An inheritance most treasured

A tai chi practitioner is featured during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Agencies

But, the internal art training was painful at the beginning.

"Gradually, you will enjoy doing it and be unwilling to give it up no matter what happens in your personal life. Devotion to martial arts not only maintains your health, but also makes your willpower stronger," says Guo, smiling.

In the late 1970s, Guo worked as a sports teacher at a local high school. But when he learned wushu (kungfu) contests were to resume in China after the politically turbulent years, he began devoting his time to self-training.

"It was hard time for me: I worked during the daytime and trained either in the early morning or evening. I also had to support my mom, wife and children," Guo recalls.

His hard work, however, paid off. From 1980-1982, Guo won three gold medals and a silver for his barehanded performance of Bagua Zhang and for performances with dangerous weapons including hooked swords and large knives.

His book Bagua Knife has been a bestseller for the past two decades. Many people have since come forward seeking an apprenticeship from Guo.

But, Guo doesn't just take on any student. Like his father did, Guo screens his students and requires them to partake in a solemn oath-taking ceremony to ensure their commitment to learning the martial art and preserving its Chinese culture.