Forget Ip Man. Here’s a renowned gongfu grandmaster who is still punching, kicking and fighting at 93.
Meet Madam Zhang Hexian, a martial arts master who has been practising gongfu since the tender age of three. Known as a living legend in Dongyuan village, near Ningbo at Zhejiang province in China, Madam Zhang is widely respected in her village and even has a history of dealing with criminals.
But besides her disciplinary life of waking up at 4am to practice gongfu for two hours each day, Madam Zhang also helps out in the fields and walks 3km to the market and back, reported Women of China.
What’s impressive is that Madam Zhang is said to have never fallen ill or plagued by diseases, and usually recovers from a cold quickly by having sound sleep.
Her 53-year-old son, Feng Chuanyin, who also practises gongfu, said: “She’s always in perfect health. She’s never been to the hospital one single time.”
Madam Zhang also has a healthy appetite for food and was said to have eaten a plate of eight whole crabs by herself. She refuses to take healthcare supplements and insists that ordinary food is enough for her body. She believes that the aim of practising gongfu is to build a strong body and fight against evil.
Her willingness to help people in need is also another reason for her reputation in town.
“We have to care for others. Never take advantage of others. We need to carry forward in goodness and kindness. You think you’re invincible. No one is capable of being your rival.
“However, invincibility is meaningless,” said Madam Zhang.
Ruptly
klim@sph.com.sg
