Wushu in Iraq helps martial arts grow stronger

BAGHDAD — In a wushu (Chinese martial arts) club located in the city of Sulaymaniyah in Iraq, over 100 Chinese martial arts enthusiasts clad in training attire are diligently practicing wushu routines, each strike executed with power, precision and thunderous short yells.

Despite temperatures soaring above 40 C, their passion for wushu burns even hotter.

Amid the intense training, Burhan, the founder of this wushu club, weaves through the lines of students, correcting and guiding their techniques.

Like many foreign enthusiasts of Chinese kung fu, his fascination was sparked by Bruce Lee's movies. He devoured books, bought DVDs and sought out masters, starting his martial arts journey at the age of 8.

As he delved deeper, his interest in Chinese culture grew stronger. "To master Chinese martial arts, one must understand the culture and philosophy behind it," he explains. "Just like an Arab proverb says, 'Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China', the same applies to wushu."

In 2011, he embarked on a journey to China's Henan province to pursue his kung fu dream.

This dream-fulfilling journey provided him with comprehensive wushu training and a deeper understanding of the cultural logic and traditional spirit behind various Chinese martial arts styles.

"Shaolin kung fu emphasizes both internal and external cultivation; tai chi embodies the wisdom of conquering the unyielding with the yielding; and Wing Chun balances both hardness and softness. Every move in wushu embodies the essence of ancient Chinese philosophy," he says.

Over the following years, he returned to China multiple times for advanced training. In 2017, he established a Shaolin wushu club in Sulaymaniyah, where he not only teaches wushu but also introduces Chinese culture to his compatriots.

The school in Iraq has since enrolled over 3,000 wushu enthusiasts, ranging from children to the elderly.

Soran, a 59-year-old wushu lover, says that his 15-year martial arts journey made him realize that the essence of Chinese kung fu is not about fighting but about challenging one's inner fears.

"Learning wushu has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture. The purpose of wushu is not to dominate or intimidate others, but to cultivate confidence, independence and a strong character with a large heart and tolerance," Soran says, adding that this aligns with China's image in the international arena.

Daniel, 17, who was born in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and lived in China for five years before returning to Iraq with his parents, often reminisces about his childhood in China.

"I always sought ways to reconnect with my memories of China. Then I found this wushu club. It has reconnected me with China. Although learning wushu is challenging, it has taught me discipline and the perseverance to never give up," he says.

The club founder is pleased to see that so many Iraqi people have developed a strong interest in China's development and culture through wushu. In his view, Chinese kung fu is not only a bridge connecting China and Iraq, but also a window for Iraqis to understand Chinese culture.

"The Chinese often say 'making friends through martial arts', which reflects the broad-mindedness of Chinese civilization toward cultural exchange," he says. "Wushu not only strengthens the body, but also brings people's hearts closer together. Despite the great distance, Iraq and China have become closer with the help of wushu."

Xinhua