Women Fighters Reviving Ancient Chinese Martial Arts
EMEISHAN CITY: In the serene surroundings of a remote temple in southwestern China, Duan Ruru expertly delivers precise chops and strikes, showcasing the kung fu skills she has dedicated over ten years to mastering.
Traditionally seen as a male-dominated discipline, Chinese martial arts are now witnessing a shift as a new generation of young women, including Duan, is redefining the landscape and bringing renewed attention to a particular kung fu tradition.
“I’ve loved martial arts since childhood… I always thought it was incredibly cool for girls to practice it,” said Duan, 23.
Duan hones her skills at the historic Emei school, located in the Sichuan mountains. This ancient institution is believed to have had a higher proportion of female practitioners compared to other well-known kung fu schools, such as Shaolin. Despite its rich heritage, Emei has not received the same level of recognition—until now.
A group of nine women, known as the “Emei Kung Fu Girls,” is changing that narrative. Combining impressive sword techniques with social media prowess, they are working to bring this centuries-old martial art back into the spotlight.
Their viral videos feature dynamic combat demonstrations, acrobatics, and performances in iconic locations like the Louvre in Paris, often set to energetic hip-hop beats. Additionally, they have collaborated with brands, appearing alongside promoted products, though they have not disclosed whether they receive financial sponsorships.
Since launching in April last year, their content has garnered over 23 million views and more than a million followers on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok.
“This art form holds historical significance, and I believe it deserves to be shared with a wider audience,” Duan told AFP.
Reaching a Wider Audience
Emeishan, renowned across China for its misty mountain landscapes, has been attempting to capitalize on its cultural heritage in recent years, albeit with mixed success.
The region’s martial arts traditions are deeply rooted in ancient Taoist philosophy and initially evolved as a means of self-defense during periods of conflict in China’s history. However, as modern weaponry emerged, the importance of these schools diminished. Moreover, during certain periods, the ruling Communist Party restricted such practices, fearing they could become hubs of unorthodox ideology.
In recent years, however, these policies have been relaxed. In 2008, the Chinese government designated Emei martial arts as an intangible cultural heritage, which facilitated funding to promote and preserve the discipline.
Despite these efforts, progress has been slow. In 2023, local authorities acknowledged that Emei martial arts suffered from a “lack of recognition among tourists and limited public outreach.”
Kung fu master Wang Chao, a national representative of Emei martial arts, believes that government funding remains crucial for the school’s survival. However, he credits the Emei Kung Fu Girls for significantly boosting awareness.
“Their videos have been highly effective in promoting Emei martial arts to a broader audience,” Wang told AFP. “The publicity for this art form has grown stronger than ever.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Duan, who began training at the age of 12, believes her generation values independence and self-expression.
Her influence has already inspired young practitioners like Ren Nianjie, a 17-year-old who aspires to continue studying martial arts at the university level. “I want to become an athlete and bring honor to my country,” Ren said after demonstrating swift movements with a wooden staff.
The perception of Emei’s female warriors has been shaped largely by bestselling novels by Hong Kong author Louis Cha, also known as Jin Yong. However, in reality, male students still outnumber females, though perhaps less significantly than in other martial arts traditions.
On a Friday evening in February, a class at a local martial arts academy had seven girls among its 17 students.
Zhu Haiyan, a 41-year-old parent, observed her daughter Guoguo practicing and noted the transformation since she started training a year ago. “Martial arts have helped her become more confident. When girls have self-assurance, they are less likely to feel intimidated in social settings,” Zhu explained.
For Duan and her troupe, their mission goes beyond performance. They hope to inspire more young girls to take up martial arts.
“Maybe a girl watching us train will find it fascinating and want to learn it herself,” Duan said. “That would be the best reward for our efforts.”
