A Legend in Modern Chinese Sports History - Ma Yung-chun

Author: Fu Haojian
Editor-in-Chief: Lu Xinan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Excerpt: Chapter The Pioneers of Modern Chinese Sports In July 21-23, 1997, the first "Ma Yujie University Sports Science Conference" was grandly held at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Beside the gymnasium on the campus of Tsinghua University stands a statue of Professor Ma Yujie, his eyes bright and fixed on the visitors, clearly expressing joy for the vigorous development of China's sports. Professor Ma Yujie (1882-1966), a renowned sports educator, sports scientist, and sports activist, was one of the main pioneers of modern Chinese sports. He made outstanding contributions to the theory and practice of modern Chinese sports. Throughout his life dedicated to education and sports practice, Professor Ma paid attention to introducing and absorbing advanced foreign experiences. Combining his long-term practical experience in physical education teaching and training, he creatively developed the procedures and methods for setting up calisthenics routines as early as the 1920s and compiled a large number of specialized and general calisthenics exercises for track and field, ball games, and other sports. At the same time, as early as the 1920s, Professor Ma applied medical sports to Tsinghua University, establishing a specialized "Sports Medical Class" in the school to actively provide sports medical care for students suffering from chronic diseases such as tuberculosis (1, 2). During his time at Tsinghua University, Professor Ma Yujie not only trained outstanding athletes who gained fame both in China and the Far East but also repeatedly called on young students to "move! move! move!" to encourage them to actively and consciously participate in physical exercise for national fitness (1, 3, 5). Professor Ma Yujie actively engaged in social sports activities and promoted sports. In today's era of vigorously promoting mass sports, this is particularly meaningful. Professor Ma Yujie valued the use of his rich theoretical knowledge and sports training experience, making indelible contributions to China's sports. He had a comprehensive and profound understanding of the essence, status, content, and style of physical education. He consistently emphasized that "physical education is an important part of education" (1) and that "physical exercise is a means of educating the youth" (13), believing that "physical education is one of the three pillars of 'moral, intellectual, and physical education,' and at the same time, it includes the educational content of 'moral, intellectual, and physical education' in physical education" (2). Postscript: Postscript I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to get to know and be familiar with the four children of Professor Ma Yujie: Qiwěi, Shāngpíng, Péilún, and ālún, as well as to be very happy in my harmonious relationships with Professor Ma's Mù Zuoyún, Qian Mingnian, daughter-in-law Lù Cí, Tian Jinlán, and his grandchildren. Mr. Qiwěi and Mr. Mù Zuoyún followed in the footsteps of Professor Ma Yujie, making outstanding contributions to China's sports and physical education. Mr. Shāngpíng and Ms. Tian Jinlán were once oral interpreters in China's foreign affairs activities and later moved to the United States, becoming announcers for "Voice of America." Mr. Mingnian and Ms. ālún have dedicated their lives to helping drug addicts break free from addiction in Hong Kong, contributing to social welfare. In the field of music, which Professor Ma Yujie was proud of, his grandchildren have shown exceptional talent. The sincere personalities of the descendants of Professor Ma Yujie deeply moved me. They apply the "spirit of sports" to interpersonal interactions, helping to promote international understanding. If we treat others with humility, regardless of skin color, and are willing to contribute, then this world will surely be safer and life will surely be better. The belief of Professor Ma Yujie that "we are all God's children" will surely guide us to see this beautiful future! Fu Haojian