Renowned globally as a hub of martial arts excellence, Foshan is synonymous with KungFu legends such as Wong Fei-hung, Ip Man, Bruce Lee, and martial arts styles like Wing Chun, Choy Lee Fut, and Hung Gar. This vibrant city, the cradle of Southern Chinese martial arts, boasts a martial arts community of over 300,000 people, with one in every thirty residents being a skilled practitioner.
The series of micro-videos "Standing at the Forefront of the Greater Bay Area," launched by CMG, recently shared a unique story of cross-continental dedication to the art, highlighting Foshan's international martial arts allure.
In 2019, Rajabu Kelvin Milinga, a young martial arts enthusiast from Tanzania, embarked on a journey to Foshan, driven by his passion for Chinese KungFu. He became a disciple of Li Weifeng, a master of Choy Lee Fut in Foshan. For over two years, Kelvin has diligently trained, traveling nearly two hours daily, rain or shine, to master this traditional art. Through his rigorous training, he not only delved into the depths of Chinese martial arts but also found a cultural resonance and embraced the philosophy of humility. He dreams of opening a martial arts school in Tanzania to promote Chinese martial arts and culture in his homeland.
Foshan's martial arts tradition, exemplified by its pioneering spirit, continues to thrive. Li Weifeng, having left a high-paying job, now dedicates himself to teaching and preserving Choy Lee Fut. He promotes martial arts in schools, helping young people appreciate and love Chinese KungFu. Foshan plans to use AI to create digital archives of styles like Choy Lee Fut and Wing Chun, and to host events celebrating this heritage. With 208 schools teaching nearly 30 martial arts styles, Foshan's influence now extends to over 170 countries, spreading its spirit of innovation and cultural pride.
Reporter丨Lynn
Revisor丨Eleanor, Zoey
Video by China Media Group
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