The origin of Chinese martial arts dates back to the Xia Dynasty (c.21st century-16th century BC) around 4,000 years ago. In ancient China, people used martial arts in military training, to defend themselves and hunt. In more recent centuries, Chinese martial arts have developed into hundreds of styles with different concepts and goals, some for bodybuilding, some for defense, and some for self-cultivation.

In modern times, some people criticize martial arts schools for paying attention only to contests and stunts in performance. Some also doubt whether traditional martial arts are really useful in a fight. The mainstream now considers practicing martial arts aims not to defeat others, but to protect oneself and avoid harm.

Roman Pilipey, a Ukrainian press photographer who works for the European Pressphoto Agency, is currently based in Beijing. He has shot a series of photos themed on Chinese martial arts, or Chinese kung fu.