Blossom Fist is one of China's traditional fist styles. It was created by Gan Fengchi, a martial arts master in the Qing Dynasty. The varied and changeable moves are the collection of many martial art schools. With a history of more than 100 years, the fist style was once prevalent in the Southern Yangtze area, and later spread to Beijing during the late Qing Dynasty.

The Blossom Fist is distinctive for its use of the waist and legs. It is more of a practical fist with very strenuous moves and clear rhythms. The Chinese name for the Blossom Fist includes the Chinese character "change." It has a variety of techniques that change quickly to dazzle onlookers.

Dong Wenyu, 71, is a fourth-generation inheritor of the Beijing Blossom Fist. She's been practicing the movement after learning it from master Song Zhiping since she was young, and has a solid foundation. Lotus hand, willow palm, side kick – These flexible moves require repeated basic training, which means punching and stretching legs again and again. It was boring and arduous, yet Dong kept practicing. It's become a hobby for her.

All the efforts have paid off. At the age of 26, with outstanding skills, Dong was admitted to the Sports Committee of Xicheng District of Beijing. She became one of the city's first female martial arts coaches. Martial arts have strengthened her body and become her lifelong career.

As the chant of the practice goes: "Blossom Fist looks like it can turn the universe. The moves alternate between slow and fast, illusion and reality. The flower-like positions merge attack and defense, changing between hard and soft at will. Defend both sides with fake moves. Protect yourself through constant movement."

One could acquire the essence of the discipline after practicing a million times. Just as described in the anthem, Blossom Fist moves are varied and comprehensive. For example, the 36 hands of Blossom Fist are a set of attack and defense techniques that combine the positions of legs, body, fists and palms. The interconnected moves alternate between movement and stillness. They exhibit a combination of skills and spirit with all the strength one can use.

"Make sure to use eye contact. The hands follow the eyes, and the feet follow right after. It's the explosive force. Start from the feet, through the waist, then hit with the hands," says Dong.

Now retired, Dong still practices martial arts on a daily basis and volunteers to teach martial arts with other practitioners. Blossom Fist has accompanied her for over 60 years and became an indispensable part of her life.

"Keep practicing, keep learning. This should always be your goal. You're never too old to learn, that's the spirit," says Dong.