China-US Youth Wushu Sanda Elite Training Program

China-US Youth Wushu Elite Training Program Successfully Concludes!

Competition

The China-US Wushu Training Camp delegation participated in the opening ceremony

On October 31, 2024, the 15-day China-US Youth Wushu Elite (Shaolin) Training Camp successfully concluded at the Epo Wushu School in Dengfeng, Henan Province. The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Wushu Association and the United States of American Wushu-Kungfu Federation. Through participation in the International Shaolin Martial Arts Festival and the training camp.

The U.S. team’s flag bearer, Stacie Pitt, prepares for the entrance at the opening ceremony of the Shaolin Martial Arts Festival.

The U.S. team, consisting of 9 athletes, achieved excellent results, winning 4 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 7 bronze medals.

China-US Wushu Discussion

On October 18, as an important part of this China-US exchange event, the China-US Wushu Discussion was held at the Aoti Jianguo Hotel in Zhengzhou. Attendees included Zhang Yuping, Director of the Wushu Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, Tian Jian, Deputy Director of the Henan Provincial Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Zhang Shan, Vice Leader of the 1974 Wushu Delegation to the U.S., Wu Bin, a 9th-Dan Chinese Wushu master, as well as some of the Members who visited the U.S. in 1974. The U.S. delegation was led by Li Shudong, along with training camp participants.

Speech by Director Zhang Yuping of the Wushu Sports Administration Center, General Administration of Sport of China

Zhang Yuping pointed out that since 1974, China-US martial arts exchanges have deepened, promoting both China-US friendship and the global development of Wushu. During the seminar, Zhang Shan recalled his experience during the 1974 visit to the U.S., and the leaders had enthusiastic exchanges with the American youth participants. On behalf of the U.S. Wushu Federation and its President, Mr. Wu Tinggui, Li Shudong expressed heartfelt thanks to the Chinese side for their thoughtful arrangements and warm hospitality. Li Shudong also noted that as the influence of Wushu grows in the U.S. and youth participation increases, the China-US Youth Wushu Training Camp will become an excellent platform for international exchanges.

Li Shudong, Vice President of the USAWFK, on behalf of the Federation and its President, Mr. Anthony Goh, expressed heartfelt thanks to Director Zhang Yuping and the Chinese delegation for their cooperation and arrangements.

Mr. Zhang Shan, Former Vice President of the China Wushu Research Institute and Vice Leader of the First China-US Wushu Delegation, Recounts the 1974 Visit to the U.S.

Mr. Wu Bin, a 9th-Dan Chinese Wushu master and renowned martial artist, delivered a speech.

Mr. Cui Yahui, Vice President of the Chinese Wushu Association and a member of the first China-US Martial Arts delegation to the U.S., delivered a speech.

Representatives from the U.S. youth delegation then delivered speeches.

After the seminar, a group photo was taken as a memento

University Exchange

During the competition, the delegation was invited by the School of Physical Education at Zhengzhou University (main campus) to engage in a Wushu exchange activity.

At the School of Physical Education at Zhengzhou University, Secretary Li Na, Dean Si Hongyu, Deputy Dean Zhang Xiuli, and Deputy Dean Geng Yaoguo delivered speeches to welcome the U.S. delegation.

Master Shudong Li introduced the basic information about the USA Wushu-Kungfu Federation and the members of the delegation to the attendees.

Members of the delegation also took turns to promote mutual exchange

After the seminar and discussions, the faculty and students of Zhengzhou University, along with the U.S. delegation members, held an impressive Wushu exchange demonstration at Zhengzhou University’s Wushu training grounds.

Shaolin Kung Fu Training Camp

U.S. Delegation Training at Shaolin Epo Martial Arts School

Eleven young Wushu enthusiasts from the U.S. delegation trained alongside students at the Shaolin Epo Martial Arts School in Dengfeng, immersing themselves in the essence of Shaolin Kung Fu. Under the guidance of martial arts masters, they learned foundational techniques, forms, fist methods, and Shaolin culture, gaining a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese martial arts and its core principles. Through the intensive training and rich cultural experience, both Chinese and American youths not only improved their martial arts skills but also strengthened their understanding of each other’s culture.

Group Fist Practice

The successful completion of this U.S.-China Youth Martial Arts Elite Training Camp greatly benefited the participants and further deepened cultural recognition and understanding between the people of China and the United States. At the end of the event, the students expressed their determination to continue refining their martial arts skills in daily practice and to take on the future mission of promoting and spreading Chinese martial arts.

Professor Liu Huocai, a think tank expert from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ World Tai Chi Development Blue Book and founder of Ducheng Academy, visited the training camp participants.

Through this training camp, youth from China and the U.S. built a bridge of friendship through martial arts, showcasing the unique charm of Wushu as a medium for cultural exchange. This achievement also provides valuable experience and momentum for future cooperation between Chinese and American Wushu associations and for the global promotion of Wushu.

Zhang Junwen, Deputy Director of Zhengzhou Sports Bureau, and Liang Shaozong, Principal of Shaolin Epo Martial Arts School, awarded training completion certificates to the athletes.