Shaolin Kung Fu is to become a compulsory class in some Chinese
middle schools in
Henan Province, home to the famous Shaolin Temple, local
newspapers reported.
Starting this autumn semester, middle schools in Dengfeng City
will offer Shaolin Kung Fu in their PE classes, according to
Henan Daily.
"Dengfeng trained over 90 PE teachers in martial arts over the
summer vacation, and training ended on Sunday. Teachers hope that
Kung Fu can help to arouse students' interest in exercise," the
report said, adding that elementary schools will be included in the
program soon.
Dengfeng, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, has been dubbed the
home of Chinese martial arts. The city has more than 80 martial
arts clubs and schools with an enrolment of about 50,000
students.
Dengfeng is south of Song Mountain where the world-renowned
Shaolin Temple is located.
(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2006)