NAIROBI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan youths on Sunday showcased their skills in the Chinese martial art kungfu as eight clubs took part in the first edition of the Kenya Open Kung Fu Wushu Tournament that was held in Kenya's Kiambu town on the outskirts of Kenya's capital city, Nairobi.
Ngaruiya Njonge, chairman of Kenya Kungfu Wushu Federation said that the uptake of the sport has accelerated since 2016 due to the proliferation of Chinese culture in Kenya. Kungfu, as a traditional form of Chinese culture, is growing in popularity in Kenya.
"The cultural significance of martial arts is that it will help to connect the people of Kenya and China together," Zhou Meifen, cultural counselor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya said. The Chinese embassy supported the day-long event as part of efforts to boost people's understanding of the two countries.
Martial arts is a body language that is easy to understand even when language barriers exist, and that it will thus promote greater understanding among African and Asian citizens.
According to local legislator Jude Njomo, kungfu is gaining popularity as a sport, particularly among school-age children. Njomo said that more schools will begin to nurture the sport due to its role in promoting Sino-Kenya ties. In addition to the Chinese language, kungfu skills will be taught in schools. Enditem
