When passing the sports ground on campus, especially in the afternoon, you can frequently see a group of students, in white shoes and trousers, practicing Chinese martial arts - better known as 'Kung Fu' - and yelling 'Hey!', 'Hung!' or 'Ha!', attracting the attention of many passers-by. This is daily activity of Guang-Mao-Yuan Martial Arts Association (referred to as 'GMY' below), one of the most popular associations in the campus.
Daily activity of GMY
A Glimpse at Chinese Martial Arts
Chinese martial arts have long been one of the most important traditional cultural elements in China. Originally, it was created as a way for both exercise and self-defense -resulting in one of the most basic principles for Chinese martial arts, that the power of martial arts should be used to protect rather than to bully others. For thousands of years generations of practitioners strictly follow this rule. With the combination of ancient philosophies like Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, Chinese martial arts have been developed into a unique cultural phenomenon lasting even into modern times. On the campus of a foreign studies-oriented university, students in the 21st century remain true to the ancient wisdoms. That is the essence of GMY, a group of youth who are passionate in cultivating themselves in the joint way of East and West, tradition and modernity.
Due to the multitude of martial arts practitioners and the influence of regional, historical and cultural factors, a great variety of styles have been founded, evolved and practiced across this vast country. Even In the case of GMY, five distinctive styles of Chinese martial arts are being practiced in this university-level association. For example, Wudang Quan (武当拳) and Nan Quan (南拳).
The founder of GMY
Wudang Quan is a kind of martial arts that requires a strong sense of comprehensiveness. Wudang Bu (武当步）and Gaozhuang Bu (高?#57737;?/SPAN>) are some of the fundamental movements, while Sandie Zhang (三叠掌), Wudang Zhang (武怠勒?SPAN lang=EN-US>) and Wudang Zhi (武怠乐?/SPAN>) are some of the principle fist positions. Do you know Wuyuan Shou (无缘手, literally the Hand of No Contact)? It means that when someone wants to attack you, you can advance and retreat as you like, defending yourself with your hands, and the attacker almost has no chance to touch you.
Nan Quan, literally Southern Boxing, consists of various styles such as Hong Quan (洪拳) and Wing Chun ), all of which are primarily practiced in the southern parts of China. Many kinds of the Nan Quan techniques are called by the first name of the founders, or the name of the places, such as Hong Quan, which is said to be created by a legendary Kung Fu master Hong Xiguan (洪熙官). The practitioners of Nan Quan often imitate the behaviors of animals like tigers, monkeys, cranes and even snakes. With the inspiration from animals, they can better utilize the flexibility and strength of human body and develop unique instincts for self-protection.
In addition to the previous two styles, there are other styles of Chinese martial arts being instructed and practiced in GMY, for instance, Chang Quan (长拳), Nanzhi Quan (南枝拳) and Taijiquan (or Tai chi chuan, 太极拳). Despite all the martial arts techniques it offers to instruct, GMY is by no means a Kung Fu training station. For those who find the association an inseparable part in their college life, the most precious gift they have received is not fighting techniques or physical improvement, but the sense of honor and bonds of sincere friendship.
A Glorious History of Thirty Years
Founded on March 21st, 1985, GMY has already existed for nearly three decades. As time passes it has become an excellent association with many honorary titles. Originally, it was founded by several students as a platform to learn and exchange their shared interest in Chinese martial arts. However, with its development over such a long period, a fully-functional organization structure gradually came into being. It has not only set up its own regulations, emblem, principles and slogan, but also established a dedicated editorial department in 2007. We can learn more about it through its magazine, its' Weibo page and website. In GMY, there are various styles of Chinese martial arts, all of which are frequently presented in opening ceremonies of different activities or celebration galas. Outstanding association members often take part in provincial and national level martial art competitions as representatives of GDUFS and have won a great many honors. Too, GMY annually hosts an university-level martial arts tournament on campus, offering a good platform for martial arts practitioners to exchange ideas as well as to promote the national spirits.
Outstanding members take part in competitions as representatives of GDUFS
As the Chinese saying goes, 'out of blows friendship grows'. GMY has long kept close ties to the many martial arts associations at other universities. What's more, the accumulated number of members in GMY has exceeded 4000, with several foreign teachers and students included. Today, the graduated members of GMY can found everywhere, in almost every province in China to continents across the seas.
Sweat, Passion and Love
Nothing could long endure without the support of love and an unyielding spirit. Such is the same with GMY. Just as it was born to the passion for martial arts, so has it endured and prospered for the devotion and love received from every member.
Unlike the activities hosted by many student groups, which are purely out of fun, the daily training of GMY is no easy task for new-comers. Despite the relatively short training period of one hour, all members of the association are required to participate in the thrice-weekly standard training. Such endeavor calls for discipline, perseverance and determination - characteristics that are somehow diminishing in today's youth. Therefore, not every member in his/her freshman year could make the way into his/her junior or senior years remaining active on the training ground. However, those who sow sweat are often rewarded with untold joys. Whoever has spent three to four years in the association often find themselves forging the will to vanquish their past shortcomings. And, for all the spilled sweat, they have reaped not only emotional fruits like friendship and love, but also a healthy body and strong mind.
Training during the challenging camping activitiy
Of course, this association could not be so attractive without other forms of activities. Every year, members of GMY, from the president and department chiefs to ordinary freshman members, are all presented with a series of major activities. From the joyful anniversary celebration gala to the challenging hiking and camping activities, all these colorful events, each one usually consisting of several hundred participants, are solely planned and organized by Association members, a fact often astonishing to outsiders.' These activities not only serve as the means for enjoyment and exercise.' said Zhuo Shuifen, the editorial chief of GMY, 'They also strengthen Association members' understanding about the structure and history of GMY, as well as developing participants passion toward Chinese martial arts.'
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