300 YEARS OF HAKKA KUNG FU: DIGITAL VISION OF ITS LEGACY AND FUTURE

The influence of Guangdong martial arts in Hong Kong attributes to the geographical proximity between the two places. The inheritance of Hakka Kung Fu took roots in Hong Kong thanks to the massive immigration and subsequent cultural exchanges. With Hakka people densely populated in walled villages across the colonial territories, these settlements became the bastion of Hakka martial arts. As decades went by, many sects are on the brink of extinction as old grandmasters pass away one after another, taking with them the knowledge and skills which are disseminated little by little through apprenticeship. Failing to pass on their skills and theories to the next generation, these Kung Fu sects hang in the balance. Therefore, systematic documentation of the arts is of utmost importance for subsequent conservation of these and other intangible Hakka cultural heritage.

The “300 Years of Hakka Kung Fu Digital Vision of Its Legacy and Future” exhibition is the result of an ongoing collaboration between International Guoshu Association and City University of Hong Kong since 2013. The project saw the establishment of the world’s first “Hong Kong Martial Arts Living Archive” using stereoscopic 3D moving image technology to capture human movements at 120 frames per second. This authentic representation of Kung Fu stances is a great leap forward in the pedagogy as well as conservation of the tradition.

The exhibition also invited Deakin University, German artist Tobias Gremmler and other media artists to reinterpret Kung Fu stances in a stylised way, where intricate gestures and postures are distilled and transformed into animated dots and lines that are graphic and elegant, illustrating the sophistication of Kung Fu which is perfectly practised by Kung Fu masters.

Visitors will embark on a multisensory journey into different zones, where the story of Hakka Kung Fu is told through archival materials, photos and Pepper’s ghosts. The latter are life-size stereoscopic projection of iconic Hakka martial art stances, interviews and video clips. There will be a reactor showcasing the 3D digital images of Hakka Kung Fu using Mocap imaging technology. Visitors can engage themselves in real-time demonstration with the 3D imagery. The exhibition will also feature diagrams of Hakka Kung Fu training, manuscripts, weapons and other exhibits.

Opening hours:
10am – 6pm on Monday, Wednesday to Friday
10am – 7pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays

Presented by：
Intangible Cultural Heritage Office, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and International Guoshu Association

Curated by：
Hakka Kung Fu Cultural Research Society and Centre for Applied Computing and Interactive Media (ACIM), City University of Hong Kong

Venue supported by：
Hong Kong Heritage Museum