Yu Yongbo (于永波), the representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Mantis Boxing, has spent half his life dedicated to two pursuits: the rigorous practice of Mantis Boxing and the graceful mastery of Slim Gold Script (瘦金体) calligraphy. These two arts, one martial and the other literary, may seem worlds apart, but they are both deeply rooted in his love for Chinese culture and tradition.
“For me, practicing either martial arts or calligraphy is a way of cultivating both mind and body,” Yu says. “It’s not just about personal improvement, but also about passing these exceptional traditions to future generations.”
A Journey in Martial Arts
Growing up in a family with a history of martial arts in Laiyang (莱阳), the birthplace of Mantis Boxing, Yu Yongbo was naturally drawn to the discipline from a young age. “My father practiced a few styles of boxing when he was younger, and seeing him perform the movements sparked my curiosity,” Yu recalls. At 11, he officially began studying Mantis Boxing under three renowned masters. Over time, he was even fortunate enough to receive guidance from the legendary Wang Yuanliang (王元亮), inheriting the authentic techniques of this prestigious martial art.
Mantis Boxing, like other martial arts, demands a solid foundation built on years of basic training, unwavering determination, and exceptional endurance. Reflecting on his early training days, Yu shares a humbling lesson: “Not long after joining, I made the mistake of challenging one of my senior brothers. He had been practicing Iron Arm techniques, and in the sparring match, my arm swelled up like a steamed bun.” It was a moment of clarity for Yu, teaching him that there are no shortcuts in martial arts; true skill comes only from relentless hard work.
Determined, Yu pushed his limits every day, performing 8,000 repetitions of arm stretches against tree trunks and practicing through the heat of summer and the cold of winter. His perseverance eventually earned the approval of his mentors.
As his skill in Mantis Boxing grew, Yu began to step outside his hometown to engage with other martial artists. For him, these encounters weren’t about winning or losing, but rather opportunities to refine his techniques and further spread the art of Mantis Boxing. In 2007, his dedication bore fruit when he won the championship at the first "Huangshan Martial Arts Competition (黄山论剑)," propelling him into the spotlight. He was later named an official inheritor of Mantis Boxing by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture, a recognition of his efforts to keep this martial art alive.
Over 40 years of practicing Mantis Boxing have transformed Yu into a master with skills as astonishing as breaking a green bean with a single finger or snapping stone pillars with a flick of his arm. Yet, for Yu, the most important challenge is ensuring that Mantis Boxing continues to thrive for future generations.
Through public demonstrations, school visits, and community outreach, Yu has introduced Mantis Boxing to a wide audience. His new training center, established in a cultural heritage street last year, now has over 2,000 students of all ages. “Every week, we hold several training sessions, and the weekends are particularly busy. Our students range from young children to adults in their thirties,” Yu proudly shares.
The Art of Calligraphy
While Yu Yongbo’s martial prowess is undoubtedly impressive, his mastery of Slim Gold Script calligraphy forms the other half of his life’s work. As much as Mantis Boxing demands physical endurance and sharpness, calligraphy offers Yu a quiet, meditative outlet that complements the discipline of martial arts. “In my life, I’ve focused on two things: practicing Mantis Boxing and mastering Slim Gold Script,” Yu states simply.
Slim Gold Script is a unique style of Chinese calligraphy created by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. Known for its slender, sharp, and elegant strokes, the style requires not just technical skill but also a calm, focused mind. Yu, with his years of martial training, finds that the mental clarity and patience he developed in Mantis Boxing have helped him excel in this calligraphic art form.
Yu explains that practicing Slim Gold Script is not only a way to preserve traditional Chinese culture but also a personal journey of reflection and inner growth. “Writing in this style is about more than just forming beautiful characters—it’s about cultivating a peaceful, focused state of mind,” Yu explains. It’s a form of art that demands tranquility and precision, characteristics that also define a great martial artist.
