Fighting-pole style named Xiangzhou cultural heritage

The Lin Jiu Singlestick martial art, which originated in Zaobei Village of Qianshan, has just been designated as an intangible cultural heritage item of Xiangzhou District.

Singlestick uses a quarterstaff resembling the long pole used for centuries to push fishing boats along Pearl River Delta waterways. It is a 160-year-old practice comprising 36 movements of eight series of skills and tricks.

Masters display Lin Jiu Singlestick

During the reign of Emperor Tao-kuang (Daoguang) (1821-50) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Zaobei on the Qianshan Waterway was threatened by pirates and invaders. Villagers hired Foshan Kungfu master Lin Jiu to teach them how to protect their homes. Since then, Lin Jiu Singlestick has been passed on for generations as it is practicable, good for health, and visually enjoyable.

Current keenness for keeping fit is good for the inheritance of the folk item and more people are joining in to practice it. “We want to mobilize more young people to take part,” said Wen Jiannan, head of the Lin Jiu Singlestick Martial Art Club in Zaobei.

The club will open Lin Jiu Singlestick classes in nearby schools this September, said Wen.

 New generation flails wooden staffs

Lin Jiu Singlestick masters parade intangible cultural heritage plaque. [Photos by Cheng Lin / Zhujiang Evening Post]