Kung fu schools take a hit (3)

Of course not all those who study kung fu end up down and out. The latest generation of kung fu artists who have made it on their own include the affable film star with a huge smile, 28-year-old Wang Baoqiang.

His parents, who are farmers from Hebei Province, sent Wang to a kung fu school when he was just 6. He studied at a school near Shaolin Temple until he was 14, and then trekked to Beijing where his bright personality and fitness were spotted by film producers. His natural acting ability has been lauded by critics but he hasn't yet made a kung fu film.

For thousands of others, however, their bubble bursts soon after graduation.

"Their dreams are often turned upside down and they end up in their least hoped for jobs such as a security guard. Few end up being coaches or even go on to join the police force, said Zou.

Li, from the Wushu Sport Management Center, told the Global Times that research last year found that only 148 privately-owned registered kung fu schools were authorized to grant students recognized graduation certificates, which could be used to continue their education or help boost the start of a career in security.

Left with few skills

Many students attending bad kung fu schools end up entering the workforce with few real skills. "They become useless to society after graduation, even with a certificate," said Liu, the master from Sichuan, suggesting some kung fu graduates use their fighting skills to lead a life of crime.

"A young person with strong body, a high level of kung fu skill and low morality can be disastrous to society," said Liu, who laments kung fu's fading appeal.

"In the 1980s, there were more sponsorships available for kung fu than there were for football, but now the situation has been reversed," said Liu regretfully.

Liu says the country tried to give kung fu a boost during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where wushu was a demonstration sport. It has since failed to become a medal sport in future games. "After decades of neglect, it was a little too late," said Liu.

A boot camp for troubled kids

Many kung fu schools are a kind of last-chance boot camp for incorrigible children. Parents hope the tough love their children receives at the schools will change their lazy bones attitudes.

"My son wouldn't attend classes at his public school and refused to study," said Dong Dachao, a resident from Bazhong, Sichuan Province, who sent his son to a kung fu school in Henan Province after he dropped out of junior high school before finishing grade seven.

Dong says even at the kung fu school his son wouldn't pay attention to his academic teachers and teachers didn't care. "My son only followed the kung fu coaches' instructions," said Dong, adding that after having studied kung fu for three years his son was granted a graduation certificate despite not having completed his academic courses.

Dong hopes his son will be accepted by the army.

"Wushu is supposed to cultivate one's heart, and help improve oneself so you can find harmony with the world. It's not supposed to set one adrift," said Liu.