“Shīfù hao” means “Hi Master” in Mandarin. This is the salute that sophomore Jin Zhang carries out at the start of every kung fu class at Master Qi Kung Fu School. After Zhang’s traditional greeting, he executes complex formations, fierce kicks and explosive punches. His body twists and turns with agility as he performs intricate moves with nunchucks: a weapon used in kung fu. Sweat glistens on his brows as he completes acrobatic flips, high-flying kicks and lightning-quick blocks. Instructors shout commands, guiding students to perfection, while the atmosphere boils with intensity and determination. The display of agility, focus and power during kung fu practice is what makes it Zhang’s passion. 

Zhang embarked on a new chapter of his life at the age of 10, when he and his family relocated to the United States from Beijing, China. Kung fu is a traditional Chinese sport which has developed over a long historical period. Although Zhang is not living in China, practicing kung fu allows him to be close to his heritage. He has dedicated three years of his life to the martial arts. 

“Chinese culture is usually overlooked by many,” Zhang said. “My ancestors dealt with a lot of conflict during wars. It is interesting to see how they were able to train these legendary soldiers who followed etiquettes in fighting back to back in the day.”

The creation of martial arts not only requires skills sets and the foundations of techniques, but also artistry. However, many people may have a stereotype of associating fighting with martial arts. Zhang is connected to both the physical and the art aspect of martial arts.

“Chinese kung fu monks can fight, [since] they know how to use all those weapons,” Zhang said. “Martial Arts is more like a art form compared to actual fighting. So, during the competition, we don’t really fight. So, there’s less contact with actual fighting people.”

Despite having no prior competition experience, Zhang has gained plenty of performance exposure through his active involvement in numerous cultural events, particularly at the Festival of Nations. He dedicates an hour every day to the rigorous practice of kung fu to improve his technique. Preparing for the upcoming competitions has caused him to reflect on the challenges in his kung fu journey. 

“The most difficult thing is the details,” Zhang said. “Everyone can do the broad moves, but the details [are] what make the move look powerful and intimidating. Also, there are a lot of challenging moves, such as the flips, that are hard to do.” 

Many challenges arise for people performing in a competitive space in which their skills are being compared to others. Zhang worries he won’t measure up to their expectations in the competitions. 

“The greatest challenge in every performance [is that] I get nervous before [performing],” Zhang said. “So, trying to calm myself down before the competitions is something that I [will]  need to work on.”

Zhang attends kung fu practice three days per week, which allows him to improve his martial arts abilities. Master Qi, who leads Zhang, has been practicing for 30 years and sees potential in Zhang. 

“[Zhang’s] strength is his power, being fast, focused and being dedicated to kung fu,” Qi said. “He practices kung fu on a daily basis and when he does he gives his best.”

Although Jin has mastered some skills, there is always room for growth. 

“Jin needs to improve upon his hip mobility and flexibility and learn how to use his waist to do good moves and to make something look better,” Qi said. “You have to know the usage of your waist in these movements in order to do well in the competitions.”

Zhang is not the only Ladue Student to participate in rigorous kung fu practices. He and sophomore Thomas Seidel have been friends for 5 years and their friendship extends past high school to kung fu class as well. Seidel has been doing kung fu for 7 years. 

“[Jin has] definitely gotten experience and skill,” Seidel said. “He’s currently learning [how to] master a type of sword that is similar to a big stick with a blade.”

Zhang deeply looks up to the legendary martial arts champions Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. They represent the Chinese heritage that has created many diffrent kinds of martial arts such as kung fu. 

“The desire to be stronger, to release the energy in my body and to build a powerful mindset is what keeps me motivated to master martial arts,” Zhang said.

However, rigorous practice weighs upon Zhang because of injuries caused by nunchucks and many other weapons. For example, in July, Zhang was met with an ankle injury which took him around a month to recover from. Although it can be extremely difficult to balance out his injuries and practice, Zhang values the ultimate reward of martial arts.

“The most rewarding part of kung fu is the connection with my own culture,” Zhang said. “The culture I get to experience makes me get stronger and healthier day by day.”

Caption: Sophomore Jin Zhang performs his routine at the start of class, which can take up to two minutes. Zhang has performed at many cultural events like the Festival of Nations in preparation for upcoming competitions. Zhang utilized the skills and his experience from the cultural events, he feels more prepared for the upcoming competitions. “I am taking more private classes with my coach instead of a big class,” Zhang said.