FOREIGN STUDENTS EXPLORE CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS CULTURE IN TIANJIN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The Publicity Department of Xiqing District recently organised a tour, guiding over a hundred foreign contestants who participated in the Chinese Bridge series of Chinese proficiency competitions around the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School in Jingwu Town, Xiqing District, north China's Tianjin Municipality.

According to a statement, the foreign contestants had the opportunity to experience the charm of Chinese traditional martial arts culture.

The Tianjin Huoyuanjia School has a profound cultural heritage, with its roots in the Chin Woo Athletic Association, which in turn traces its origins back to Huo Yuanjia, a patriotic martial arts master.

Along with others, Huo co-founded the Chin Woo Athletic Association in 1910, which initially advocated mastering both martial arts and being literate, and strengthening the nation through physical fitness, which made up the essence and defining characteristics of the early Chin Woo culture.

Over the past century, the association has seen a steady increase in membership and growing expansion of its influence, whereby its popularity has become a unique cultural phenomenon within the global cultural community, beloved and pursued by people from various countries.

Spreading from China to other countries and from Asia to the rest of the world, the association has transcended national boundaries, with branches now established across all five continents, totalling 83 Chin Woo associations.

The Jingwu Town in Xiqing District plans to further leverage the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School, an international cultural exchange base for overseas Chinese, as a platform to strengthen the exploration and inheritance of Chinese culture.

By promoting Chinese martial arts and Chin Woo culture, the town aims to allow more international audiences to learn about and experience the profound Chinese cultural heritage, share first-hand stories about the real China, and expand the reach of fine traditional Chinese culture.

-- BERNAMA