[Explanation] During the summer vacation, in the martial arts training hall of Jiqing School in Cang County, Hebei Province, more than 40 students will practice Chinese traditional martial arts skills such as splitting and hanging punches and crazy sticks every day under the leadership of Zhang Jian.

Zhang Jian, born in 1970, is a physical education teacher at Jiqing School. He has been volunteering to teach traditional martial arts to students at the school for 16 consecutive years.

Zhang Jian said that the reason why he volunteered to teach children to practice martial arts was because of the influence of his teacher Wang Zhihai.

  [Concurrent] Zhang Jian, physical education teacher of Jiqing School, Cang County, Hebei Province

  I have been teaching martial arts in school since 2006 (starting on a voluntary basis), because in the early 1970s (last century), my mentor, Wang Zhihai, taught martial arts in this school for free and never charged any fees.

This baton was received in my hand, and I (just want to) pass on, inherit, and carry forward Chinese martial arts well. 

  [Explanation] According to Zhang Jian’s teacher Wang Zhihai, Cangzhou is the hometown of martial arts. There are many excellent types of martial arts, and Piguaquan is one of them.

Zhang Jian has practiced splitting and hanging punches since he was 8 years old and has won many national championships.

  [Concurrent] Zhang Jian, physical education teacher of Jiqing School, Cang County, Hebei Province

  Split-hanging boxing is characterized by wide opening and closing, long-term strikes. It is an excellent type of boxing. My teacher passed on to me. I want to inherit and inherit this traditional split-hanging boxing.

  [Explanation] During the interview, the reporter learned that in the past 16 years, Zhang Jian has trained more than 2,000 martial arts students and sent a number of outstanding athletes to Cangzhou Sports School. 15 of his disciples have been admitted to Beijing Sport University and Shanghai Sports School. Colleges and Universities, such as Hebei Institute of Physical Education and Sports.

  [Concurrent] Wushu student Zhang Zhenbiao

  I have been practicing martial arts with Teacher Zhang since kindergarten, and it has been eight years this year. This year I also passed the martial arts entrance to my ideal university.

What impressed me the most was that he practiced martial arts with Teacher Zhang, he was very strict.

  [Concurrent] Song Yan, a martial arts student

  Teacher Zhang not only teaches us to practice martial arts, but also teaches us how to behave. He tells us not to fight in martial arts, to study hard, and to teach us to respect our teachers.

  [Explanation] Zhang Jian said that the essence of traditional Chinese martial arts lies in martial ethics. The purpose of martial arts training is to strengthen the body and protect the homeland. Therefore, he teaches students that martial arts should first look at character and then talent.

For more than ten years, Zhang Jian, while teaching boxing on a voluntary basis, has also supported 12 students from poor families to complete their studies.

  [Concurrent] Zhang Jian, physical education teacher of Jiqing School, Cang County, Hebei Province

  I am more than 50 years old this year. When my physical condition allows, I (will) continue to teach my children free of charge. Whenever I have the opportunity, (I will) go to the school of my brother’s unit to teach voluntarily to teach our traditional martial arts. The chopping fist is handed down.

  Reporter Ai Guangde and Zhai Yujia report from Cangzhou, Hebei.

Editor in charge: [Zhang Aolin]