Lingnan the Yue outposts of Southern China 
In ancient times, during the three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), China was divided into the Wei Kingdom (Central Plains), the Wu Kingdom and the Shu Han Kingdom (Emei). In 755 AD a large part of the area that was of the Wu kingdom was divided into two major parts. Jiangnan to the area below the Changjiang river and above Lingnan. Here we refer to the current provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi (the two Guangs) as Lingnan.
Historically these southern most provinces were seen as babaric lands (in comparison to the Zhong Yuan were Chinese civilisation began) and were originally inhabited by the Yue people. In the past this area included some northern parts of Vietnam. The southern areas became mostly populated when rebellions and foreign invasions from the North (Mongols, Jurchens) led the people from the central plains southwards. Guangdong is home to many Hakka that are examples of such migration. The people of Guangdong which include the Teochew, Hakka and Cantonese key groups were early migraters including labor for railworks and gold mining and as a result are found all over the world. The Chinatowns used to largely consist of people from this region. It is for this reason also that most of the chinese martial arts (or Kung Fu) abroad until recently was mostly from this region, thus the Wing Chun, Hung Gar and Choy Lee Fut styles which are familiar to many overseas are some of the most popular. Many have also been potrayed in the Hong Kong (which is predominantly people from this region) Kung Fu Films of the 1970's as have many of the stories of the time also contributed to their popularity.
The have been many battles on these lands later as well such as the Taiping rebellion (its leader was Hong Xiu Quan from Guangxi province) and their initial efforts were in Guangdong. Typically because of the distance from the Imperialist capital, this area was known for revolt. From the Tian Di Hui (Heaven and Earth) to Hong Men Society, to the famous Sun Zhong Shan ( Sun Yat Sen) who was from Zhong Shan, Guangdong Province. Also, much of the Opium wars with foreign nations at the time were also active in this region.
Taiping Lingnan Martial Arts
The Programs below are those taught by the Taiping Institute. They are conducted in a progressive traditional manner. For further information about the various styles/programs kindly visit the link, which shall provide detailed introductions to the history, development, training methods, principles and the curriculum.
Other Lingnan Martial Arts
Further to the programs encompassed by the Taiping Intitute, there are many other systems/styles of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts in the Ling Nan region as noted below. For those highlighted, there are articles/introductions available which provide information about their history, methods and contents. Visit regularly as more articles shall be written in future introducing the remaining styles.
