Eight members of the Emei Kung Fu Girl Group train with an Emei piercer. Photo: Courtesy of the Emei Kung Fu Girl Group
Several novels written by Chinese martial arts novelist Jin Yong feature the Emei Sect, known for its almost entirely female disciples skilled in a variety of unique martial arts techniques, and said to be based on Mount Emei in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Today, the Emei Kung Fu Girls have emerged as one of the most popular girl groups in China. As depicted in Jin's novel, the all-female group is skilled in a wide range of Emei Kung Fu moves.
In 2008, the martial arts of Mount Emei, which has a history of over 3,000 years, was designated a national intangible cultural heritage.
In late April 2024, a video of nine girls wearing coordinated green uniforms demonstrating a variety of Emei Kung Fu techniques against the backdrop of different locations on Mount Emei became a hot topic online, combining the legendary charm of the Emei school with real-life martial arts prowess.
“While the TV dramatisation of Emei kung fu focuses on the legends, our training is rooted in the practical techniques and traditions of Emei martial arts,” said Chen Yufei, 23, one of the group's members, who is skilled in Emei martial arts, dual whips, swords and staffs.
Photo: Courtesy of Emei Kung Fu Girls Group
“As China's first all-female martial arts group, we hope to go beyond the traditional image of an idol group and, through our efforts and influence, inspire more young people to embrace traditional Chinese culture,” Lin Yun, one of the group's co-founders, told the Global Times.
A thousand-year-old art
Emei Kung Fu began in the Spring and Autumn period (770 BC – 476 BC) and has a history of approximately 3,000 years.
According to information about Emei martial arts on the Emeishan municipal government website, there are currently 68 styles and schools, 1,093 bare-handed techniques, 518 weapon techniques, 41 paired practice techniques and 276 training methods.
Among the various weapons, the Emei file is particularly noteworthy, as it is said to have evolved from a woman's hairpin, Chen told the Global Times.
“The use and performance of the Emei piercer demonstrates a unique blend of feminine grace and strength. We now train daily using the Emei piercer, sword, spear and fists,” Chen said.
According to Chen, the group's daily training schedule includes two hours of basic physical training every morning, followed by practicing martial arts fundamentals and techniques specific to Mount Emei.
Besides martial arts, I also have specialized training in wirework for performance, as well as classes in acting, street dance and traditional culture.
“In the future, we hope to excel not only in kung fu but also in other aspects, and become a well-rounded talent in both culture and martial arts,” team member Li Nuofei, 20, told the Global Times in an interview.
Photo: Courtesy of Emei Kung Fu Girls Group
In addition to martial arts, Ms. Lee is also skilled in both folk and modern dance.
Forming the team was difficult at first, especially finding members with solid martial arts backgrounds and strong teamwork skills, team leader Li Jieyu told the Global Times. “The current team was formed after several rounds of selection and training.”
With 22 years of martial arts experience, Lin is the national representative successor of Emei Martial Arts. The 26-year-old is a visionary who drives the group's mission to promote traditional Chinese culture to more young people.
“We want Emei martial arts to continue to thrive in modern times,” Lin said.
The group's performance videos posted on social media have inspired many viewers to express interest in learning and practicing Emei martial arts.
On May 11, former Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin shared a video of the group's training on Facebook, saying, “Heroines from Chinese martial arts novels! Watch as the Emei kung fu girls show off their amazing skills,” sparking excitement among the team members.
Cultural Ambassador
Lin finds the response both “satisfying” and “motivating”, and to anyone interested in Emei kung fu, Lin advises aspiring people to “be persistent” and to “seek formal training from a reputable school or master”.
“No matter where you are, as long as you have the passion for martial arts in your heart, you can start your martial arts journey. The doors of Emei Martial Arts are always open to those who love martial arts,” she said.
“I hope that in the process of learning and practicing, everyone can find their own joy and value, and together we can inherit and promote this precious cultural heritage,” Lin said.
Lin told the Global Times that she has another big vision: to “enhance the status and influence of women in the martial arts world”.
“Martial arts is not just for men. We will show through our actions that women can excel in this field as well, encouraging more women to get involved in martial arts and break gender barriers,” Lin said.
In the future, the group will explore how to transform itself into a cultural ambassador for Chinese martial arts to the world, promote Chinese martial arts globally, and strengthen international cultural exchanges. For example, in July, the group will hold a performance in Paris, France, with content related to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We believe that with the joint efforts of all our members, the Emei Kung Fu Girls Group will continue to grow and prosper through inheritance and innovation, and contribute to the prosperity and development of Chinese martial arts,” said team leader Li Jieyu.
