Watch the video to learn about Johnny and Akmal's exploration of Wenzhou Nanquan. [Video/Wenzhou Overseas Media Center]
As the home of Wenzhou-style Kungfu, the eastern Chinese coastal city of Wenzhou has in recent years witnessed the growing popularity of the martial arts form among foreigners due to its international promotional efforts.
Johnny and Akmal, two foreigners who have been living in Wenzhou for several years, recently visited the Wenzhou Martial Arts Museum to explore the mystery of Wenzhou Nanquan, or Wenzhou South-Style Kungfu.
Guided by Ji Guolin, a member of the Zhejiang Martial Arts Association, the expats learned about Wenzhou Nanquan, which has been continuously refined for more than 2,200 years, and even practiced some basic movements.
"What an amazing day. I've met so many martial arts experts of all ages. You could feel the uplifting spirit and endless energy," Johnny said.
"Wenzhou Nanquan requires regular training. I've learned a lot about martial arts and can't wait to share it with my friends," Akmal said.
The time-honored Wenzhou-style Kungfu is known as the mother of Wenzhou Martial Arts. It was formerly known as Boat Boxing, as ancient Wenzhou people usually practiced it on small boats. The martial art played a large role in resisting the Japanese invasion in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Wenzhou people's entrepreneurial and resilient spirit is a manifestation of their historic martial spirit.
