Emei Kung Fu Girls

Wai Jia: The Kung Fu Forum Kung Fu Forum
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China kung fu girl group praised by Chinese diplomat for martial arts routine with modern twist
Top diplomat describes performances of nine-member group as ‘stunning’
Group demonstrates martial arts discipline that embodies strength of femininity
Zoey Zhang
Published: 9:10am, 6 Jun 2024

A new all-woman martial arts ensemble in China has found friends in high places despite only making their public debut a few weeks ago.

The Emei Kung Fu Girls Group, which blends traditional skills with modern dance, has been praised by a top Chinese official and lauded on mainland social media.

A notable group member is Lingyun, a renowned Emei martial arts practitioner. She is joined by eight other women, including trainers and film directors who specialise in the ancient fighting genre, to complete the nine-member team.

Lingyun, 25, from Sichuan province in southwestern China, is adored by 13.4 million fans on Douyin for her superb swordsmanship and martial arts ability.


The group’s first video was posted online in early May and it has been an instant hit. Photo: Sohu

She began training at the age of four, joining one of the three major schools of Chinese martial arts, the Emei sect, aged 10. The style of the sect embodies feminine strength.

In a video posted on May 3, the group was seen wielding swords, fans, calligraphy brushes, long spears, and Emei hairpins as weapons.

The Emei hairpin is unique to the sect, and as the name suggests, evolved from hairpins used by women. It has pointed spikes at both ends of a round stick.

The group has blended modern dance with traditional skills to deliver a 21st-century edge to their work. However, the style remains firmly rooted in traditional martial arts novels, a genre which combines history and fantasy.

In The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber by renowned martial arts novelist Jin Yong, the woman-dominated Emei sect is said to have been founded by a nun, men only occupy lower positions.

The sect originated in the Emei Mountain area of Sichuan province more than 3,000 years ago.

Its kung fu style blends the Buddhist concept of meditative tranquillity and the Taoist idea of harmony between man and nature, integrating the strength and flexibility aspects of other martial arts from a female perspective.

“What is Emei kung fu? Swift as clouds, flexible as water,” says the martial arts group’s introductory video.

In 2008, Emei martial arts was listed as an intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese government.

On May 11, a Chinese official recommended the group to the world on social media platforms.

Respected Chinese diplomat and spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Wenbin, wrote on Facebook: “Heroes out of Chinese martial arts novels! See how Emei kung fu girls present stunning moves.”


The team showcases a martial arts form that epitomises the power of femininity. Photo: Sohu

“These girls are the pride of China! Millennia-old Chinese kung fu comes alive again,” said one person on Weibo.

“Are they accepting disciples? My daughter also wants to learn Emei martial arts,” another said.

There are two other major schools in Chinese martial arts, the Shaolin and Wudang sects.

The Shaolin sect originated from the Shaolin Temple in central China’s Henan province and is known for its powerful martial arts.

The Wudang sect emphasises Taoist philosophy and focuses on utilising flexibility to defeat strength, with Tai Chi as its representative martial arts.

Zoey Zhang
Zoey Zhang is a multimedia reporter who covers ranges of topics including China culture, education, social trends, and Asian human interest stories. She previously interned with the Post on the video desk over the winter of 2022-2023. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong.

We need more of this…:cool:

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Kung Fu Emei / female group out of the mountain “almighty Chinese girl group”

//youtu.be/LC2gk6Qc6DU

This might need its own indie thread soon…

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[QUOTE=GeneChing;1326854]
//youtu.be/LC2gk6Qc6DU

[/QUOTE]

Great combination of snake and fan moves!

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The bummer about this article is that the photos won’t copy easily…

…and the photos are nice. :smiley:

Emei Kung Fu Girls aim to showcase the charm of Chinese martial arts to the world
A fusion of grace and power
By Li Hang
Published: Jun 17, 2024 09:58 PM

Eight members of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group train with the Emei piercers Photo: Courtesy of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group
Eight members of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group train with the Emei piercers Photo: Courtesy of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group

In multiple novels written by Chinese *martial arts novelist Jin Yong, there is an Emei Sect which is known for its almost all-female disciples who are skilled in an array of unique martial arts techniques. The sect is said to reside on Mount Emei in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Nowadays, the Emei Kung Fu Girls group has emerged as one of the hottest girl groups in China. Like the description in Jin’s novels, they are all female and can perform various Emei kung fu techniques.

In 2008, Emei martial arts, with a history spanning over three millennia, were designated a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In late April 2024, a video went *viral online featuring nine girls *wearing coordinated green uniforms, performing various Emei kung fu techniques against the backdrop of various locations on the Mount Emei, blending the legendary allure of the Emei Sect with real-life martial *prowess.

“Unlike the dramatized versions of Emei kung fu in TV shows, which *focus on legends, our practice is rooted in the practical skills and traditions of Emei martial arts,” said Chen Yufei, 23, one of the group members. She is skilled in Emei martial arts, double whips, swords and staves.

Photo: Courtesy of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group
Photo: Courtesy of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group

“As the first all-female martial arts group in China, we want to transcend the conventional idol group image and inspire more young people to embrace traditional Chinese culture through our efforts and influence,” Ling Yun, one of the co-founders of the group, told the Global Times.

A millennia-old art

Originating from the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), Emei kung fu has a history of about 3,000 years old.

According to information about Emei martial arts on the website of the government of Emeishan city, there are currently 68 styles and schools, 1,093 bare-hand routines, 518 weapon routines, 41 pair practice routines, and 276 training methods associated with Emei martial arts.

Among the various weapons, the Emei piercer is particularly notable. It is said that the Emei piercer evolved from women’s hairpins, Chen told the Global Times.

“The use and performance of the Emei piercers showcase a unique fusion of feminine grace and power. We are currently training daily with Emei piercers, swords, spears, and fists,” said Chen.

According to Chen, the group’s daily training regimen includes two hours of basic physical training each morning, followed by practicing martial arts fundamentals and Emei-specific techniques.

Besides martial arts, they also have specialized training, such as wirework for performances. They also take acting, street dance, and traditional culture classes.

“We hope that in the future, we can excel not only in kung fu but also in other aspects, aiming toward being well-rounded in both culture and martial arts,” said 20-year-old team member Li Nuofei in an interview with the Global Times.

Photo: Courtesy of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group
Photo: Courtesy of the Emei Kung Fu Girls group

Apart from martial arts, Li is also skilled in both ethnic and contemporary dances.

Forming the group was initially challenging, particularly in finding members with solid martial arts backgrounds and strong teamwork skills, team leader Li Jieyu told the Global Times. "The current team was established after several rounds of selection and training.‘’

Ling, who boasts 22 years of martial arts experience, is a national representative inheritor of Emei martial arts. At 26, she is the visionary driving the group’s mission to engage more young people with traditional Chinese culture.

“We want Emei martial arts to thrive in contemporary times,” said Ling.

Videos of the group’s performances on social media have inspired many viewers to express their interests in learning and practicing Emei martial arts.

On May 11, former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin shared a training video of the group on Facebook, saying “Heroines out of Chinese martial arts novels! See how Emei kung fu girls present stunning moves,” which sparked widespread excitement among the team members.

A cultural ambassador

Ling finds these responses both “gratifying” and “motivating.” For those who have an interest in Emei kung fu, she advises aspiring practitioners “to be persistent” and “to seek formal training from reputable schools or masters.”

“Wherever you are, as long as you have a passion for martial arts in your heart, you can start your martial arts journey. The doors to Emei martial arts are always open to those who love it,” she said.

“I hope everyone can find their own joy and value in the process of learning and practicing, and together, carry forward and promote this precious cultural heritage,” Ling noted.

Ling told the Global Times that she has another broad vision - “enhancing women’s status and influence in the martial arts world.”

“Martial arts are not solely for men. We will demonstrate through our actions that women can also excel in this field and encourage more women to engage in martial arts and break gender barriers,” Ling noted.

Looking ahead, the group plans to explore how to transform itself as a cultural ambassador of Chinese martial arts to the world, promoting Chinese martial arts globally and enhancing international cultural exchanges. For example, in July, the group will perform in Paris, France, integrating content related to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“We believe that with the collective efforts of all our members, the Emei Kung Fu Girls group will continue to grow and thrive through inheritance and innovation, contributing to the prosperity and development of *Chinese martial arts,” says team leader Li Jieyu.

Splitting an indie Emei Kung Fu Girls thread from Emei
Emei-Kung-Fu-Girls

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When Chinese #kungfu meets #parisour first show abroadstay tuned

//youtu.be/yCjZs9lBI7c

Emei-Kung-Fu-Girls
2024-Paris-Olympics

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EM #kungfu girls across 9000 kilometerswe found a Chinese #martialarts gym in #paris

//youtu.be/Vsuhr6q9saw

Emei-Kung-Fu-Girls
2024-Paris-Olympics

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Ling Yun - contact me!

Emei Kung Fu Girls employ stunning innovation to promote traditional martial arts
2024-08-27 12:29:22Ecns.cn Editor : Mo Honge ECNS

(ECNS) – Anyone who has ever read the martial arts novels written by Hong Kong novelist Louis Cha, widely known by his pen name Jin Yong, must know the Emei Sect. Its modern representative – the “Emei Kung Fu Girls” group – has attracted great attention since its debut in late April this year.


The Emei Kung Fu Girls. (Photo: courtesy of the interviewee)

Like many of Jin’s works, the group is mainly composed of all-female members. They are skilled in various Emei Kung Fu techniques.

The rise of a heroine

In 2020, a short video of a woman taking out the trash with a sword suddenly went viral online. The audience was awed by her superb swordsmanship and fluid movements.

This woman is Ling Yun, founder and a core member of the Emei Kung Fu Girls. “I thought that people would watch it but didn’t expect to receive so much attention,” she said.


Ling Yun, founder of the Emei Kung Fu Girls. (Photo: courtesy of the interviewee)

She began her martial arts training at the age of four and was ranked among the second-tier national-level athletes at eight. In 2008, she joined one of the three major schools of Chinese martial arts – Emei Sect.

Over the years, she has been bewildered by the unpromising future of martial arts practitioners. So, when her short video became a hit, she decided to seize the opportunity to showcase the charm of Chinese martial arts to the world.

As a result, Emei Kung Fu Girls came to life. Member selection was initially challenging because some regarded the group as a “fraud.” Luckily, some interviewees still trusted Ling.

Joined by eight other women, she focused on inheriting and promoting Emei Kung Fu and traditional Chinese culture.

True embodiment of martial arts

In the first promotional video, released in early May, the Emei Kung Fu Girls demonstrated the Kung Fu routine and weapons used by the Emei Sect.

The video received over one billion views within just one week and was highly praised by Wang Wenbin, former spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He wrote on Facebook: “Heroes out of Chinese martial arts novels! See how Emei Kung Fu Girls present stunning moves.”

The group was questioned despite all the attention. Some doubted whether they practiced real Kung Fu or just showy moves, while others thought the group may just use the martial arts as an excuse to get attention.


He Yunong, a member of the Emei Kung Fu Girls. (Photo: courtesy of the interviewee)

In fact, some members of the group are either active or retired professional martial art athletes. They have won many awards and some are still competing in professional martial art events.

From the perspective of Ling, if the road they are exploring right now could become a new career path for the martial arts practitioners, it would indeed inject new impetus into the traditional martial arts.

To live up to its reputation, the group started learning everything about Emei Kung Fu from scratch. From theoretical knowledge to basic techniques, they are trained like an ordinary employee with a full schedule everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Zhang Jingxuan, a member of the Emei Kung Fu Girls. (Photo: courtesy of the interviewee)

At present, the group is also trying to write teaching materials about their self-invented martial art moves and weapon instructions so as to promote them on campus or in communities. “We hope that traditional martial arts are not only presented in videos but also engage more people to learn and inherit them.”

In 2008, Emei martial arts was listed as an intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese government.
Man, I’d love to interview these women.

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[QUOTE=GeneChing;1327235]Man, I’d love to interview these women.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, they don’t look very “traditional” to me!

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Not a problem - we cover traditional and modern here.

[QUOTE=YinOrYan;1327238]Yeah, they don’t look very “traditional” to me![/QUOTE]
I still want to interview them. :wink: