Shandong preserves, promotes unique style of martial arts

A martial arts training institute – located in the Dingtao district of Heze city, in East China's Shandong province – is attracting enthusiasts from all over the country.

The institute, run by Li Mingshan, the 29th generation inheritor of Dingtao Yin Yang Palm, is dedicated to the training and pass on of this 1,700-year-old style of the martial arts.

People practice Yin Yang Palm, an ancient style of the martial arts and a provincial intangible cultural heritage item, in Dingtao district. [Photo by Li Li provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Mingshan and his students have won over 50 martial arts competitions and have taught tens of thousands of exponents around China, raising awareness and understanding of this very special traditional form of the martial arts.

Li Mingshan's father Li Jixue, the 28th generation inheritor who is now 78, also offers training guidance in Yin Yang Palm in the institute.

Li Jixue has not only been teaching traditional martial arts and Yin Yang Palm but has also been traveling to various cities in China.

In addition to the training center, Li Mingshan and Li Jixue teach martial arts in schools, provide free martial arts classes and teach hand-to-hand boxing 10 times a week.

Students take a class in martial arts in Dingtao district. [Photo by Li Li provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

They've also invested in creating research associations and training centers to promote the development of martial arts culture. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)