The 2023 Oceania Shaolin Games recently unfolded in Sydney, captivating over 300 martial arts enthusiasts from Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring countries. This much-anticipated competition showcased a variety of Kung Fu styles and weapon categories, including Shaolin Fist, Animal Styles, and Seven Star Fist.
During the opening ceremony at the Quaycenter in the Sydney Olympic Park, Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple, underscored the significance of Shaolin Kung Fu as a global intangible cultural heritage. He emphasized the competition’s role in fostering camaraderie and collaboration among Shaolin disciples worldwide, while also upholding the core values of Shaolin Kung Fu – strength and mental clarity.
The event witnessed outstanding performances, with 22-year-old Blake Brown from Brisbane, Australia emerging as one of the stars of the games. Brown’s exceptional display of the monkey fist garnered a high score of 9.05, solidifying his passion for Shaolin Kung Fu and the pursuit of his life’s purpose.
Reflecting on his journey, Brown shared, “Shaolin Kung Fu gave me the meaning of life and dreams. I was a bit lost beforehand, and Kung Fu training told me to find peace.”
The Oceania Shaolin Games marked the concluding stop of a series of Kung Fu competitions held across the globe this year, reinforcing the universal appeal and profound impact of Shaolin martial arts. Wang Shuyu, the consul for cultural affairs at the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, underscored the event’s potential for cultural exchange and collaboration, as participants from diverse cultural backgrounds converged for this celebration of martial arts.
One such participant was Riley Greenland from Sydney, who has devoted over 20 years to practising martial arts since the tender age of three. Greenland’s profound connection to Kung Fu led him to journey to China thrice in pursuit of mastering the art. According to Greenland, “Kung Fu for me is everything. Everything, not just training. I love the way it makes me feel – the energy, the power, the mental strength, everything.”
The splendour of the 2023 Oceania Shaolin Games not only revealed the mesmerising athleticism and artistry of the participants, but also the enduring influence of Shaolin Kung Fu as it continues to inspire and unite individuals from all walks of life.
Photo source: Hu Jingchen/Xinhua
Reference:
Xinhua. (2023, December 4). Shaolin Kung Fu competition enthralls martial arts enthusiasts in Oceania. People’s Daily Online. https://en.people.cn/n3/2023/1204/c90000-10216258.html