Participants in two new special training camps for action movie actors, organized by Chinese action megastar Wu Jing's "Yingwutang" initiative, staged a graduation show in Beijing on July 6.

Actor-director Wu Jing and actor-director Liu Tianchi speak at a graduation ceremony for young action performers in Beijing, Saturday, July 6, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Da'an Pictures]

Founded in 2021 by Wu, Yingwutang, which means "Movie Martial Arts School," is a collaboration with TCHUG, a performance workshop organized by renowned actor and director Liu Tianchi, who teaches at the Central Academy of Drama. Together, they have developed training camps to enhance action movie enthusiasts' skills. The initiative improves trainees' performance and action abilities while aiming to strengthen China's pool of action actors, cultivate new talent, and reinvigorate Chinese action cinema for global audiences.

"Do action and martial arts films still have a place in the commercial market?" Wu asked. He noted that, despite diverse challenges in today's film market, Yingwutang maintains that action and martial arts films possess irreplaceable charm and value.

"For the martial arts and action dreams we hold dear, the teachers and students of Yingwutang aim to resonate with the audience through our authenticity," Wu stated. "By genuinely listening, observing, feeling, and through our real falls, genuine acting, and authentic combat, we strive to accurately depict each character. We are committed to sincerely enhancing China's action and martial arts films with our dedicated efforts."

Liu emotionally stated that she and Wu had made a 10-year pact to assist passionate individuals in achieving their dreams and to support the future of Chinese action movies.

Trainees in military and period costumes perform during their graduation show in Beijing, Saturday, July 6, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Da'an Pictures]

Over nearly two months, Yingwutang brought together 10 action coaches, four acting teachers and two military instructors to deliver targeted training to 22 young trainees from the fourth and fifth editions of the military action and historical costume action performance camps. The comprehensive training, covering modern military techniques, ancient costume action, film action and on-camera performance, led to a dramatic transformation. Trainees advanced from basic movements to complex performances and from ground actions to aerial wire stunts.

At the graduation show themed "Fiery" in Beijing on Saturday, trainees showcased several short films and live performances they collaborated on, impressing the audience. The event drew notable industry figures, including "The Wandering Earth" director Frant Gwo, actor Zhang Yi, Wu Jing's mentor and Chinese Wushu Association Vice President Wu Bin, and famed martial arts choreographer and director Yuen Woo-Ping.

"Until the moment you take your final bow, I saw you all shine brightly," Gwo said, promising to cast the trainees for his upcoming sci-fi blockbuster sequel "The Wandering Earth 3."

Yuen, preparing his new film "Blades of the Guardians" with Wu Jing and screenwriter Yu Baimei to revive Chinese kung fu, expressed comfort in seeing the next generation of Chinese action movie stars. Yu invited all trainees to participate in the film, set to begin filming in August.

Actors Wu Jing, Liu Tianchi, industry colleagues and trainees pose for a group photo at a graduation show for young action performers in Beijing, Saturday, July 6, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Da'an Pictures]

Wu and Liu, representing Yingwutang, presented trainees with specially made commemorative sticks featuring a rock surface, flame pattern and a blade in the middle. Wu told them, "This commemorative stick represents Yingwutang — rustic on the outside but sharp inside. We hope our trainees will be like it — modest externally but skilled internally, earnest in character, and carving out a path through the roles they shape. I hope you all prove yourselves worthy."

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