Do All Chinese People Know Kung Fu?

Cineteca Milano Arlecchino

On June 27, the classic Chinese kung fu film “The Grandmaster”was re-released at Cineteca Milano Arlecchino, located at Via San Pietro All’Orto 9. 

The film, subtitled in Italian, attracted numerous Italian fans of Chinese kung fu cinema.

“The Grandmaster” Returns to Milan

Released in 2013, “The Grandmaster”tells the story of Ip Man, a renowned Wing Chun kung fu master from Foshan. Directed by Wong Kar Wai and starring Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and Zhang Ziyi, the film won several awards, including Best Film at the Asian Film Awards, Hong Kong Film Awards, and the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival. It also received nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design at the 86th Academy Awards. Zhang Ziyi garnered ten Best Actress awards for her role in the film.

The main theme of “The Grandmaster”is the preservation of the spirit of Chinese martial arts. Wong Kar Wai incorporated four major traditional Chinese martial arts styles—Wing Chun, Bagua, Bajiquan, and Xingyiquan—into the film. The dueling scenes are a visual feast, showcasing splendid visual effects, choreographed action, and impressive sound design. The film creates a poetic cinematic atmosphere through the inner conflicts of the characters, the ambient environment, and the detailed presentation of combat scenes.

Chinese Kung Fu Films and Bruce Lee

In reality, Ip Man had a famous student named Bruce Lee. At the age of 14, Lee began studying Wing Chun under Ip Man and later developed Jeet Kune Do, a martial art that enhanced the effectiveness of combat. The term “kung fu” in English was coined by Bruce Lee and later included in English dictionaries. Chinese kung fu serves as a global calling card, featuring names such as Bruce Lee, Ip Man, Wong Fei-Hung, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. In many ways, Bruce Lee is synonymous with Chinese kung fu and represents its most prominent symbol.

It is said that foreigners believe all Chinese people practice kung fu because they are familiar with Bruce Lee. Lee was the first to introduce Chinese kung fu to Western mainstream culture through his films. His role in “The Green Hornet” allowed global audiences to see Chinese kung fu on television for the first time.

How Bruce Lee Changed the World

The kung fu film craze was sparked by Bruce Lee in the 1970s and has continued to grow since. His portrayal of the “Chinese hero” became recognized worldwide. Before him, no Asian face had played a heroic role in Western films. Films like “Enter the Dragon”, “Fist of Fury”, “The Chinese Connection”, and “Game of Death” introduced the world to Chinese kung fu, making cinema a significant medium for showcasing Chinese culture.

Bruce Lee studied philosophy at the University of Washington in Seattle, blending Eastern and Western philosophies into his martial arts training, developing his kung fu philosophy: “A good martial artist is like water. Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water.” An interview segment where Lee, dressed in a suit, confidently explained the philosophy of Chinese kung fu during a Hollywood audition is well known. Despite his brief 33 years, Bruce Lee has become a cultural icon of Eastern culture. As noted in the History Channel documentary “How Bruce Lee Changed the World”, “He struck the world with the strongest right fist in human history, and we are still reeling from his impact.”

Interestingly, Western interpretations of Chinese culture and kung fu have led to animated films like “Kung Fu Panda”. Although it contains several stereotypes about Chinese culture, the film’s core is a classic Hollywood hero’s journey. Its positive and vibrant characters, aligned with contemporary mainstream values, have made it popular globally, including in China.

Tai Chi and Older Generations in China

Every morning, in cities across China, one can see elderly people dressed in uniform clothing practicing Tai Chi to soothing music. This phenomenon is one reason why many foreigners new to China might believe that “everyone in China knows kung fu.” Since the 1950s, China has promoted physical fitness through mass sports activities, incorporating Tai Chi as a fitness regimen. Since 1985, China has hosted numerous national Tai Chi competitions. Tai Chi is a mind-body practice emphasizing movement with intention, balancing the body’s energy channels, and harmonizing Yin and Yang. The gentle, slow movements can be adapted to individual needs, making it suitable for different ages and physical conditions.

The “Chinese Tai Chi Classroom” in Milan

Not only is Tai Chi popular in China, but Tai Chi masters have also spread the art to numerous countries and regions. Tai Chi has become one of the most widely participated in and beloved martial arts and fitness activities worldwide. In Italy, there are several Chinese kung fu learning institutions, with the “Chinese Tai Chi Classroom” in Milan enhancing cultural exchange between China and Italy through Tai Chi. It is well-received by Italians interested in Chinese kung fu. The “Chinese Tai Chi Culture Festival” held on April 29 attracted nearly a thousand Tai Chi enthusiasts and locals from various parts of Italy.

Chinese School Radio Exercises

Another reason for the belief that “everyone in China knows kung fu” is the radio exercises practiced by Chinese school students. Radio exercises are a form of calisthenics that does not require special equipment or space and are usually performed to a broadcast. As part of the nationwide fitness initiative, the Chinese Ministry of Education developed radio exercises for students, incorporating elements of traditional martial arts. Over time, these exercises have evolved, with the latest version, introduced in 2011, being validated by sports medicine experts. Radio exercises are a daily fixture in Chinese schools, often conducted in the morning, and inter-school competitions are held in some areas.

The Continuing Popularity of Chinese Kung Fu

The popularity of Chinese kung fu continues to spread. Kung fu films often reflect values such as “benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, faith, loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and courage,” which have been integral to Chinese culture for centuries. Kung fu has become an inseparable part of Chinese culture, integrating with philosophy, religion, art, traditional medicine, and other aspects of Chinese society. It embodies both strength and softness, internal and external harmony, and reflects the Chinese people’s understanding of life and the universe. Sharing Chinese culture represented by martial arts with the world not only promotes health and happiness but also fosters a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.