Shaolin Kung Fu Games

**GeneChing** · 07-16-2024, 03:51 PM

You can see me in the background of this Facebook video at the 4 sec mark:
少林童子功，少林寺中国功夫 Shaolin Tongzi Kungfu, Shaolin Temple Chinese Kungfu

More to come...

**GeneChing** · 07-16-2024, 06:39 PM

Shaolin Kung Fu Games see 124 disciples from 47 countries, regions
Culture
15:37, 15-Jul-2024
CGTN

Kung fu athlete performs at the stage of the 2024 World Shaolin Games Finals, July 13, 2024. /CGTN

2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Stars receive trophies and medals from Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, July 14, 2024. /CGTN

Chinese Shaolin disciples perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Shaolin Games Finals, July 13, 2024. /CGTN

American kung fu athlete performs at the stage of the 2024 World Shaolin Games Finals, July 13, 2024. /CGTN

Overseas kung fu enthusiasts during the 2024 World Shaolin Games Finals in Henan Province. /CGTN

Overseas Shaolin disciples perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Shaolin Games Finals, July 13, 2024. /CGTN

The 2024 Shaolin Kung Fu Games Finals saw 124 disciples from home and abroad gather at Shaolin Temple of Songshan Mountain in central China's Henan Province, competing for the "2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Star" from Saturday to Sunday.

After a series of competitions, 10 Shaolin kung fu practitioners from China, Australia, the Czech Republic, the United States, Peru, Zambia and other countries won the title.

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, told CGTN that cultural exchange between China and foreign countries is an ancient tradition of Shaolin Temple, promoting communication among people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

A French Shaolin disciple said the Shaolin Kung Fu Games is not a competition but an opportunity for global Shaolin disciples to come together, practice kung fu and learn from each other.

There are more pix - I only C&Ped a few.

**GeneChing** · 07-16-2024, 06:43 PM

Shaolin Games kicks off in Shaolin Temple, gathering kung fu stars from six continents
By Shan Jie in Dengfeng
Published: Jul 13, 2024 04:22 PM

Photo: Li Hao/GT

A Shaolin kung fu festival opened in the Shaolin Temple in Central China’s Henan Province on Saturday, gathering over a hundred of participants to compete for the global kung fu star title, while exchanging cultures and making friends.

Over this weekend, 144 martial art masters from 47 countries and regions will compete in the finals of the 2024 Shaolin Games, contending for the title of “2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Star.”

The games in the following days will include ranking matches, advancement matches, and the final round, with competition events including Shaolin boxing techniques and Shaolin weaponry, the Global Times learned from the temple.

“The Shaolin Games finals are not about competition of winning or losing, nor a contest of victory or defeat, but moments of life awakening, team development, and the inheritance and enrichment of the Shaolin spirit,” said the abbot of the Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, in a statement, expressing his hope that the event will “foster cross-cultural exchanges, enhance mutual appreciation of civilizations, and contribute to the well-being, health, and peace of humanity.”

Selay Marius Kouassi, a participant from Côte d’Ivoire who is also leading the Team Africa over this year’s Games, told the Global Times that, “I’m very happy to be part of the global community – not just a local, regional, or national community, but a global one. Shaolin has united us as one big family all over the world. I especially love the Chinese wisdom that says ‘Tian Xia Yi Jia’ – the concept that the whole world is one family. This is truly who we are, and it is because of Shaolin kung fu.”

In 2023, the Shaolin Temple completed the continental kung fu competitions across six continents in one year. Tens of thousands of Shaolin kung fu practitioners of different races, colors, and ages participated, with competitors from 101 countries gathering in Zambia, Singapore, Argentina, the US, Italy, and Australia to compete.

During the Shaolin Games finals, various events will also be held at the Shaolin Temple, including overseas Shaolin kung fu performances and a conference on the transmission and innovation of Shaolin kung fu’s intangible cultural heritage, providing visitors with opportunities to experience and study Shaolin culture.

The Shaolin Temple, located on Songshan Mountain of Dengfeng city, Henan, is one of the world’s most famous Buddhist temples. It was first established in 495 AD by Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534) to accommodate the Indian monk Batuo.

The Shaolin Temple is now renowned for its long history, profound cultural heritage, unique Buddhist culture, and martial art traditions. It is not only a treasure of Chinese Buddhist culture but also an important part of the world’s cultural heritage.

According to incomplete statistics, there are about 100 million different Shaolin disciples, Shaolin culture enthusiasts, and practitioners of Shaolin kung fu worldwide, and among which approximately 60 million are located overseas, as reported by the China News Service.

Those are some odd numbers. Note that this report say 144 competitors where the previous says 124.

**GeneChing** · 07-16-2024, 06:48 PM

Finals of 2024 Shaolin Games held in China
Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2024-07-15 14:32:16

The finals of the 2024 Shaolin Games were held at the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province over the weekend. Find out what contestants brought to the audience.

This one is an embedded vid (follow the link)
You can see me at work in the background at 0.31

**GeneChing** · 07-16-2024, 08:46 PM

13th Annual Denver National Chinese Martial Arts Championship
2024 Shaolin Kung Fu Games

**GeneChing** · 07-16-2024, 08:51 PM

USA Shaolin Open & Traditional Kung Fu Team Trials, Oct 25-27, Houston TX
Shaolin Kung Fu Games
Shaolin Duanpin Testing

Shaolin-Kung-Fu-Games
Shaolin-Duanpin

**GeneChing** · 07-16-2024, 11:39 PM

I can't believe I didn't post this here - maybe it was another one of those forum glitches (I was hoping that would get fixed before I got back:

2024 Tiger Claw Elite KungFuMagazine.com Championship – Shaolin Kung Fu Games

**GeneChing** · 07-17-2024, 10:50 AM

Kung fu contest helps foster cultural exchange
124 martial artists from 47 countries and regions compete in Shaolin finals
By QI XIN in Dengfeng, Henan and ZHAO YIMENG in Beijing | China Daily | Updated: 2024-07-15 07:14

Two kung fu practitioners compete in the 2024 Shaolin Games Finals at the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Henan province, on Sunday. KAN LI/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

The 2024 Shaolin Games Finals concluded Sunday, with those who placed in the top 10 earning the title of "Shaolin kung fu star" after a two-day competition at the historic Shaolin Temple in Henan province.

The finals culminated a yearlong competitive process that saw over 20,000 Shaolin kung fu practitioners from 101 countries and regions vying for a spot in the event. From that pool, 2,400 contestants advanced to intercontinental events, with 124 ultimately emerging from 47 countries and regions to compete at the finals alongside 20 Chinese Shaolin kung fu masters in Dengfeng, Henan, according to the Shaolin Temple, which organized the event.

Two of the top 10 winners were from the Chinese mainland; one was from the Macao; two hailed from Australia; and there was one winner each from the Czech Republic, Austria, the United States, Peru and Zambia.

Korenc Karel, the 18-year-old Czech winner, said placing in the top 10 was a testament to his years of dedication to the martial art.

"I have been practicing kung fu for 12 years. I started when I was 6, and it's like I've been doing it almost my whole life," he said.

With a history spanning over 1,500 years, Shaolin kung fu is a world-renowned symbol of Chinese culture and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

Shi Yongxin, the venerable abbot of Shaolin Temple, emphasized the role of the finals in fostering cultural exchange.

"The competition brings together individuals from diverse countries and backgrounds, united by their shared passion for Shaolin kung fu and its spirit," Shi said.

Beyond demonstrating martial arts skills, the competition aimed to deepen understanding and appreciation of Shaolin culture, a philosophy rooted in health and well-being.

"Shaolin culture promotes a healthy lifestyle, equipping us to navigate life's challenges while maintaining physical and mental balance," Shi explained during the opening ceremony.

"International exchanges through Shaolin culture can foster understanding and friendship between cultures, ultimately promoting world peace and harmony."

The competition attracted international participants such as 32-year-old Italian contestant Markus Hanisch, who performed Shaolin six-round boxing during the finals. Inspired by a Shaolin monk performance as a child, Hanisch became a kung fu teacher in Italy after winning a gold medal in a national competition.

"The Shaolin Games play a vital role in bridging cultures and fostering connections between countries," Hanisch said.

Wara Lucero, a competitor from Bolivia, highlighted the personal growth fostered by Shaolin kung fu training.

"My father always says the greatest warrior is the one who overcomes challenges, even in sickness, fatigue or pain," she said.

The 18-year-old also impressed audiences at the 9th World Kung Fu Championships in Emeishan, Sichuan province, last year.

Liu Genming, a teacher at the Shaolin Temple Culture Center in Texas, the United States, brought three students who all placed in the top 20 among the 124 contestants.

Born in Shangqiu, Henan, Liu grew up training at a kung fu school. Witnessing interest in the Shaolin variety in Texas while touring the US with Shaolin monks when he was 19, Liu decided to join the Shaolin Temple Culture Center and further promote the martial art.

"Through kung fu, the US people gain a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture in its various aspects," Liu said. "In turn, this helps spread Shaolin culture to a wider audience."

Karel was our TCEC champion and 2024 poster boy.

**GeneChing** · 07-18-2024, 09:16 AM

Harry-Potter
Shaolin-Kung-Fu-Games

**GeneChing** · 07-18-2024, 10:00 AM

2024 Shaolin Games: A Gathering of Cultures and Traditions
NEWS PROVIDED BY

Shaolin Temple
Jul 17, 2024, 19:51 ET

ZHENGZHOU, China, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Shaolin Games wrapped up on Sunday, July 14th, in a vibrant celebration of martial arts and international camaraderie at Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, Henan, China. Stars from six continents competed, with 144 contestants from 47 countries participating. Ten champions were crowned "2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Stars." These contenders, advancing from the 2023 games, which brought together over 20,000 disciples and tens of thousands of fans from 101 nations, demonstrated their prowess in Shaolin boxing, weapons, and sparring across two thrilling days.

2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Stars receive trophies and medals from Shi Yongxin, the Abbot of Shaolin Temple

Abbot Shi speaking at opening ceremony

Kung Fu practitioners compete in the 2024 Shaolin Games Finals

Shi Yongxin, Abbot of Shaolin Temple, and the catuparisa-comprising monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen-received participants, organizers, and coaches into the Shaolin family. "The competition brings together individuals from diverse countries and backgrounds, united by their shared passion for Shaolin Kung Fu and its spirit," Shi remarked. The event highlighted individual achievements and skills and aimed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Shaolin culture, which emphasizes health and well-being. Shi noted in his opening remarks, "Shaolin culture promotes a healthy lifestyle, equipping us to navigate life's challenges while maintaining physical and mental balance."

Shaolin Kung Fu, a treasured part of Chinese cultural heritage, has a history spanning over 1,500 years and enjoys a global following. Its competitions have recently ignited worldwide enthusiasm, underscoring the allure of Chinese culture and promoting international friendship. The enduring appeal and cultural influence of Shaolin Kung Fu testify to its historical significance.

Debuting in 2022, the Shaolin Games have served as a cultural envoy for Shaolin, garnering attention from various cultural groups. The event has received accolades and well-wishes from ambassadors, government officials, parliament members, and religious leaders worldwide. Commendations from scholars, martial artists, authors, celebrities, and numerous Shaolin disciples have also poured in, highlighting the event's role in fostering cultural exchange.

The 2024 Shaolin Games successfully transcended the boundaries of a martial arts competition by celebrating global unity, cultural heritage, and the enduring spirit of Shaolin Kung Fu.

SOURCE Shaolin Temple

And the press keeps coming...