Chinese kung fu girl group breathes new life into ancient art
The Emei Kung Fu Girls is an all-female martial arts troupe. On social media, their stunning videos have inspired a new generation of young women and girls to take up the ancient fighting technique.
Precision and focus
In China, between historic temples and modern skyscrapers, a new generation of female martial artists is emerging. Up in the mountains of the southwestern Sichuan province, these young women have dedicated themselves to kung fu. The Emei Kung Fu Girls are breathing new life into an ancient Chinese practice, and are spearheading a nationwide trend with their social media skills to market it.
Practice makes perfect
Ren Nianjie visits an Emei kung fu academy in Sichuan. Later, she wants to study the ancient art at university. Her daily training routine is tough and can last up to seven hours, interrupted only by a lunch break. Students often use the lunch break to nap and recharge their batteries for the second half of the day.
Power and grace
Kung fu isn't only a fighting technique, it also has a spiritual dimension that emphasizes concentration and self-discipline. Mastering its techniques requires years of patience and perseverance. Next to Shaolin and Wudang, Emei is a third, lesser-known, form of kung fu. The Emei Kung Fu Girls are putting it back on the map with a stunning social media presence.
Hidden in the mountains
In recent years, Emei academies, tucked away on Mount Emei, struggled with dwindling numbers. But a viral internet video by the Emei Kung Fu Girls has stirred fresh interest in the art, and in the schools teaching it. "We didn't expect to receive so much attention and love right after our debut," Ma-Zhao Lingyun, a core member of the group, told China Daily in August 2024.
'Super swaggy'
Duan Ruru (right) is a founding member of the Emei Kung Fu Girls. The all-female troupe consists of nine fighters and has been inspiring young girls to join a field that has traditionally been seen as male-dominated. "Since I was little, I've had a love for martial arts," Duan told the AFP news agency. "I thought that girls learning martial arts was super swaggy."
Starting young
Emei academies say they are now welcoming a higher proportion of women and girls to their classes. Even young girls can join. The art of Emei fighting looks back on a rich history of over 3,000 years. In 2008, it was declared a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The city of Emeishan regularly organizes international events to promote the martial art worldwide.