On October 27th, in the vibrant sunshine of Sydney’s early summer, the atmosphere was electric at the grounds of David’s Church in Laika City. Martial arts enthusiasts captivated the audience with an array of performances, including Tai Chi, Drunken Fist, Meteor Ball, Nine-Section Whip, Twin Sabers, Green Blade Sword, and more. The World Tai Chi Martial Arts (Kung Fu) Invitational Tournament was in full swing, drawing a large crowd of supporters.

“I idolize Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan,” said Australian competitor Danny, who had just finished his Drunken Fist routine. With near a decade of dedication to mastering Chinese martial arts, Danny now showcases his skills in various disciplines including weapons forms. Proudly, he added that his family—his mother, grandmother, and grandfather—came out to cheer him on today.

Another participant, Malaysian-Chinese athlete Luo Xiangyang, competed in the Long Fist, Tai Chi, and Tai Chi Ball events. His blend of softness and strength in performance earned him resounding applause from the audience. He stated, “Tai Chi martial arts provide us with a balance of body and mind, promoting a healthy lifestyle and teaching us to stay calm and focused in competition.”

Wang Yunkuo, president of the Australia-China Martial Arts (Kung Fu) Cultural Association, shared insights about the event, revealing that nearly 200 martial arts enthusiasts from China, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong participated, ranging in age from as young as 4 to as seasoned as 75.

Divided into two main categories—Tai Chi and martial arts—the tournament featured three age groups: children, young and middle-aged adults, and seniors. A total of 142 gold medals, 93 silver medals, and 79 bronze medals were awarded.

The audience was treated to an authentic Shaolin performance by monk Yan’an from the Australian Shaolin Zen Martial Arts Hall. He shared that he has recently come to Australia to teach Shaolin Kung Fu, after spending seven years doing so in the United States. He believes that Chinese martial arts serve as a bridge for many foreigners to understand and appreciate Chinese culture.

Wang Yunkuo emphasized the longstanding history of Chinese martial arts and Tai Chi in Australia and around the world, highlighting its significant contributions to the health, happiness, and unity of local communities. “Through practicing martial arts, individuals not only gain insight into traditional Chinese culture but also foster friendships between people from various nations. This tournament provides an opportunity for martial arts enthusiasts globally to connect and exchange techniques, promoting mutual understanding and communication across different cultural backgrounds.”