Nineteen-year-old Gao Qimeng also got a future from the wrestling.
She recalls being hit with a stick by Bai because she was not effectively controlling her weight.
"It hurt a lot," she laughs, recalling the bits and pieces of her interactions with the coach.
"He's strict, but he's the reason I'm going to the university."
This year, she has applied to go to Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, also majoring in Chinese-style wrestling.
Children like her are Bai's pride, collectively winning over 200 medals. Among them, there are three national-level masters of sports, eight national first-grade athletes, and seven national second-grade athletes.
Bai's own children are also following his path.
His granddaughter and two grandsons are students at this wrestling gym. "The family's martial arts culture must also be passed on," Bai says.
Contact the writer at zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn
