In China, nearly every kung fu enthusiast has watched Jackie Chan’s action movies and attempted to imitate some of his signature moves. This inclination likely arises from the impression that observing skilled masters practice kung fu can sometimes lead one to believe that mastering this martial art is a straightforward process.

However, the reality is quite different. Kung fu, also known as wushu, is an intricate and demanding discipline that demands years of unwavering dedication and rigorous training to truly master.

To offer viewers a more profound understanding of the rigorous path undertaken by a kung fu master and to further promote the Hualin-style Mantis Fist — an esteemed intangible cultural heritage — we invited our protagonist, Rafael Antonio Saavedra Molina, to learn the techniques of Mantis Fist in the second episode of the documentary series “Shifu.”