From the snake to the dragon…. they move with grace, to showcase some of Chinese martial arts. This is the first Kung Fu festival to be held in Nairobi, Kenya. The festival is organized by Pay television Company Startimes, celebrating 5years of its flagship Kung Fu channel.
“Basically it’s to celebrate the kind of content that is available on this channel because it an action oriented kind of channel and when we did our research we realized that Kung fu is very popular in Kenya from the Kung Fu action movies right from the kids to adults.” Said Alex Mwaura, Communication Manager, Startimes
Hundreds of people came to watch the event.
“As you all know Kung Fu is well know through out the world now many super movie stars such as Jackie Chan have played kungfu very fabulously in international stages and as the the Chinese saying goes.. If one is able Master Kung Fu or martial arts then he could become a super man. And if he is able to become a Kung fu Master he will stand for justice and he he will prevail over evil.” Said Yao Ming, Counselor, Chinese Embassy in Kenya
Part of the event was a Kung Fu competition, where 10 local practitioners of the sport showcased their skills in front of other masters from Beijing. 3 winners were selected from the group. Winning a fully paid trip to China, where they will undergo a week of intense training in martial arts at the Beijing International Arts School in December. The winners will then come back to teach their new found skills to others in Kung Fu clubs here in Kenya.
“All the skills I will get from China will be a big boost for kenyan students. Once I get the skills I will share the knowledge I get with others.” Said Kwezira Maurice, Kung Fu Master
“I’m very happy to get this opportunity; I have been waiting for this for a long time. I knew I would win because of the extensive experience I have in Kung fu. I have done kung fu in Kenya for over 10 years. I have trained Burundians, Congolese and Egyptians. My win is not just mine but for all Kenyans.” Said Phrodice Bakorubusa, Kung Fu Master
Kung Fu professionals in Kenya want to grow their talent pool in the hopes that martial arts will grow as a sport in the country.
