A Rwandan boy performs martial arts in the community of Nyamirambo Sector in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sept. 29, 2017. The Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda-College of Education (CIUR-CE) together with Rwandan Wushu clubs on Friday brought Chinese martial arts Wushu to residents of one community in the capital city Kigali. (Xinhua/Gabriel Dusabe)
KIGALI, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute in Rwanda on Friday brought Chinese martial arts Wushu to residents of one community in the capital city Kigali.
Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda-College of Education (CIUR-CE) together with Rwandan Wushu clubs performed martial arts in the community of Nyamirambo Sector in the capital city, in a bid to raise awareness of doing physical exercises and deepen understanding of China and its culture.
Since 2015, CIUR-CE has cooperated with Rwandan Wushu clubs and Rwanda Kungfu/Wushu Federation to bring Wushu into communities across the country. Currently they have introduced Wushu to Rwandans in the capital, Southern Province, Northern Province and Western Province.
To popularize Wushu in local communities, CIUR-CE launched its own Wushu club in Nyamirambo, and the number of its Wushu players have increased from some 100 in 2015 to nearly 400 today.
Twelve-year-old Wushu player Prince Ishimwe, who performed Wushu in China in 2016, said he is proud of being a Wushu player.
"I urge my fellow youths to join me and stop saying they have nothing to do. Wushu contributes to our daily life," the Nyamirambo resident told Xinhua on the sidelines of Friday's event.
Another Wushu player Theophile Abijuru said Wushu keeps him physically fit, adding that it inspires him and others to never give up. "We do believe in patience, and we know everything is possible in life."
Abdallah Temarigwe, 64, performed carrying 60 liters of water by using his mouth and hands. He said bringing Wushu into local communities has health benefits, especially for young people. He ended by saying it also brings joy to community residents.
