The finals of 2018 Rwanda National Championship came to its end recently in Kigali. This competition was jointly held by Confucius Institute at University of Rwanda and Rwanda Wushu-Kungfu Federation. After eight-hour competing, players of one hundred and over from four provinces contended for more than forty medals. In recent years, the culture of martial arts has been widely spread in Rwanda and has become an important bond connecting Chinese culture and Rwandan culture.
At competition, its projects include five-step fist, long fist, southern fist, broadsword play and staff; its competition units are divided into routines and free boxing according to age and gender. Athletes’ stunt moves and brilliant boxing were applauded by audience.
“The Seventh National Championship has become a grand event in Rwandan.”said Su Wen, an adviser of Rwanda Wushu-Kungfu Federation and martial art coach of Confucius Institute at University of Rwanda. He noted that there are 23 martial art clubs around the country from which the players in finals are selected. Nearly 2,000 people are involved in this competition. Besides, International Wushu Invitational Tournament held by Rwanda Wushu-Kungfu Federation takes place in Rwanda annually and more than 100 players from Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and Burundi are invited to participate in this competition.
“The martial arts serve as a significant carrier of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between two countries” said Didier, head of the Department of Culture and Sports. He is very proud of the fact that many Rwandan players win golden medals in international martial art competition. It is said that nearly 5,000 people registered in Confucius Institute at University of Rwanda and there are 2,000 students in Rwanda Wushu-Kungfu Federation.
Confucius Institute at University of Rwanda has been broadcasting Chinese martial arts in Rwanda since the year of 2010. Currently, Wushu has gained much popularity among people as the number of children who study martial arts is on the increase. Su Wen, who has been teaching martial arts in Rwanda for five years, has more than 500 disciples, 11 of which won the scholarship to study martial arts in Chongqing Normal University in 2018.
“I have a little sister and two brothers. All of them are studying martial arts.”said Collodim, who started to study martial arts in his fifteen and has won 45 golden medals so far.
“Chinese Martial Arts in Communities” is held by Confucius Institute at University of Rwanda every year. Collodim, whose performance is the highlight of this activity, is always invited to perform martial arts. He said, activities as such have gained much popularity among local people. The martial arts serving as the bond connecting two peoples enable me to fall in love with Chinese culture.
“Martial arts have gained much popularity in Rwanda.”said Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Rao Hongwei, adding that Chinese martial arts with rich connotations are expected to contribute to Rwandan cultural diversity.
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Martial arts enable me to fall in love with Chinese culture
Date：2019-01-03 15:11:07 Source：People Daily Author：Organization
