Kung fu granny finds fame at 93

93 year old Zhang Hexian of Zhejiang province in China has been practicing kung fu since she was four years old but never thought her love and dedication for the martial arts would bring her international fame some day. Zhang became an internet sensation after photos of her practicing and teaching martial arts went viral in China recently, but the diminutive granny remains as modest as ever, report CNN. About her new-found fame, she said: “I never thought about being famous. If people love kung fu, my family can teach them. We have been teaching people around here but I never imagined we’d get the attention of others around the world.” For Zhang, learning kung fu was more about self-defence and discipline. She says she was born at a time when China was at war with other countries and kung fu was a good way to defend yourself. She recounts how she would often go hungry after practice because her family was poor and they could not afford more food. But that did not stop her from waking up around 5am every morning and practicing kung fu until her muscles were sore. Now at 93 Zhang not only still practices kung fu daily but she also continues to teach many of her neighbours. Zhang also shared some of her views of a healthy and happy life, saying that a positive attitude, lots of sleep, and a good diet are essential. She further recommended helping others as a way to maintain one’s own health and wellbeing.