Wudang Martial Arts Academy set to open this autumn

The Wudang Mountains International Martial Arts Academy, a branch of the Wuhan Institute of Physical Education, completed construction of its principal buildings on June 22. Workers are now decorating the interior of the buildings and beautifying the campus environment.

"We have completed the first phase of the project, which covers an area of 150 mu (10 hectares), with a building area of 50,000 square meters, including a teaching building, an administration building and a library," said Ma Shikun, executive dean of the academy. "It is expected to be fully completed by 2018 with an area of over 600 mu and a building area of more than 100,000 square meters," Ma added.

Ma noted that currently the academy is working on new student enrollment, with classes set to open this autumn. The academy plans to start majors including martial arts and traditional national sports, athletic training, physical education, physical dance, recreational sports and exercise rehabilitation in the initial stage. It will grant graduation certificates and diplomas from the Wuhan Institute of Physical Education for qualified graduates.

With white walls and grey tiles, the antique architectural style buildings integrate the academy into the scenery of the Wudang Mountains. "I've never seen any university with such unique features. I'd think it was a newly built scenic spot if they didn't tell me it was an academy,” commented Mr. Wang, who came to the admission office of the academy for information. His son has graduated from high school this year and has had enthusiasm for Wudang's martial arts since childhood. They accidentally learned that the academy was recruiting students on a tour to Wudang after the Gaokao. "My son really wants to come here to learn martial arts. So we've been here many times to learn more these days," Wang added.

"Relying on the rich education resources of the Wuhan Institute of Physical Education and Wudang's martial arts culture, I believe, in the near future, the academy will not only deliver a great number of qualified professionals to society, but will also help carry forward Wudang's culture, bringing new vitality to the development of its tourism, economy and society. It will become the sparkling cultural 'golden top' of the Wudang Mountains," said Ma Shikun.

Edited by Michael Thai and Zhang Qiong