by Sun Anqi provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On June 4, Liu Bocheng, the inheritor of Plum Blossom Boxing and over 20 teammates practiced Plum Blossom Boxing in the plaza of the Heze Grand Theatre.

"With the support of the government and Party organizations, we have formed a small team and regularly practice in various plazas," Liu said.

The team has now expanded to over 20 people, added Liu, who is the 17th inheritor of Plum Blossom Boxing.

Experts say Chinese martial arts are profound and have a good function in building healthy bodies, exercising willpower and promoting mental and physical health.

Students practice martial arts at the Caozhou Martial School. [Photo by Sun Anqi provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Hu Shiguang, vice chairman of the Heze Martial Arts Sports Association, said the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage requires persistence and the association focuses on cultivating new people with the help of mentors – allowing more people to experience Chinese martial arts and make valued contributions to national fitness. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)