江苏留学网

A Spanish martial arts enthusiast lifts two water jars in Peixian county, Jiangsu province. [Photo from WeChat account peixianfabu]

A group of nine Chinese kung fu enthusiasts recently traveled all the way from Spain to Peixian county, hometown of martial arts, in Jiangsu province. 

Pan Shuangxi, a master and inheritor of Liuhe Quan, or Liuhe Boxing -- which originated in the Shaolin Temple in the late Yuan to early Ming dynasties (1271-1644) -- guided the Spaniards on various techniques. 

Liuhe Boxing features an integration of hands and eyes, steps and body, as well as the brain and force. 

Exponents say it has grasped the essence of movements of animals such as the dragon, tiger, rabbit, monkey and crane, and requires the martial artist to fully cover directions -- back and forth, left and right and up and down. 

Master Pan said he had accepted many foreign apprentices in recent years. The nine Spaniards, especially the leader Bruno, were also enthusiastic followers of Pan. 

Bruno said he was impressed by the master's book on Liuhe Boxing when he read it two years ago and had determined to visit him. Now owner of three martial arts centers in Madrid, Bruno said he has been a keen practitioner since childhood and the martial arts has benefited his body and his spiritual side. 

"I hope more and more people will be interested in martial arts and bring this traditional practice to the world arena," said master Pan.

Spanish martial arts enthusiasts learn from Pan Shuangxi (second, right), a master and inheritor of Liuhe Quan, or Liuhe Boxing – a skill originating from the Shaolin Temple in the late Yuan to early Ming dynasties (1271-1644). [Photo from WeChat account peixianfabu]