What comes to mind when you hear the word kung fu? Some may think of martial artists turned cultural icons like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and their incredible moves and resilient spirit in films. Others may be reminded of the legends and adventures of heroes and heroines in the romantic wuxia (martial arts and chivalry) novels of  Louis Cha Leung-yung, China's most celebrated martial arts novelist and essayist. 

Do these tall tales point to the inevitable demise of these arts in the age of gun and powder? Where did all the old kung fu masters go? And if there are indeed any left at all, why do they still cling to their old trade?

With these questions in mind, the crew of the documentary series "kung fu: The Hidden Art" set on a three-year soul-searching journey, hoping to present a rational, even scientific, interpretation of the historical origin and essence of traditional Chinese martial arts.

The six-part series features interviews with ordinary Chinese martial arts practitioners from all walks of life. They may have different motivations for practicing the art, but one thing remains unchanged - the enduring love and appreciation for these martial arts and the philosophies that underpin them. 

They see kung fu as a precious legacy of Chinese culture that they are willing to preserve and pass down to future generations.

The series also touches upon the history of the various moves, techniques and weapon skills to be found in Chinese martial arts. Through interviews with martial arts coaches and historians, one can get a real sense of the combative nature of Chinese martial arts along with the martial spirit inherited from the turbulent times of Chinese history.

Nowadays, martial arts are more than just a set of skills and moves to utilize in combat; it's more of a sport dedicated to training the body and the mind. The series also looks at martial arts in modern times. 

It shows the spirit of Chinese martial arts manifested in contemporary martial arts competitions and events like the UFC. After all, times may change, but the spirit of martial arts lives on.

(Luo Wen also contributed to the article.)