Originating in Mount Emei, a sacred mountain situated in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Emei is one of the three traditional martial arts schools in China. Known for its unique style with many branches, it features a variety of fists; among them, the Sword Fist. It was created by a monk from western Sichuan in 1860. The technique has been passed on with special characteristics for more than 150 year.

Sixty-eight-year-old Li Baoming is an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Emei martial arts. Being obsessed with the martial arts form as a child, Li has been practicing almost on a daily basis for 56 years.

Sword Fist, as the name suggests, mainly includes finger movements to attack like a sword. Compared to other fist styles, it combines the finger movements of Chinese qigong and the flexible characteristics of Sichuan martial arts. It is characterized by quick eyes and hands and accurate pointing of fingers with great force.

As some would say: "Getting punched might feel better than being poked." Emei Sword Fist gathers the entire strength of your body on your fingers – the reason why it bursts into such great power. The combination of fist, palm and hook positions can do great damage to attacked vital points or exposed parts of the human body.

Therefore, Li focuses on improving the hardness and strength of his fingers. After years of practice, he can stab directly on tree trunks and other hard items with his fingers and defeat a strong opponent with little effort.

"One finger resembles the spear, poking the weak spots of the body. Two fingers resemble a sword with great power. Three fingers resemble the claw, hooking the vital parts of your body. Four fingers usually form the palm. Hacking, stabbing, rubbing and chopping. Five fingers make claws, aiming at your eyes, throat, even your heart," said Li.

Boasting a long history, Emei Sword Fist has a profound cultural background. But with the rapid development of human society, it also faces the threat of being lost like some other traditional treasures. Sadly, not many people practice this martial art form today.

Li is committed to promoting Emei Sword Fist. As a retiree, he has been actively involved in various performances and competitions. He has won many awards on domestic and international stages, allowing more people to understand this ancient fist.

"As for Emei martial arts, to be honest, I want it to be recognized," said Li. He is not only a practitioner, but more of an inheritor.

Practicing martial arts is not easy. Behind decades of persistence is the unremitting efforts of the older generation of masters to promote Chinese martial arts.