Kaohsiung｜A Japanese-style martial arts training ground in a corner of Xiziwan? !

Hidden in the Gushan District of Kaohsiung, Wude Hall is a century-old Japanese-style building. The Wude Hall, completed in 1924, was originally a place for police and civil servants to practice judo and kendo during the Japanese occupation. The "Wu De Hall" is the martial arts training ground under the jurisdiction of the "Wu De Association" and is also the most important building in the dojo complex. During the Japanese occupation, the "Butoku Association" built "Butoku Halls" in various places in Taiwan to promote the spirit of Japanese martial arts. The "Kaohsiung Wude Hall" was originally named "Zhenwu Hall" and was built in 1924. The east side is the kendo area, and the west side is the judo area, where young people and military and police officers go to practice martial arts. The practice time is mostly in the evening after citizens get off work. It is said that children living nearby did not dare to approach the martial artists because of their sharp shouts, which shows how powerful their momentum is.

The architecture of Wude Hall is a fusion of Japanese and Western styles. The eaves of the main entrance are designed in the Japanese "Karahafu" style, while the columns are imitations of the Roman "Tuscan" style. Unfortunately, with the passage of time, most of these Wude Halls full of history and architectural features no longer exist. The "Kaohsiung Wude Hall" is the oldest and has the highest administrative level among the existing Wude Halls. It is also the first Wude Hall to be reused as a historic site.

As the highest-level and earliest existing Wude Hall in Taiwan, it is not only a pilgrimage site for history lovers, but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. With its quaint atmosphere and unique architectural elements, every corner is a great photo spot.

Today, the Wude Hall is a space for promoting martial arts culture, just as it was a hundred years ago. From time to time, there are martial arts experiences and guided tours, as if recreating the scenes of the past.

📍Kaohsiung Wude Hall
It is a 10-minute walk from Xiziwan MRT Station.

#GlobalTravel #TaiwanLocalTour #Taiwan #Kaohsiung #KaohsiungAttractions

Post by Tea_2046 | Sep 30, 2024