Shaolin Kung Fu is to become a compulsory class in some Chinese middle schools in Henan Province, home to the famous Shaolin Temple, local newspapers reported.

 

Starting this autumn semester, middle schools in Dengfeng City will offer Shaolin Kung Fu in their PE classes, according to Henan Daily.

 

"Dengfeng trained over 90 PE teachers in martial arts over the summer vacation, and training ended on Sunday. Teachers hope that Kung Fu can help to arouse students' interest in exercise," the report said, adding that elementary schools will be included in the program soon.

 

Dengfeng, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, has been dubbed the home of Chinese martial arts. The city has more than 80 martial arts clubs and schools with an enrolment of about 50,000 students.

 

Dengfeng is south of Song Mountain where the world-renowned Shaolin Temple is located.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2006)