Kung fu at age 94 draws admirers

Fighting-fit 94-year-old wins nationwide fame as her martial arts moves amaze followers

Even at the age of 94, Zhang Hexian can still handle herself in a fight.

Known in her home county of Ninghai, in East China's Zhejiang province, as "kung fu granny", she has found fame on Chinese social media, with internet users saying they want to become her disciples.

Zhang has been practicing martial arts since she was 4 years old.

"My father would teach me kung fu skills even when I was in bed," she says.

Every day, she gets up at 5 am and practices kung fu, before eating a breakfast of porridge or noodles. Since the death of her husband, she has grown her own vegetables, chopped her own wood and cooked all her own meals.

Her son, Feng Chuanyin, says practicing each day has kep Zhang in good health.

"My mom has never been in a hospital and recovers from the occasional cold after some sleep," he says.

"She never takes any health products, such as vitamins or supplements."

Practicing martial arts is a tradition in Zhang's family. She has taught kung fu to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"We practice kung fu for health reasons and self-defense," says Feng, her son. "My mom tells us that attacking others is absolutely unacceptable."

Zhang says she wants to continue teaching her skills to younger generations.

Xinhua

Zhang Hexian, 94, teaches kung fu to a girl in her village in Ninghai county, Zhejiang province, in 2016. She has had more than 100 disciples. Zui Xiangli / For China Daily

Zhang tutors disciples in the village. Zui Xiangli / For China Daily

Zhang competes with her son in stick play (above) and guides her great-granddaughter at home (below). Huang Ruipeng / Xinhua

Practicing a kung fu posture in the courtyard of her home in January. Zui Xiangli / For China Daily

"My father would teach me kung fu skills even when I was in bed," Zhang Hexian says. Zui Xiangli / For China Daily

(China Daily European Weekly 03/03/2017 page4)