Zhang Keyi and other overseas players pose for a group photo in July last year, at an international competition held in Pingdu, Shandong province.[Photo provided to China Daily]
A "knife-throwing girl" has captivated global audiences with her remarkable videos on platforms like Douyin, showcasing unparalleled precision in throwing knives while spinning, garnering widespread attention on the internet.
The 13-year-old girl, Zhang Keyi, hails from Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province.
Considering her introverted personality, Zhang's parents sent her to a martial arts training session to learn Sanda (a type of kickboxing in China) and nunchakus. But later, she was attracted by knife throwing. "Her body coordination is excellent. After learning some basic knife control techniques, she quickly became even more stable on target than many adults in just a few days of practice," said Zhang's father, Zhang Demin.
Zhang Keyi is awarded a qualification certificate in arbitration for her skill in knife handling in May 2023.[Photo provided to China Daily]
Knowing Zhang's talent in knife-throwing, her parents took her to Qingdao, Shandong province, in 2023 to seek guidance from Ju Zhenfei, a knife-throwing master in China.
Since then, Zhang has devoted countless hours to grueling training sessions, refining her technique and honing her skills to perfection. Training for 5 hours daily during summer and winter vacations and 8 hours on weekends has become the norm.
"After reaching the sixth grade of elementary school, due to the heavy workload of school assignments from Monday to Friday, there is basically no practice. However, every weekend, she perseveres in training for seven to eight hours. There is also a traditional martial arts class every weekend to improve her physical fitness and deepen her understanding of martial arts," her father shared.
She has made a world record of 53 knives hitting the target at a distance of 6 meters.
Zhang's father explained, "She excels in close-range events that test stability and quick reaction but lacks an advantage in long-distance throws. So, that is what she needs to break through. I estimate that with further intensive training during this summer vacation, she can achieve over 50 knives hitting the target from a distance of over 7 meters."
A poster of Zhang Keyi holding knives.[Photo provided to China Daily]
"This record has been achieved by only about 10 people worldwide, including adults," he added.
Zhang's distinctive blend of martial arts proficiency, dance skills, and unwavering commitment has set her apart as a rising star. Her mastery of complex techniques, especially her unique skill, "Spiral 12-Consecutive Throws", is a testament to her exceptional talent and agility.
Despite encountering setbacks and enduring injuries during practice, Zhang's resilience and passion for traditional martial arts have remained steadfast. "Martial arts have taught me not only skills but also unwavering determination," she said.
To raise awareness and appreciation for ancient art, Zhang and her father have leveraged social media platforms to share her training videos with a global audience, and they have received more than 130,000 fans.
Seeing her videos gain international attention and receive praise from foreign viewers, Zhang experiences a profound sense of accomplishment and motivation.
During an international competition last year, the renowned Russian champion Sergey Fedosenko approached Zhang with excitement, saying that she is a star in Russia and everyone admires her skillful knife-throwing.
Embracing the accolades and spotlight, Zhang remains committed to her practice. "I aspire to compete abroad, showcasing the charm of Chinese martial arts to the world and fostering a deeper appreciation for our rich martial arts heritage," she said.
"Knife throwing is a lesser-known traditional martial arts because of misconceptions about its safety and practicality," Zhang's father explained.
He highlighted the benefits of practicing knife throwing, like improving coordination, strength, focus, and patience. "It also helps preserve martial arts traditions and promote Chinese kungfu."
"Knife throwing is seen as a competitive sport abroad, but I envision it as an art. I hope my daughter not only shines in international competitions but also showcases Chinese knife throwing to global enthusiasts and impresses them with its beauty," he added.
