Pan Qiongqi, vice head of the Weng Gong Ci Martial Club, demonstrating Bai He Quan
Xinhua Online, Fuzhou, 05.08.2018 (Wang Xiong). „Put your hands a little higher, eyes straight, palms facing forward.” On Aug 3rd, in an old lane at Wulijie garrison, Yongchun County, Fujian Province, Pan Qiongqi patiently and untiringly adjusts the movements of his students. He is vice head of the Weng Gong Ci Martial Gym and official Person Responsible for Preserving and Spreading the Art of Yongchun Bai He Quan.
Since its founding in 1928, the Weng Gong Ci has constantly grown and developed; the number of professors educated here is more than 100. During this year’s summer vacation 30 students from Yongchun, Quanzhou, Xiamen, Zhangzhou and other nearby Cities attained courses at the Wu Shu Guan, ages ranging from 5 to 34.
“Yongchun Bai He Quan has become famous near and far, and every year foreign students come to the Wu Shu Guan especially looking for this famous location”, says Pan Qiong Qi. His father is Pan Cheng Miao, head of the Weng Gong Ci, who has been as far as Singapore, Russia, England, Germany, France, Spain etc. on his mission to teach Bai He Quan.
Yongchun Bai He Quan, also called “Yongchun Quan” came into life during the Kangxi period of Qing Dynasty and has thus been developing for more than 300 years. Since then it has spread to over 80 countries and regions. In August 2008, Yongchun Bai He Quan made it to the list of immaterial cultural heritage, becoming a jewel of Chinese martial arts culture.
Until today Yongchun Bai He Quan has become one of the famous brands of Yongchun; the local government and teachers frequently ponder over the matter of passing on and developing the art. From 2009 on the Bai He Quan Cultural Festival is held annually – a platform for exchange for martial arts enthusiasts from all over the world. Starting in 2010, all around the county Bai He Quan exercises take place at primary and middle schools: as part of physical education, as morning exercises or exercises between classes. By this, Yongchun Bai He Quan has become even more widespread.
The village Dayu in Wulijie garrison has been named “Yongchun Bai He Quan Village No. 1”. Here the simple and honest spirit of the country side and thriving martial spirit of “rolling up one’s trouser legs and do the farm work, rolling up the sleeves and practice Bai He Quan” is continued. A performance group of 20 persons has been established; the idea of “making friends through martial arts” has so far attracted students from Russia and Yingguo who came looking for the roots of Bai He Quan and exchange.
“Like the Flame of a burning piece of firewood passes on to the rest, it will grow and multiply without end” says Pan Qiongqi, the name of Bai He Quan will spread wide and far, more and more martial arts enthusiasts come to Yongchun to study the art, for sightseeing and fun; he strongly believes that Bai He Quan will spread even further in future.
During this year’s summer vacation 30 from age 5 to age 34 students from Yongchun to Quanzhou, Xiamen, Zhangzhou and other nearby Cities attained a course at the Wu Shu Guan.
Founded in 1928, the Weng Gong Ci in an old lane in Wulijie garrison, Yongchun County/Fujian Province has until now established departments in Singapore, Malaysia, Russia and Germany.
Pan Qiongqi, vice head of the Weng Gong Ci, teaches Luise, a girl from the german department.
Yongchun Bai He Quan has become famous near and far, and every year foreign students come to the Wu Shu Guan specifically looking for this famous location.
Two students of the Weng Gong Ci practicing
Two students of the Weng Gong Ci practicing with the staff
Practicing with the “Wooden Man”