Program launched to boost martial arts

A program to promote and inherit traditional Chinese martial arts was launched in Beijing on Oct 26. It will select representative styles of martial arts, and vividly narrate their origin, evolution, and current status through videos. The goal is to inspire the public to identify with and love Chinese martial arts and outstanding traditional culture.

The program was initiated by the Global Times, the Beijing martial arts and sports association and the action games developer 24 Entertainment.

At the launch ceremony, Ray Kuan, producer of the popular game Naraka: Bladepoint featuring Chinese marital arts elements, said Chinese martial arts have evolved into not just a physical fitness activity but also a unique culture of great significance.

After being influenced by martial arts culture and deeply passionate about the spirit, Kuan said he has committed himself to incorporating the excellent Chinese culture of martial arts into game development.

"I hope that games can become one of the vehicles for preserving and passing on this outstanding traditional culture," he said.

Experts and officials from Henan province's Dengfeng city and Hubei province's Shiyan city, both deep in martial arts culture, said they will actively join the program to carry forward the Chinese martial arts.