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 The
Training |
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During the summer of 1971, the state mandated that all children go to
camp, as to keep them from roaming the streets during their one-month vacation
from school. A variety of sports were offered to the children: gymnastics,
swimming, soccer, and the hardest being the ancient practice of Wushu. The
youngest in his division, he practiced two and a half hours a day, at first,
during the summer. When school resumed, 20 out of the 1000 children studying
Wushu were requested to come back and continue training. A shy Lian Jie was
placed on that list...little did they know of the magic they had before them.
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The
Chosen |
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Once again, Lian Jie was the youngest to take on this ancient art in
his group. He would walk 15 minutes after school to the Sports Training Grounds
and would practice hard, everyday. After another 3 months pasted, little Lian
Jie soon found himself chosen again... to continue his studies in Wushu... as
he was one of four picked to continue training year- round. Working through
winters, summers, and after three hard-working years, his first shine as a star
was underway.
Lian Jie was awarded “Excellence,” the highest
award for that competition at the time. He stood out among the rest and
continued to shine for many years after. He toured the world, performed for
Leaders, Presidents, all taking note at the strong young child before them had
unlimited potential. |
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Awards |
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 1974
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- Wins championship at National Youth Sports Competition
- Tours U.S. as
member of Beijing Wushu Team
- Performs for President Nixon on White House
lawn
- Chinese Men's All-Around National Wushu Champion |
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1975
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- Chinese Men's All-Around National Wushu Champion |
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1977
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- Chinese Men's All-Around National Wushu Champion |
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1978
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- Chinese Men's All-Around National Wushu Champion |
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1979
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- Chinese Men's All-Around National Wushu Champion |
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Wu Bin, his
Trainer |
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Wu
Bin, his trainer in his quest to achieve Wushu perfection, became his surrogate
father. Their history is a sad one, as he has revealed to the world that he
felt sad at the way Wu treated his performance... giving others verbal support,
and him none. Lian Jie trained harder because of this, and worked long hard
hours when others were resting. In essence, Jet was carving his path to success
at this moment of his life. His touring days, documented by him, are now
available on his personal web site. (jet-li.com) |
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