By Jin Yuhan

On a sunny afternoon in Yuelin Subdistrict, Fenghua District, Ningbo, more than ten children practiced Xingyiquan under the guidance of local martial arts master Shi Lei, following her movements with focused attention.

At 63, Shi has spent over 20 years teaching martial arts in Fenghua. With silver hair, a white T-shirt, dark pants, and her ever-present Tai Chi sword, she cuts the figure of a kung fu master.

"The best time to learn martial arts is as a child. Through these classes, I hope they can experience the unique charm of Chinese martial arts," Shi said, clapping to encourage her students before demonstrating the next move.

Trained in Xingyiquan, a style of internal Chinese martial arts, and Tai Chi, Shi's first teacher was her grandfather, Zhu Guofu, a master of Xingyiquan. She grew up immersed in martial arts culture. "As a child, I would wake up early and join him in his morning fitness routine," she recalled. It was from then on that she developed a lifelong passion for kung fu.

Her home is filled with martial arts manuals, two of which, yellowed with age, were passed down by her grandfather. These books document essential movements and techniques for boosting health.

Shi teaches at the Fenghua District Sports Center most mornings, guiding local enthusiasts in Xingyiquan and Tai Chi. Over time, residents have affectionately nicknamed her "Kung Fu Grandma".

"Master Shi has been teaching here for 20 years, with students ranging from elementary school children to seniors in their eighties," said local resident Lyu Youye. She noted that Shi has taught over 4,000 students, including international visitors from countries like Spain, boosting her reputation.

Shi aims to raise awareness of Xingyiquan and promote Chinese martial arts more broadly. "Every generation of martial artists has a mission. Mine is not only to preserve these traditions but also to share the spirit of Chinese sports," she said, adding that martial arts can help the world gain a deeper understanding of China.