Zhejiang Province, China — At 94 years old, Zhang Hexian rises before dawn each day—not to sip tea or read the paper, but to practice kung fu.
In her small village in Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, Zhang has become a local legend known as “Kung Fu Granny,” a title she earned not through stories, but through action. With nearly nine decades of martial arts experience, Zhang continues to train daily—and even recently made headlines for confronting and driving off a group of would-be robbers from her neighborhood.
“Kung fu is not just about fighting. It’s about a way of life,” Zhang said in an interview with People’s Daily. “It keeps the body healthy, the mind sharp, and the spirit strong.”
A Life Steeped in Martial Arts
Zhang began learning kung fu at the age of 4, taught by her father, a respected martial artist in the region. Her early training was rigorous: practicing stances in the courtyard and memorizing defensive forms before she could even read.
Now nearing 100, Zhang still practices traditional forms and movement drills every morning—rain or shine. Her son, Feng Chuanyin, says she rarely catches colds and has never been hospitalized in her life.
“She doesn’t take vitamins. No medicine, no supplements,” he said. “Just kung fu and homemade porridge.”
Guardian of Her Community
Zhang’s skills are more than ceremonial. Locals recall a recent incident when three men attempted to break into a neighbor’s home. Zhang, then 93, intercepted the group outside and reportedly shouted them down while adopting a fighting stance.
Faced with the fearless elder, the men fled without a confrontation.
“She has no fear,” a neighbor told China Daily. “Everyone here feels safer because of her.”
Global Recognition
Zhang’s story went viral in early 2017 after a video of her training was posted online. Millions around the world watched in awe as the white-haired woman demonstrated flawless movements and powerful strikes.
Since then, she has been featured in news outlets across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Social media users call her the embodiment of resilience, discipline, and wisdom.
“Age is just a number. Strength comes from within,” Zhang told a visiting reporter, effortlessly kicking above her waist in demonstration.
A Legacy in Motion
As she nears her 10th decade, Zhang shows no sign of slowing down. She continues to teach kung fu to younger villagers, passing down techniques and philosophies rooted in tradition.
When asked if she ever plans to stop, she simply replied:
“The day I stop is the day I stop breathing.”
