Shi Yongxin, abbot of the famous Shaolin Temple, the holy place
for Kung-fu fans worldwide, has published a 31-volume collection of
Kong-fu magazines printed between 1910s and 1940s.
The book, published by Cathay Bookshop Publishing House,
showcases 43 Kung-fu magazines printed during the era of the
Republic of China (1911-1949).
About 50 such magazines were published by local Kung-fu groups
during that period, reflecting the widespread popularity of martial
arts as "Guo Shu" (national art).
"Research on the development of martial arts during this period
is lacking because of inadequate source material," said Shi. He
said that was why he had spent two years collecting and excerpting
articles from the magazines.
"It's important to show the heritage of Chinese traditional
sports to the world ahead of the Olympic Games," he said.
Experts said the book would be very useful to researchers and
Kung-fu enthusiasts within China and overseas.
Founded about 1,500 years ago in central Henan Province, Shaolin
Temple is famed for combining martial arts with Zen Buddhism.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the temple in 2006 and
Jacques Rogger, President of the International Olympic Committee
(IOC), went there in August last year.
An estimated 3 million foreigners have been studying Shaolin
Kung-fu in some 50 countries and territories.
Chinese Kung-fu will be showcased at the Olympics this year.
(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2008)
