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 practicing Shaolin kung fu in the Shaolin Culture Center, 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 Center 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 organizers.
"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 practicing. 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.
Kung fu brings world together at 2024 Global Shaolin Games Finals
