On the occasion of the successful one-year anniversary of the South Shaolin Intangible Cultural Heritage Martial Arts Protection Achievement Exchange Conference, on July 5, 2025, Lu Jiaying, the president of the 18 Road Shaolin Martial Arts Association in Fumian, Guangxi, led a delegation of more than 20 people to visit our temple for ancestral exchange. The abbot, Master Kong, warmly welcomed the guests, and Master Yan Cheng attended the reception. This exchange covers temple tours, ancestor worship, martial arts performances, and cultural discussions. Both sides will discuss the origins of martial arts and explore a new chapter in the inheritance of Shaolin martial arts culture in the south.
Tracing back to the roots, showing sincerity, offering incense, and honoring ancestors, carrying on the torch of inheritance
In front of the solemn gate of the South Shaolin Temple, President Lu Jiaying and his delegation paid tribute to their ancestral home with traditional martial arts etiquette. The delegation followed Master Yancheng on a tour of the temple, listening to the historical evolution of the thousand year old ancient temple, and gaining insights into the Southern Shaolin spirit of "unity of Zen and martial arts". In the the Shakya ManiHall, people worshipped incense and worshipped ancestors. Lu Jiaying expressed emotion: "South Shaolin is the root of the Eighteen Way Kung Fu. This visit to ancestors is not only a journey to find roots, but also a starting point for cultural inheritance." His words deeply demonstrated the deep sense of belonging of the martial arts association to the ancestral hall.
Martial Arts Exhibition, True Chapter, Interactive Integration, Inclusive Exhibition
In the inheritance hall, both sides take turns showcasing Southern Shaolin martial arts. The Fu Mian Association showcased the essence of Southern martial arts with its fierce and agile 18 way Lao boxing technique, while Southern Shaolin martial monks performed classic Wei Tuo boxing that blends Zen elements, attracting cheers and applause. The great monk Kongxing praised, "The complete preservation of the Southern Shaolin martial arts by our fellow disciples in Yulin is gratifying. It is the persistence of various branches in different regions that enables the continuous development of Southern Shaolin culture." During the on-site interaction, sparks of collision between the two martial arts schools were ignited, demonstrating the inclusive nature of Southern Shaolin culture.
Talking Together, Inheriting and Carrying on Mission, Promoting Culture, and Embarking on a New Journey
At the symposium, both sides had in-depth exchanges on topics such as the protection of intangible cultural heritage martial arts and talent cultivation. Kong Xing Da Monk emphasized: "As the ancestral home, Nan Shaolin Temple shoulders the responsibility of promoting Zen and martial arts culture and carrying forward the Chinese cultural heritage. We are willing to work together with fellow practitioners from all over the world to make martial arts not only a skill, but also a link to convey the spirit of peace and resilience." President Lu Jiaying responded that the Fu Mian Association will fully cooperate with the promotion of ancestral home culture and make Nan Shaolin martial arts shine with stronger vitality in the new era.
This ancestral worship activity is not only a return to blood and family ties, but also a resonance of cultural mission. Putian South Shaolin Temple will gather various forces with an open attitude, promote the creative transformation and innovative development of South Shaolin culture, and make greater contributions to the inheritance of excellent traditional Chinese culture.
