The Shaolin Cultural Center in Lusaka, Zambia, served as the vibrant stage for the inaugural African Shaolin Kung Fu Games on Sunday. This landmark event acted as a bridge for cultural exchange between China and Africa, spotlighting the growing interest in this ancient martial art on the African continent, according to reports from Xinhua.
The event attracted approximately 150 Shaolin disciples from 22 African countries. These martial artists displayed their mastery in diverse forms of martial arts, celebrating the rich tradition and artistry of Shaolin Kung Fu. The comprehensive competition featured an array of Shaolin boxing routines and multiple categories of weapons. Expert Shaolin masters presided over the proceedings to ensure the utmost professionalism and fairness.
The games ended on a high note, with 29 athletes hailing from 13 countries, including Zambia, Benin, and Senegal, bagging first place in their respective categories. The host nation took home the first-place award for the group performance category, showcasing the skill and discipline of Zambia’s own Shaolin Temple disciples. Additionally, seven participants were honored with the title of “African Shaolin Kung Fu Stars.”
Cameroon’s Lacmagou Fregis Arnaud, one of the event’s participants, credited Shaolin Kung Fu not just for enhancing his combat skills, but for imparting invaluable life lessons that boosted his self-confidence and self-discipline.
A major milestone during the event was the official announcement of the establishment of the African Shaolin Federation. Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, addressed the founding ceremony, stating that the games serve as a symbol of mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between China and the international community. He further emphasized that the event encapsulates the core Shaolin Kung Fu values of fitness, enlightenment, and harmony.
The African Shaolin Cultural Center in Zambia, founded in December 2021, holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in Africa. Here, students not only learn the traditional Shaolin Kung Fu but also engage in an array of Chinese cultural courses, such as Chinese language, calligraphy, traditional etiquette, and the theories behind Chinese traditional medicine, acupuncture, and massage.
The popularity of Chinese kung fu has been noticeably increasing across Africa. Rwanda, a Central African nation, founded the Kung-Fu Wushu Federation in 2007, encouraging kung fu practitioners to compete and perfect their skills. In East Africa, an increasing number of Kenyan youths are showing interest in kung fu, either through local clubs or by learning from seasoned practitioners trained at China’s renowned Shaolin Temple in Henan Province.
The Shaolin Temple has been instrumental in fostering this cross-cultural exchange, welcoming African trainees since 2013 to learn both kung fu and traditional Chinese culture. These trainees, in turn, have played a pivotal role in promoting the sport and training aspiring practitioners in their respective countries, further enhancing the bond between China and Africa through this shared cultural exchange.
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