The launch ceremony of the first world Southern Shaolin Wing Chun competition. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

Wing Chun, a traditional Chinese martial art with a history of over 300 years and a national intangible cultural heritage item, originated in Fuqing, Fujian province and gradually spread to Guangdong, Hong Kong, and beyond, becoming a symbol of China's cultural exchange with the world.

To preserve Chinese civilization, promote Shaolin culture, trace the roots of Wing Chun, and connect people across the globe, the first world Southern Shaolin Wing Chun competition was launched on April 3 at Fuqing's South Shaolin Temple.

Stanislav Petrov Bagalev, head of the European WingTsun Organisation (EWTO) in Bulgaria, expressed a lifelong passion for Wing Chun, stating that traditional Chinese culture like Wing Chun should be promoted worldwide, as it can serve as a positive spiritual force for all of humanity.

Master Zheng Zujie, a representative practitioner of Wing Chun, demonstrated the art form's wooden dummy.

Through specialized training camps, teaching centers, and innovative Wing Chun exercises, Zheng aims to promote Wing Chun through a variety of methods.

The competition will invite Wing Chun practitioners from over 50 countries and regions to compete on stage, promoting cultural exchange and enhancing mutual understanding. The competition, running until August, will feature preliminary, intermediate, and world finals across six major competition zones globally.

The award ceremony for the competition will be held in August at the 2024 Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference during the Wing Chun cultural international forum, part of efforts to contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative.