Archive for September 2006
Boxer Rebellion
Posted on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 2:06 PM by Sifu Smith
The Boxer Rebellion (aka: Righteous Harmonious Fists Society), 1899 -
1901; was a group of rebellious fighters battling the 'foreign
influence' in trade, politics and religion. This occured soon after the
Japanese had defeated China in 1895 and there were territorial and
commercials concessions made to the Europeans from China. The Righteous
Harmonious Fists were a secret society that had existed for many years,
but when the 'foreign devils' had taken pieces of their homeland, the
society rebelled by supporting the ritualistic practice of Chinese
Martial Arts and Weapons.
The Society attacked foreign symbols and creations, which unfortunately
also meant Chinese Christians. In 1899, this also included a British
missionary. To 'protect' its people and interest in China, the Europeans
placed military forces on the Chinese Coast. When the British foreign
minister of Peking (Beijing now), requested protection, 430 men, that
included British and US Marines went in. The telegraph lines were cut
shortly after a request from the foreign minister urgently requested
more assistance. One of the other main targets was the Manchurian
Government figures, that were considered 'European Stooges'. The Empress
Dowager supported the Boxer Rebellion, since they were determined to
remove the foreigners and made a pact with them to turn a blind eye, and
to support.
The Japanese and European forces continued to occupy
Peking and the northern countryside, removing concentration cells of the
Boxers Society. On February 1, 1901, Chinese authorities agreed to
abolish the Righteous Harmonious Fists.
It is said that the Boxer Rebellion assisted in restoring Chinese Pride in their society. It was believed that all that had been lost was due to these outside influences and occupation. The people began to believe in this as well.
Huo Yuanji Part of 'Fearless'
Posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 12:31 PM by Sifu Smith
Portrayed in the movie 'Fearless'; The real, original Master Huo Yuanji
was born in the 19th century and became noted during the Boxer Rebellion
(1899-1901). Huo became famous when he took a challenge from a Russian
boxer who said that the "Chinese are the sick men of the east", because
no-one would except his challenge. Hou accepted, the Russian boxer
forfeited and printed a public apology. Li states that Huo character
symbolizes part of his story. In the movie, Huo fights several
opponents, but his toughest battle was against a Japanese Martial
Artist, named "Tanaka". This was a real life battle between Tanaka and
Huo, near the end Huo's Life.
Posted in Stories
Shanghai Chief Political Figure Dismissed
Posted on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 6:32 AM by Sifu Smith
Chen Liangyu, the chief political figure in Shanghai has been caught in a security fund scandal. Liangyu has been dismissed and the Mayor of Shanghai, Han Zheng is the interim leader for the prominent city. Liangyu has also been charged with "protecting illegal business people, protecting staff that were committing illegal acts, elevating his family status through the powers of his office."
Posted in Stories
Jet Li Falls off building while filming "Fearless"
Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 6:38 AM by Sifu Smith
A Chinese Newspaper in Bejing reports that Jet Li has injured himself
during the filming of his last action movie. The incident occured when a
nervous stuntman lost is balance on the ledge and took them both down.
The injuries do not seem to be serious, however it grounds why Jet Li
has decided to stop making martial arts movies.
Posted in Stories
Dalai Lama To Receive Highest Civilian US Award
Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 6:29 AM by Sifu Smith
The Congress has passed a bill to award the Dalai Lama with the
"Congressional Gold Medal". This is in recognition of the Dalai Lama
pursuit of harmony and the consistent path of a peaceful resolution with
the Chinese Leaders to free his country.