A new all-woman martial arts ensemble in China, the Emei Kung Fu Girls Group, has quickly gained high-profile admirers despite only making their public debut a few weeks ago. Combining traditional Emei martial arts with modern dance, the group has received praise from top Chinese officials and widespread acclaim on mainland social media.
The group features nine talented women, including renowned Emei martial arts practitioner Lingyun. Lingyun, 25, from Sichuan province, boasts a following of 13.4 million fans on Douyin, who are captivated by her exceptional swordsmanship and martial arts skills. She began her training at the age of four and joined the prestigious Emei sect at ten. This sect, one of the three major schools of Chinese martial arts, emphasizes feminine strength.
In a video posted on May 3, the group showcased their skills with various traditional weapons, including swords, fans, calligraphy brushes, long spears, and the unique Emei hairpins. These hairpins, which evolved from the decorative hair accessories used by women, feature pointed spikes at both ends of a round stick, making them effective weapons.
The Emei Kung Fu Girls blend traditional martial arts techniques with contemporary dance moves, creating a unique and modern performance style. However, their work remains firmly rooted in the rich tradition of martial arts novels, a genre that combines history and fantasy. In “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber” by renowned novelist Jin Yong, the Emei sect, founded by a nun, is depicted as a female-dominated group where men occupy only lower positions.
Originating more than 3,000 years ago in the Emei Mountain area of Sichuan province, the Emei sect’s kung fu style integrates the Buddhist concept of meditative tranquility and the Taoist idea of harmony between man and nature. This style combines the strength and flexibility aspects of martial arts from a female perspective, embodying the essence of “swift as clouds, flexible as water.”
In 2008, Emei martial arts were recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese government. The group’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. On May 11, respected Chinese diplomat and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin praised them on social media, writing, “Heroes out of Chinese martial arts novels! See how Emei kung fu girls present stunning moves.”
The Emei Kung Fu Girls have quickly become a source of national pride. One Weibo user commented, “These girls are the pride of China! Millennia-old Chinese kung fu comes alive again.” Another user expressed interest in the group’s training, asking, “Are they accepting disciples? My daughter also wants to learn Emei martial arts.”
The Emei sect is one of the three major schools in Chinese martial arts, alongside the Shaolin and Wudang sects. The Shaolin sect, originating from the Shaolin Temple in Henan province, is known for its powerful techniques. The Wudang sect emphasizes Taoist philosophy, focusing on using flexibility to overcome strength, with Tai Chi as its representative martial art.
The Emei Kung Fu Girls Group is revitalizing ancient martial arts traditions, making them relevant and exciting for contemporary audiences.
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