Young action film enthusiasts from around the world recently concluded a five day cultural exchange at the Jackie Chan Stunt Team Training Base in Beijing, immersing themselves in martial arts and action filmmaking under the guidance of one of cinema’s most renowned stunt teams.
Led by kung fu movie icon Jackie Chan, the stunt team is regarded as one of the world’s most accomplished, having trained and nurtured generations of outstanding action actors for the film industry.
"In Wushu, the most important thing you learn is culture, discipline, respect. Keep these three words in your mind. Go to your whole life," said Chan.
The Jackie Chan Stunt Team coaches also designed a series of tailored courses for them. Many parents who accompanied their children witnessed their hard work and growing confidence, and spoke highly of the program's cultural depth and hands-on experience.
"It's her confidence level and her excitement of doing the skills and just growing in strength and stamina. It's so fun to watch her grow and to just see how excited she is and to be able to kind of show off some of her skills that she's been learning," said a parent of the student.
"He trained hard. When he would come home at night he would tell the things that he had practiced and learned and show the bruises on his arms as he did the bodywork and the forms that he learned. I had noticed that he stands taller. And he walks a little bit more proud because of what he's learned here at the training," said another parent of the student.
For the program's coaching team, it's about more than just training -- it's about inspiring passion and showing young filmmakers how to channel traditional martial arts into their own work.
"The focus of our courses is all about keeping it fun and engaging. But of course, we include Chinese martial arts -- we have them try many forms, from Bajiquan and Tai Chi to Baguazhang," said Gang Yinxuan, head coach of the International Youth Action Film Cultural Exchange Program.
"Really, what we're trying to do is teach them how to take what they've learned here and apply it to what they love doing," said Han Guanhua, lead coach of the program.
Global youth conclude five-day exchange at Jackie Chan stunt base
