African Kung Fu: Martial artists vie for continental championship in Tunisia

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02:23

Practicing Chinese "Wushu", or martial arts has become common in Tunisia and other North African and Sub-Saharan African countries. Recently, over 200 athletes were in Tunis for the African Wushu Kung Fu and Sanda tournaments. Here' s CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi with more.

Tunisia has hosted the African Traditional Wushu Championships and the African Cup Championships for Senior Sanda teams, with the participation of Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Niger, Algeria, Libya, Senegal, Central Africa.

HANEN MESSAOUDI GOLD MEDALIST, TUNISIA "I'm proud of my performance. I fell in love with this Chinese discipline at an early age. Winning an African title will open the door for International championships."

The Algeria team has dominated the 4-day tournament. Algerians describe themselves as Wushu Fighters.

NASSIM RAHIMA GOLD MEDALIST, ALGERIA "The technical and physical level were high at this African tournament. The preparation lasted 3 months in Algiers and other cities. I'm glad to return home with a trophy as a Wushu athlete and Fighter."

Over the past 15 years, dozens of Wushu Kung Fu and Sanda federations have been created throughout Africa. The Tunisian Federation was founded in 2005. Experts assert that Chinese Marital arts are gaining popularity among youths.

MOHAMED ADEL ZAHRA PRESIDENT, TUNISIAN WUSHU KUNG FU FEDERATION "Men, women, children and people of all ages practice Chinese martial arts. These disciplines contribute to the education of the new generation. People are passionate about Wushu Kung Fu. Practitioners are more patient. They usually succeed in sport and at school."

There are more than 30 Kung Fu training centers in 24 regions across Tunisia. Tunisian masters expect their number to increase to 50 in the next 3 years.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA "The Tunisian Federation of Wushu Kung Fu plans to organize an international training camp this year in the coastal city. The event will gather kung fu lovers from about 15 countries. Masters and participants will come from Asia, Europe and Africa. ADNEN CHAOUACHI, CGTN, Tunis, Tunisia."