The 2024 International Wing Chun Competition officially concluded on the afternoon of December 15. Over 2,600 Wing Chun enthusiasts from nearly 30 countries and regions gathered to compete, showcasing their skills and passion for the martial art. After intense competition, 699 champions emerged in various categories.

The tournament, which started in August with global registration, became a popular event for Wing Chun enthusiasts worldwide. Competitors from all over the world gathered to demonstrate the essence of Wing Chun in a vibrant display of skill and tradition.

At the closing ceremony on December 15, awards were presented to outstanding athletes, coaches, and organizations. International participants, including competitors from Canada, Bulgaria, Romania, and India, achieved impressive results in events like the Wing Chun wooden dummy, knife forms, and six-and-a-half pole.

For many, this was a dream come true. One competitor from Romania, who has been practicing Wing Chun for just two years, shared that visiting the hometown of the master Yip Man was a long-held aspiration. This sentiment was echoed by many participants, who spoke of how Wing Chun and Chinese culture had deepened their self-discipline, focus, and forged lasting friendships.

One standout competitor, Wu Haijie from the Honghai Wing Chun Martial Arts School in Foshan, met many international friends during the event. "I was nervous at first because such opportunities are rare, but once I focused on my movements, I felt at peace," he said. With intense competition from 20-30 other athletes in his group, Wu overcame the pressure and performed his best, eventually winning the championship.

Foshan, the birthplace of Wing Chun master Yip Man, has long been a center of Southern Chinese martial arts and was the first city in China to be honored as a "City of Chinese Martial Arts". The city has committed to promoting Wing Chun culture and will host the International Wing Chun Competition for the next three years. This will help standardize Wing Chun practices and further develop Foshan's martial arts heritage while integrating sports culture into the city's growth.

Reporter | Eleanor

Revisor | Lynn, Zoey

Photo | Wang Shu, CCTV Sports

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