02/01/2026
Chinese martial artists fight to keep heritage alive
Martial arts are deeply familiar for many Chinese people.
The legendary heroes that starred in wuxia novels and TV dramas - leaping across rooftops, taking on multiple opponents and moving with effortless grace - were once idols for countless fans.
Thanks to kung fu stars such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, Chinese martial arts has grown in popularity over the past half century.
Boasting a long history, Chinese martial arts originated in primitive society out of the need for hunting and combat, later evolving into fighting techniques.
According to a book titled History of Chinese Martial Arts, martial arts began in the pre-Qin period, developed through subsequent dynasties and reached a peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Based on its technique, regional origins and lineages, martial arts were further divided into various styles.
In addition to more established traditional schools such as Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, Taiji, Xingyi and Baguazhang, several southern styles that have gained popularity in the modern era - namely, Wing Chun and Hung Gar - have also become increasingly recognised worldwide, partly due to their prominent use in television and cinematic blockbusters.
Not surprisingly, Chinese martial artists eventually made their way to New Zealand.
Not only do they teach martial arts techniques, but these individuals also promote the culture and spirit of martial arts to a younger generation of Chinese as well as people from other ethnic backgrounds.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/582826/chinese-martial-artists-fight-to-keep-heritage-alive