In the Russian capital, a school for Chinese martial arts, or wushu, is becoming a strong symbol of growing cultural and educational connection between the two countries as they observe 2026 and 2027 as the China-Russia Years of Education.
The school, located on the outskirts of Moscow, is Europe's largest wushu educational center. For more than three decades, it has introduced Russian students to Chinese martial arts, and even Chinese culture and language.
Visitors are welcomed by Chinese-style gates, a traditional garden once recognized as the most beautiful in the Russian capital, and a statue of Confucius standing at the entrance.
Hundreds of children and young athletes train at the school every week under coaches deeply influenced by the traditions of Chinese martial arts.
School administrators say many students first developed an interest in wushu through Chinese films and popular culture, including the school's director herself.
"I started doing sports, wushu in particular, thanks to Jackie Chan and Jet Li. When I saw Jackie Chan at our school in 2000, it inspired me to become a fan of wushu and to devote my entire life to this sport," said Daria Tarasova, school director and elite wushu athlete.
Tarasova later went on to become a two-time world champion, the 2008 Olympics champion, and a 19-time European wushu champion.
The school regularly sends students to China to take part in training camps and competitions, giving young athletes firsthand exposure to the birthplace of the sport.
Many Russian students say those visits not only deepen their understanding of wushu, but also allow them to experience Chinese culture in a much more meaningful and personal way.
"I traveled to China for training camps in Beijing and also to Zhenjiang. I really like Chinese culture. To be honest, Wushu originated in China. When you visit China and see the daily training of athletes, you see what you can and should strive for," said Kiril Bogdarenko, a wushu athlete.
Children begin training at the school at an early age, combining martial arts techniques with discipline and Chinese traditional philosophy. Knowledge of the Chinese language is an integral part of that learning curve.
The growing popularity of wushu reflects the broader expansion of people-to-people exchanges between Russia and China, especially ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming state visit to China.
Officials from both countries say cooperation in education, youth programs, and cultural exchange continues to serve as an important foundation for bilateral relations.
Martial art school promotes cultural exchange between Russia, China
Martial art school promotes cultural exchange between Russia, China
