Meet Fujian- Performing arts to thank teachers and performing martial arts to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival
On the afternoon of October 13, a vibrant celebration marking the 40th anniversary of Master Lin Qita’s teachings and the recognition of Tongyuan Dazun Quan as a provincial intangible cultural heritage took place in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. The event was filled with spirited exclamations of “Hi! Ha!” and “Good!” that echoed throughout the venue.
Spectators were treated to an impressive showcase of over 20 forms and weapons within the Dazun Quan martial art, including performances with large flags, broadswords, three-section staffs, tiger forks, Luo Han pins, dual short hammers, and Da Mo hammers. More than 20 martial arts practitioners of varying ages displayed their remarkable skills and athleticism, captivating the audience and earning loud applause. This celebration served as a heartfelt tribute to their beloved teacher, the 78-year-old Master Lin Qita, elevating his spirits with genuine affection.
Among the performers, the youngest was just 6 years old while the oldest was in their 50s. After their performances, they together performed a significant bowing ceremony to honor their master and his wife. They expressed their gratitude by stating, “Our Master has not only taught us martial arts but also the values of life!” In light of both the 40th anniversary of their master’s teachings and the upcoming Double Ninth Festival, they decided to organize this event, creating and performing their own martial arts routines as a special surprise for him.
Master Lin, born in 1947, is a key inheritor of the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Tongyuan Dazun Quan. His passion for martial arts began in childhood, and despite nearing eighty, he continues to practice and teach. For decades, he has dedicated himself to perfecting Dazun Quan while voluntarily mentoring students. His efforts to promote traditional Southern Fist have led his students to win dozens of gold and silver medals in various international and national competitions. He has also been invited to teach traditional Southern Fist techniques to members of the provincial martial arts team, proving himself to be an inspiring mentor.
“Dazun Quan is our local martial art, the ‘Zhangzhou Fist.’ This is the primary reason I want to pass on and promote Dazun Quan,” Master Lin explained. He shared that Dazun Quan is a renowned traditional martial art from Fujian, primarily practiced in the Zhangzhou and Quanzhou areas. Among its various styles, Tongyuan Dazun Quan has the longest history and is recognized as the oldest branch, traditionally passed down through oral transmission between master and apprentice. In January 2022, Dazun Quan was included in the sixth batch of Fujian Province’s representative projects of intangible cultural heritage.