Original Author: DKU Communications
The 2024 Wushu Training Camp for International Students in China (Duke Kunshan University) successfully concluded at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) Sports Complex from October 2nd to 8th. This week-long camp was the first of its kind hosted at a Sino-foreign cooperative university and marked the opening station of the 2024 Wushu Training Camp series for international students in China.
Organized by the Wushu Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the event attracted over 70 international students from DKU, the Overseas Education College of Soochow University, and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Participants represented more than 30 countries, including the United States, Russia, Germany, France, Norway, South Africa, and Brazil.
At the opening ceremony on October 3, Zhang Lei, Director of the Combat Sports Division at the Wushu Sports Management Center; Wu Yong, Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Wushu Sports Management Center; Wen Shantian, Head Coach of the National Wushu Short Weapon Team; and Dr. Li Xiaoshu, Assistant Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, attended and delivered speeches.
Additional attendees included Jin Shan, Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Wushu Sports Management Center; Sun Qihu, Vice President of the Jiangsu Wushu Association; Xia Jun, Dean of Soochow University’s Overseas Education College.
The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Zarko Krkeljas, Director of the DKU Athletics Department.
Director Zhang Lei highlighted, “This is the first time that the Wushu Training Camp for International Students in China is being hosted at a Sino-foreign cooperative university and incorporating Taichi as a primary teaching focus. This provides international students with an opportunity to engage with and appreciate wushu, fostering a love for the art. We hope participants will become cultural ambassadors, spreading Chinese wushu worldwide.“
Director Wu Yong commented, “Chinese Wushu, with its unique appeal, is cherished by people around the globe. The collaboration between the highly esteemed Duke Kunshan University and this renowned training program creates a premier learning platform, greatly enhancing cultural exchange.“
Dr. Li Xiaoshu expressed gratitude to the Wushu Sports Management Center and other supporting institutions, stating, “Wushu is more than a national treasure of China; it is a cultural bridge that transcends borders and connects hearts. I hope participants will diligently study wushu techniques, reflect on its philosophy, and share this profound cultural heritage with peers from around the world, fostering friendship and understanding.“
Sohan Mahmud, a participant from Bangladesh, shared, “Attending such an enriching program at DKU allowed us to delve deeply into Chinese traditional culture and wushu. It’s an extraordinary experience. I’m grateful to the organizers and DKU for providing this platform and hope to see more activities like this in the future.“
Over seven days, the participants immersed themselves in learning wushu short weapon techniques and Taichi under expert guidance, gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese martial arts (Wushu). They focused on mastering basic short weapon skills, competition rules and commands, Wushu Short Weapon techniques, and the 13 essential forms of Chen-style Taichi, successfully passing the assessment.
During the camp, 30 outstanding students received certificates of excellence. They not only mastered practical skills but also gained a deep appreciation for the philosophical concepts and Chinese wisdom embedded in Wushu. Many students expressed their intent to bring the Short Weapons Wushu and Taichi back to their home countries, hoping to share the charm of Chinese wushu with others.
Fossen David from Germany remarked at the closing ceremony, “I am very grateful to the Wushu Sports Management Center and the Chinese Wushu Association for organizing such an event. Also, thanks to Duke Kunshan University for the services and support, especially to the instructors. These few days not only taught us Wushu techniques but also deeply influenced us with the culture of wushu, which will accompany our future development.“
Mills Ethan Thomas from the United States shared his experience in an interview with Suzhou TV, saying, “I first discovered Chinese martial arts through Kung Fu Panda and have always been fascinated by it. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to participate in this Wushu training camp. It allowed me to learn Wushu short weapons and Taichi, giving me a close-up experience of Chinese martial arts culture.”
During the training camp, the expert instructors also arranged experiential courses in short weapon combat and Taichi push hands for the international students. Under the guidance of Coach Wen Shantian and Instructor Zhou Xinliang, the students donned professional armor and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of short weapon combat.
Local Taichi master and Principal of Kunshan Sports School, Li Xiang, led the students in experiencing the principles of Taichi push hands, including the balance of Yin and Yang, the integration of movement and stillness, and the martial strategies of attack and defense.
In the closing ceremony, Coach Wen Shantian congratulated the students on their successful completion of the camp and encouraged them to continue refining their skills and share what they had learned with others, contributing to the promotion of cultural exchange between China and the world.
Yan Quanwei, the organizer of the 2024 Wushu Training Camp for International Students in China (Duke Kunshan University Station), commented, “The successful hosting of this camp has provided international students with a platform to learn and explore Wushu, offering them an immersive experience in Chinese martial arts. As one of the exemplary Sino-foreign cooperative universities, Duke Kunshan University has always prioritized cultural exchange. Through Wushu, a distinguished cultural program, we are able to attract international friends and help spread Chinese martial arts globally.”
The camp was organized by the Wushu Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Wushu Association, with Duke Kunshan University serving as the host. Supporting organizations included the Jiangsu Provincial Wushu Sports Management Center, the Jiangsu Wushu Association, Soochow University’s Overseas Education College, the Huzhou Wushu Bingdao Association, and Kunshan Sports School. The event aimed to foster international exchange and promotion of Chinese martial arts, particularly among the “Generation Z.”
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