Emei Martial Arts (Emei Kung Fu) originated in the Emeishan region of Sichuan and is a collective term for the martial arts system widely practiced in Sichuan and the entire southwestern region of China. Its history can be traced back to the Shang and Yin Dynasties, and by the Southern Song Dynasty, it had developed a relatively systematic theoretical framework.
During its evolution, Emei Martial Arts merged with the profound Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian cultures of Mount Emei, gradually forming a style characterized by a balance of hardness and softness, as well as an integration of internal and external training. As one of the three major schools of Chinese martial arts, Emei Martial Arts boasts a history of nearly 3,000 years, encompassing over 80 sects and hundreds of styles and routines. In June 2008, it was officially listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage item of China.
The Grand Buddha Zen Courtyard, located in the eastern suburbs of Emeishan City, is the first gateway for pilgrims visiting Mount Emei and a must-visit destination for devotees seeking blessings and undertaking pilgrimages. The current temple was painstakingly reconstructed between 1998 and 2008, over a span of ten years, and is now the largest Buddhist temple in Sichuan Province. On April 26, 2010, the "Emei Martial Arts Association" was established here, making it a sacred site for disciples of Emei Martial Arts to trace their roots and practice their craft.
Emei Martial Arts enjoys a high reputation both domestically and internationally. The Emei Martial Arts Association actively promotes the international dissemination of martial arts culture by establishing cultural promotion centers in places such as Los Angeles. Through hosting unique events and offering systematic courses, the Association attracts numerous martial arts enthusiasts from around the world each year to engage in exchanges and learning, turning Emei Martial Arts into a cultural bridge between China and the world.
Emei Martial Arts is not just a traditional form of martial arts but also a vital vehicle for spreading China's rich cultural heritage and fostering international cultural exchanges. Through martial arts performances, competitions, educational collaborations, and other initiatives, Emei Martial Arts continues to showcase its unique charm and latest developments to the world. It actively promotes cultural mutual learning and people-to-people exchanges, playing a significant role in strengthening cultural confidence and advancing the global presence of Chinese culture.
(Reporter, Video & Editor: Zoey SUN)
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