Kung Fu Brings World Together at 2024 Global Shaolin Games Finals
* ZHENGZHOU, China, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – The 2024 Shaolin Games wrapped up on Sunday, July 14th, in a vibrant celebration of martial arts and international camaraderie at Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, Henan, China. Stars from six continents competed, with 144 contestants from 47 countries participating. Ten champions were crowned “2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Stars.” These contenders, advancing from the 2023 games, which brought together over 20,000 disciples and tens of thousands of fans from 101 nations, demonstrated their prowess in Shaolin boxing, weapons, and sparring across two thrilling days.
Shi Yongxin, Abbot of Shaolin Temple, and the catuparisa-comprising monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen-received participants, organizers, and coaches into the Shaolin family. “The competition brings together individuals from diverse countries and backgrounds, united by their shared passion for Shaolin Kung Fu and its spirit,” Shi remarked. The event highlighted individual achievements and skills and aimed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Shaolin culture, which emphasizes health and well-being. Shi noted in his opening remarks, “Shaolin culture promotes a healthy lifestyle, equipping us to navigate life’s challenges while maintaining physical and mental balance.”
Shaolin Kung Fu, a treasured part of Chinese cultural heritage, has a history spanning over 1,500 years and enjoys a global following. Its competitions have recently ignited worldwide enthusiasm, underscoring the allure of Chinese culture and promoting international friendship. The enduring appeal and cultural influence of Shaolin Kung Fu testify to its historical significance.
Debuting in 2022, the Shaolin Games have served as a cultural envoy for Shaolin, garnering attention from various cultural groups. The event has received accolades and well-wishes from ambassadors, government officials, parliament members, and religious leaders worldwide. Commendations from scholars, martial artists, authors, celebrities, and numerous Shaolin disciples have also poured in, highlighting the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange.
The 2024 Shaolin Games successfully transcended the boundaries of a martial arts competition by celebrating global unity, cultural heritage, and the enduring spirit of Shaolin Kung Fu.
SOURCE: Shaolin Temple
Over 20,000 overseas Shaolin disciples took part in the 2024 Shaolin Games Finals, which concluded last Sunday after a two-day competition at the historic Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, central China.
The finals were a culmination of a year-long competitive process that saw Shaolin Kung Fu (Chinese martial arts) practitioners from 101 countries and regions vie for a spot in the event.
Ultimately, 124 contestants emerged from 47 countries and regions to compete at the finals alongside 20 Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu masters, according to the Shaolin Temple, which organized the event.
Shaolin is a symbol revered by martial arts enthusiasts worldwide. While competition at the event was fierce, it provided a unique opportunity for members of the worldwide Shaolin Kung Fu community from different countries to come together and learn from one another.
“I’m from Austria, Vienna, and I’m practising Shaolin Kung Fu in the Shaolin Culture Centre, Vienna. You know, Shaolin is a big family, so it’s more to see how the others are, and less (about) the competition, So we’re all friends and not against each other. So it’s one family, and we will see and have fun to meet. And I’m thankful for the opportunity to be here,” said Markus Hanisch, executive director of the Shaolin Europe Association.
“It’s fun, but I think in the Shaolin family, it’s not the main part. The main part is to involve yourself and to become better in what you’re doing, what you love. And if there’s a competition, it’s more to meet each other,” he said.
Hanisch wields a spear-like weapon called a guandao, which swooshes through the air as the disciple handles it with refined technique. For other practitioners, however. speed of movement is not a priority.
“Riyuezhan – it’s a heavier weapon – and I like it because it’s not such a fast form; it’s more strong. You feel more Earth – in power, in the body and in the form,” said Georg Vetchy, a student at the Shaolin Cultural Centre of Austria.
Vetchy agreed that preparing for the event was more about self-improvement than competition or proving capability.
“When you train, you do it for yourself. And the training is also when you’re feeling better, you have more patience for other people. And this is the most important thing for me. And the examination, or graduation – that’s just an extra,” he added.
The event has grown at a surprising rate, providing a vital opportunity to showcase Shaolin culture and Chinese Kung Fu to a global audience, according to the organisers.
“Initially, we planned to accommodate 200 to 300 competitors due to concerns about our limited reception capacity. However, around 500 to 600 participants ultimately arrived, reaching nearly 1,000 competitors now. Observing their diverse training methods provides a valuable learning opportunity. Age and scoring are not primary concerns. Although some foreign disciples are older, many of these overseas Shaolin Kung Fu practitioners are adults who never give up practising. They engage in various styles such as healthy fists and traditional Shaolin forms,” said Shi Yanxuan, deputy chief judge of the 2024 Global Shaolin Games Finals.
“To ensure fair evaluation, we have five judges. each responsible for different aspects such as attire, etiquette, and Chanwuyi (a blend of Chan Buddhism, martial arts, and healing practices). This comprehensive cultural approach aims to promote Shaolin culture. Chinese martial arts, and broader Chinese traditions globally, fostering greater understanding of Shaolin Temple and China,” he said.
SOURCE: CCTVPLUS.COM
Ben Copeman is a contestant in the finals of the 2024 Shaolin Games held by Shaolin Temple in central China’s Henan Province. Ben is a kung fu coach from Australia and was awarded the Oceania Kung Fu Star at an intercontinental competition in 2023. Having been practicing martial arts for 15 years, Copeman opened his own kung fu school in Sydney in 2016. “The meaning of Shaolin kung fu is like a way of self-development and progression,” he said. Copeman has been to a Shaolin Temple three times and said that practicing Shaolin kung fu is not only a way of keeping fit but also a way to keep mentally and emotionally strong and healthy. Talking about the final, the Australian kung fu star said it’s a great journey and experience to meet people from all over the world who practice Shaolin martial arts and watch everyone’s different performances.
SOURCE: CGTN
