Fu Guogang practices snake boxing. PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

To his understanding, snake boxing emphasizes the cultivation of both internal and external strength and is a valuable cultural heritage accumulated over a long period.

"We've long seen the snake as a symbol of strength and regeneration, while snake boxing highlights the flexibility and dexterity of the reptile with the toughness and resilience needed for self-defense," he says, adding that this blend of hardness and softness aligns with the principles of Taoism, particularly the yin and yang philosophy, where opposites are complementary and necessary for harmony.

For more tangible effects, the practice necessitates building a strong spine to contain the power and strong fingers to convey the strike, he explains.

Since breathing is important during the movements of the spine and ribs, it eventually leads to internal training.

To popularize its charm, Fu launched a public training program in Jinhua in 2016, where he received many curious audience members. It encouraged him to establish a snake boxing research society the following year and commit himself to the inheritance and teaching of snake boxing.

Under his promotion, more people have come to appreciate the art of snake boxing.

Xu Anyu, a student from the College of Humanities, Zhejiang Normal University, vividly remembers the panache with which Fu demonstrated snake boxing during her summer vacation last year.

"He executed every movement with precision … showcasing his graceful and heroic posture," says Xu, who also tried her hand in the martial art under Fu's guidance.

She says that she has been mesmerized by the martial art's flexible and ever-changing nature that packs a tough and powerful punch.

"Every movement flows like a river. It's a visual feast for the audience," she says.