Hebei martial art reels in younger adherents

The theory and practice of baguazhang is taught at 25 schools in 13 townships, according to the local government. In addition to schools, there are also baguazhang centers in Wenan that specialize in training professional practitioners.

At the Wenzhu Martial Arts School, one spirited elder teaches every day. Ren Wenzhu is the county's fifth-generation inheritor of baguazhuang and is also the school's president.

Born in 1950, the 73-year-old has practiced baguazhang since he was a child. In 2001, having mastered the style, Ren founded the Wenzhu Martial Arts Center, the school's predecessor.

"As long as my health permits, I will continue to study baguazhang, and pass on all I have learned to my students," he said, adding that he encourages his students to spread awareness of baguazhang around the world.

One of those students is Wang Jiandong, who has now become a sixth-generation inheritor of baguazhuang. Wang has taught the martial art to around 2,000 students from home and abroad.

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

zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn