Li Yuzhuo is a national representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project "Plum Blossom Fist". Plum Blossom Fist, also known as Plum Blossom Stake or Plum Fist, is one of the traditional Chinese martial arts styles. It is widely practiced on the ground for convenience and is called "fallen ground plum stake". It is named after the practice on wooden stakes shaped like plum blossoms. After practicing on the ground, it is commonly referred to as Plum Blossom Fist or Plum Fist. In 1997, Guangzong County in Xingtai City was awarded the title of "Hometown of Plum Blossom Fist" by Hebei Province.
The exact origin of Plum Blossom Fist is uncertain. Some say it existed during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, while others believe it originated during the Qin and Han dynasties, but there is no written evidence to support these claims. The earliest written record can be found in a handwritten copy of the secret book of Plum Blossom Fist, called "Da Wen Di", passed down in Houmazhuang, Pingxiang. The document records that Plum Blossom Fist originated in the late Southern Song Dynasty, and its founding ancestor was Zou Hongyi, who lived in Zhujiaqiao Village, six miles outside the North Gate of Xuzhou Prefecture, Jiangsu Province.
Plum Blossom Fist is organized into the literary field and the martial field, with the literary field leading the martial field. The Spring Festival, when everything starts anew, is a good time for martial arts training." When talking about Plum Blossom Fist, Li Yuzhuo speaks with a sense of pride, saying, "Plum Blossom Fist is a sport suitable for people of all ages. Its movements and routines are simple and generous, not only having value in performance and appreciation but also practical in combat."
Li Yuzhuo has led the Guangzong Plum Blossom Fist team to perform and exchange both domestically and internationally, and has won numerous awards in various competitions. He has been awarded the honorary certificate of a second-level instructor by the State Sports Commission and has been honored with the title of "Martial Arts Family", among others. Li Yuzhuo's contributions to the protection of Plum Blossom Fist are evident to all.
Protecting the cultural connotation of Plum Blossom Fist is just the first step. Li Yuzhuo began to think about how to fully inherit and promote the "treasure" of Plum Blossom Fist.
In 1982, Li Yuzhuo and his nephew opened a Plum Blossom Fist fitness coaching station and Plum Blossom Fist martial arts school in their village. They formed Plum Blossom Fist martial arts teams in 56 villages, held backbone training classes for Plum Blossom Fist, and cooperated with relevant departments in the survey, rescue, and protection of Plum Blossom Fist. These efforts greatly inspired the enthusiasm of Plum Blossom Fist practitioners.
With flowing movements and a vibrant posture, each move of Plum Blossom Fist is full of momentum. Li Yuzhuo called for more people to understand and practice Plum Blossom Fist in the context of the nationwide fitness trend, in order to promote traditional culture while strengthening their physical health. He believes that Plum Blossom Fist will surely usher in a more brilliant future and continue to be passed down from generation to generation.