With people's growing interest in Shaolin Kung Fu, there have been more and more visitors to Shaolin Temple in central Henan, which is famous the world over as the birthplace of kung fu. However, it's not necessary to travel all the way to Henan, because in Beijing now you can also enjoy an authentic Kung Fu performance at the Beijing Shaolin Martial Art School.
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Today the Beijing Shaolin Martial Art School located in Huilongguan area is welcoming a tour group from Canada. The students here first treat foreign visitors with the Tongzi Gong performance, which literally means Art of Children, followed by more exciting bare-handed fighting and demonstrations with different weapons, including the sword, cudgel, spear, and broad sword. This audience of foreigners had never seen a real Kung Fu show before, so they are quite impressed by the exotic Kung Fu show.
These visitors just couldn't stand back and watch without trying it out for themselves. Though most styles of Shaolin Kung Fu might be too difficult for beginners, they are still very interested in learning some basic forms of Tai Chi.
Established in 1991, Beijing Shaolin Martial Art School is a modern martial art school, offering primary and secondary nationally-recognized diploma education. But unlike their peers in ordinary schools, kids here receive special education and training in martial arts. As a result of their hard work, the school's Kung Fu troupe has toured many countries to put on shows and participate in competitions. With its growing fame the world over, the school is now receiving over 20 thousand visitors from home and abroad every year.
One student, Liu Bin, says he's proud of being a troupe member.
"I hope through more Kung Fu performances, foreign friends will know more about Chinese martial arts and the spirit of this traditional art."
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Director: Liu Chi