Latest news with #ZhaoHonggang
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Chinese Martial Artist Trains For Slap-Fighting Tournament Using 2,000-Year-Old Combat Style
A 36-year-old Chinese martial artist's story is going viral on the internet for his unconventional preparation ahead of an international slap-fighting tournament in Japan. Zhao Honggang, a Beijing-based influencer and martial arts expert, is combining ancient Chinese combat techniques with modern training methods to gear up for the contest, where participants take turns striking each other with open-handed slaps until one concedes or is knocked out. Zhao is a ninth-generation inheritor of the Qi family branch of tongbeiquan, a traditional northern Chinese martial art known for its long-range strikes and distinctive use of power generated from the back and shoulders. The style, which mimics ape-like movements, has been recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in China. According to the South China Morning Post, Zhao hopes to introduce tongbeiquan to a global audience by participating in the slap-fighting event. He believes the martial arts principles, when combined with modern mixed martial arts techniques, give him a strategic edge. Zhao's credentials include winning the MMA title at the Henan "King of Kung Fu" tournament and securing victory at the 2024 Zhangjiakou National Martial Arts Exchange Conference. His training routine includes head dumbbell lifts to strengthen neck and facial muscles, alongside precision slap drills with teammates. "If I knock out my opponent with a single slap, I win. I want to spar with international competitors and showcase the unique strength of tongbeiquan," he told Haibao News.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Chinese martial artist trains for international slap-fighting event using 2,000-year-old combat style
A Chinese martial artist has captured national attention for his unusual but intense preparation to compete in an international slap-fighting tournament in Japan, reported the South China Morning Post. Zhao Honggang, 36, is not just another contender. Based in Beijing and originally from Gansu province in northwestern China, Zhao is the ninth-generation inheritor of the Qi family style of Tongbeiquan—an ancient martial art that dates back over 2,000 years. Also read: A princess at Harvard: Belgium's future Queen is currently enjoying American student life Tongbeiquan, which translates to 'Spreading Power from the Back Boxing,' is recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. The combat style draws inspiration from the movements of apes, emphasising powerful strikes that originate in the back and flow through the shoulders and arms. Zhao's efforts extend far beyond personal accolades. He hopes to showcase the strength and adaptability of Chinese martial arts on the international stage by merging the traditional techniques of Tongbeiquan with modern combat sports like slap-fighting. Slap-fighting is a fast-growing sport where two opponents take turns slapping each other with an open hand, aiming for a knockout or forcing the other to forfeit. The contests begin with a coin toss, and the defender must not flinch, raise a shoulder, or turn their head to reduce the impact. In preparation for the competition, Zhao has devised a demanding training regimen that includes lifting dumbbells with his head to build neck and facial muscle strength. He also practices slaps with teammates to perfect his technique. 'If I knock out my opponent with a single slap, I win,' Zhao told Haibao News. 'I mainly want to spar with international competitors and let them know the unique power of Tongbeiquan. I also hope to bring Chinese martial arts to the world stage.' Zhao has already earned recognition in China's martial arts community, having won titles such as the MMA championship at the Henan 'King of Kung Fu' tournament and top honors at the 2024 inaugural Zhangjiakou National Martial Arts Exchange Conference. Off the mat, Zhao is using social media to promote Tongbeiquan and educate younger generations. With 685,000 followers on one platform, he regularly posts content featuring slap-fighting drills, traditional training with his master and students, and insights into his journey. Supporters have rallied behind Zhao's mission. One user commented, 'Keep it up, make our country proud, looking forward to your performance in the tournament.' Also read: 'We've lost control': Chilling cockpit audio resurfaces from Alaska Airlines Flight 261 before deadly 2000 crash Still, not everyone is convinced. Concerns about the safety of slap-fighting have also surfaced. 'The price of competing in that kind of tournament is too high,' one commenter warned. 'Even with a mouth guard, the damage to your teeth and oral cavity is irreversible.' Another added, 'Those encouraging you are playing with someone else's life. Know your limits, brother.' Despite the risks, Zhao remains committed to his dual mission—achieving victory and bringing Chinese martial arts to a global audience.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
China man trains rigorously in martial arts to compete in Japan slapping contest
BEIJING: A man in China has attracted public attention for his rigorous training schedule as he prepares to take part in an international face slapping competition. Zhao Honggang, 36, is honing his skills in Tongbeiquan, a traditional northern Chinese martial art known for its long-reaching strikes. His hard work comes ahead of a slap-fighting tournament in Japan during which he hopes to promote Chinese martial arts on the world stage. Martial artist and influencer Zhao was born in Gansu province, northwestern China and is now based in Beijing. He is the ninth-generation inheritor of the Qi family style, a branch of Tongbeiquan, a traditional Chinese martial art that dates back more than 2,000 years. Tongbeiquan, which translates to 'Spreading Power from the Back Boxing' and is recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, draws inspiration from the movements of apes. Its techniques emphasise generating power from the back, channelling it through the shoulders and arms to deliver powerful strikes with the fists or hands. Zhao has worked tirelessly to preserve the traditional Chinese martial art, while also modernising it to adapt to contemporary combat sports, such as slap fighting. Slap fighting, a competition in which two participants take turns delivering open-handed slaps in an attempt to knock out their opponent or make them forfeit, is gaining popularity globally. The match begins with a coin toss to determine who strikes first. The person being slapped is not allowed to flinch, raise their shoulder, or tuck in their chin to minimise the impact. Zhao believes that by creatively integrating Tongbeiquan principles with modern mixed martial arts techniques, he will gain a strategic edge. Zhao's martial arts journey has been marked by notable achievements. They include winning the MMA championship at the Henan 'King of Kung Fu' tournament and the 2024 inaugural Zhangjiakou National Martial Arts Exchange Conference. To prepare for slap-fighting competitions, Zhao lifts dumbbells with his head to strengthen his neck and facial muscles, and even rehearses slaps with his teammates. Zhao said he wants to promote Chinese martial arts globally and sees slap-fighting as a platform for cultural exchange. 'If I knock out my opponent with a single slap, I win. I mainly want to spar with international competitors and let them know the unique power of Tongbeiquan. I also hope to bring Chinese martial arts to the world stage,' Zhao told Haibao News. He has also worked tirelessly to popularise Tongbeiquan in China via social media. On one social media platform, where he boasts 685,000 followers, he frequently shares videos showing his techniques combined with slap fighting, tournament preparations, and interactions with his master and students. His story has attracted much online attention. One supporter said: 'Keep it up, make our country proud, looking forward to your performance in the tournament.' However, others expressed concerns about the potential dangers of the sport. 'The price of competing in that kind of tournament is too high,' one online observer warned, adding: 'Even with a mouth guard, the damage to your teeth and oral cavity is irreversible.' Another person agreed: 'Those encouraging you are playing with someone else's life. Know your limits, brother.' - South China Morning Post
South China Morning Post
19-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Chinese man trains rigorously in martial arts to compete in slap-fighting tournament
A man in China has attracted public attention for his rigorous training schedule as he prepares to take part in an international face slapping competition. Advertisement Zhao Honggang, 36, is honing his skills in Tongbeiquan, a traditional northern Chinese martial art known for its long-reaching strikes. His hard work comes ahead of a slap-fighting tournament in Japan during which he hopes to promote Chinese martial arts on the world stage. Martial artist and influencer Zhao was born in Gansu province, northwestern China and is now based in Beijing. Zhao Honggang trains by slapping down hard on a cushion ahead of the contest. Photo: Douyin He is the ninth-generation inheritor of the Qi family style, a branch of Tongbeiquan, a traditional Chinese martial art that dates back more than 2,000 years.
