Emei Sect Beauties Captivate with Martial Arts Performance
The Emei Sect, a martial arts group from China, has garnered massive attention with their videos showcasing their skills in kicking and swordplay on the mountains. With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, the group has released a short film to support the games, which has led to increased interest and discussions about them on various forums.
From the standpoint of The Paper, the group was established in late April and has since attracted over 35 million followers on social media platforms both in China and internationally. Their series of short films has amassed over a billion views on video platforms.
The group consists of nine members, founded by Lang Yun, a member of the ’90s generation. The other eight members were born after 2000. Lang Yun began martial arts training at the age of four and received formal training in Emei martial arts, a traditional style recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of China, from the age of ten. At 22, after numerous selection rounds, Lang Yun became an ambassador for the sect.
Lang Yun views the role of ambassador as both an honor and a responsibility. She formed the group with the goal of passing on martial arts skills, training for performances, and creating videos to promote the sect and traditional culture. She emphasizes that the history of the Emei Sect is as rich as that of the Wudang or Shaolin sects and deserves wider recognition.
The group frequently practices and films at a temple near the mountain in Emei City, Sichuan Province. They work with directors, scriptwriters, and action designers to produce martial arts videos for social media. Due to their popularity, they have secured advertising contracts for beverages, fashion, games, and automobiles. The nine members also regularly perform at cultural and sports events.
The primary weapon used by Lang Yun and her disciples is the sword. She notes that although the movements in the short films appear light, they require significant strength. Lang Yun insists that the movements must be as smooth as flowing water and wind while conveying sharpness and firmness. Achieving this is challenging due to the risk of injury during filming. Tian Chao, a member with a dance background, practices daily with sandbags on her legs to enhance her striking speed, often struggling to lift her legs due to intense training.
On Douyin, many viewers have referred to the group as the “Emei Sect making a comeback” and Lang Yun as a “modern Chu Chur.” Chu Chur is a character from Jin Yong’s martial arts novels, known as a disciple of the Emei Sect’s leader.
Xinhua notes that the group appeals to audiences by blending martial arts with choreography, music, and fashion to cater to youthful tastes. The team pays close attention to costumes, hairstyles, and accessories in each video. Lang Yun believes that tradition can also be “fashionable.”
Some critics argue that the members only showcase superficial martial arts skills to attract views and comments, suggesting that the group has not yet demonstrated the true essence of traditional Chinese martial arts. Others feel that the rush to create promotional videos compromises the authenticity of their martial arts practice.
Lang Yun responds, “Honestly, we are not deterred by such comments. Every day brings new pressures and challenges, but we move forward. The pressure drives us to persevere in our work.”
