For generations, Jin Yong's martial arts novels have painted vivid images of the Emei Sect's sword-wielding heroines. Yet beyond the pages lies a richer history: the sect traces its origins to 12th-century Grandmaster Situ Xuankong, whose teachings predate fiction by centuries.
Modern practitioners preserve this legacy through precise forms like the Phoenix Eye Fist – a technique targeting pressure points with thumb-knuckle strikes – and the elegant Emei piercers, twin rods wielded in hypnotic circular patterns. 'These aren't combat moves, but moving meditation,' explains Chengdu-based instructor Li Wei. 'Every stance carries philosophy about balancing softness and strength.'
Recent demonstrations at Mount Emei's temples revealed how these arts intertwine with traditional Chinese medicine and Daoist principles. Researchers note growing international interest, with cultural centers in 15 countries now offering workshops. As martial arts gain UNESCO recognition, the Emei tradition stands as a bridge between China's past and its global cultural future.
Reference(s):
SPARK: From Jin Yong's pages to reality — The real art of Emei Sect
cgtn.com