Chinese martial arts has had a long history. It later became more well-known around the world thanks to icons like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. And amid a trend in the nation to rejuvenate this traditional Chinese art, a martial arts gymnastics showcase was held at the (National Olympic Sports Center) on this International Children's Day. Song Yaotian has the story.

A rousing lion dance performance to open the event. This student martial arts gymnastics display is co-organized by China Working Committee for caring for the Next Generation and the General Administration of Sports of China.

Nearly a thousand children from 17 kindergartens and elementary schools from five Chinese cities and provinces attended the display. They are divided into two phalanxes, with the kindergarten group performing a set titled "Chinese Martial Arts Gymnastics", and the elementary school students performing "The Red Sun Rises from the East".

Secretary general of the organizing committee Wang Tianming has been a martial arts trainer for more than 20 years and choreographed both performances.

WANG TIANMING ORGANIZER, CHILDREN'S DAY DISPLAY OF MARTIAL ARTS GYMNASTICS "The purpose of this activity is to enable kids to get to know traditional Chinese culture, to learn the values of our ancestors which weighted both intelligence and physical courage. The process of martial arts training can also increase their health and physical strength and to let more children learn the charm and spirit of martial arts."

This is part of a larger event that involves more than a million children from around China. On the morning of May 30th, over a million children in 160 cities showcased their martial arts moves at the same time, in celebration of International Children's Day, which falls on June 1st.

ZHUANG DAOYONG MARTIAL ARTS COACH, BEICHEN FUDI KINDERGARTEN "Our kindergarten has been involved in martial arts training for four to five years. Martial arts has many functions. First, it brings happiness to the kids. Practicing it can strengthen their body. And it can raise their ability of self-protection, for example, how to buffer or avoid possible damage when falling down. Practicing martial arts can also help build up their confidence, especially performing moves on a big stage like this."

This showcase also displays how martial arts education has been fruitful among China's younger generation.

SONG YAOTIAN BEIJING "Martial art is a method of both self-defense and physical exercise. It is among the traditions that Chinese are most proud of. This massive display of martial arts gymnastics is showing that the next generation of Chinese will cherish this tradition and carry it forward. SONG YAOTIAN, CGTN."