The Republic of China Sports Federation aims to build a martial arts academy in Yunlin. (Photo : Reuters)
The government of Yunlin County and the Republic of China Sports Federation (ROCSF) organized the 2015 edition of the Martial Arts and Sports Festival.
The event was held on Saturday at the county's Siluo township.
According the authorities of the county located in central Taiwan, the local government aims to promote martial arts training and exchanges. Ultimately, its goal is to advocate physical fitness among Yunlin citizens.
In the early days of the Siluo township, particularly during the Qing Dynasty or at the dawn of the 19th century, martial arts training was prevalent, the ROCSF remarked.
During those times, there existed three main martial arts sects, namely Chen Hsing, Wu Yeh and Chin His. These sects later developed into four martial arts schools: Chin His Tang, Chen Hsing Kuan, Wu Yeh Kuan and Chen Hsing She.
In ancient Taiwan, Liu Ming-shan (also known as "Ah Shang Shih"), the founder of Chen Hsing She, was one of the best-known martial arts masters. The martial artist earned the nod of the people because of his faithfulness and benevolence.
Chang Chao-kuo, the president of the ROCSF, noted that the recently held festival is one way to promote the martial arts and spirit of the legendary Liu.
Chang added that there is also a plan to establish a martial arts academy in the Siluo township. The ROCSF chief said that this will be part of a bigger intent to forge partnership with China's Shaolin Temple.
The eyed agreement with the Shaolin Temple, in turn, is a way the ROCSF sees to let martial arts be included in the Olympic Games someday, Chang further remarked.
