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Known throughout China Tan Tui is particularly practiced in Henan, HeBei, Shantung and Sha'anxi provinces. Since its origins lie with the Hui people there is even a proverb: From NanJing the best Tan Tui is that of the Hui people" which becomes the pun, "Hui (Moslem) Hui (best) Tan Tui."
In certain widely accepted styles the Moslem presence has also been strong. In Hsing-I for instance, many of the great practitioners were of Moslem origin and it may be that the real rudiments of the style are from Moslem culture. In weapons work, too, Moslem fist is well-represented with Jiao Men boasting five tiger hook sets and over ten saber sets. And last but not least, Moslems were often placed in the dangerous position of bodyguard because of their relatively nonaffiliated status with other Chinese elements. Rising to this occasion they developed the beautiful and powerful style known throughout the world as Pa Chi Ch'uan (BaJiQuan - Eight Extremes Boxing). As the Chien Lung emperor stated in the 19th century, "For health we have Tai Chi, for protection Pa Chi."
In modern times we are constantly assailed with representations of Arab culture as seemingly comprised of religious fanatics and terrorists. Martial arts training is a nice antidote for cultural ignorance. We are allowed through it to replicate the actions practiced by different people from different cultures who lived centuries from us. We cannot only improve our health and our skills but don another person's shoes and walk down his path, or in the case of Tan Tui, ten roads.