The 18th World Chin Woo Martial Arts Assembly is currently underway in Berlin, bringing together participants from approximately 20 countries and regions.
This year's event features a notably strong turnout of young competitors, many of whom say that martial arts training has transformed both their physical health and personal character. For some, the gathering has only deepened a desire to travel to China, particularly to the Shaolin Temple, revered as the birthplace of Chinese martial arts.
"I think the training in martial arts is great because it really teaches you discipline and precision. I just wanted to give it a try myself, and that's how I got started. The team is also very important to me. It's what keeps me going. Training with different people has made me more of a team player and helped me make a lot of new friends," said Charlotte Hornig, a German martial arts enthusiast.
Charlotte is far from alone in discovering that the sport offers benefits well beyond physical technique. Many young practitioners at the assembly describe how the discipline has reshaped their daily lives, influencing everything from their personal posture to how they relate to others.
"I feel the same way. Plus, martial arts has improved my posture. It helped me stand more upright. I've also learned to trust others more. I feel like our martial arts school is like one big family," said Mathilda Hornig, another martial arts enthusiast from Germany.
The sense of community and personal growth drawing these young athletes to Chin Woo martial arts has also inspired many to look eastward, toward the practice's origins in China. For competitors who have spent years mastering forms and techniques in Europe, training at the source has become a powerful motivation.
"I definitely want to travel to China some day [in the future]. I really want to go to the Shaolin Temple to learn and train even more," said Romeo Franchin, a martial arts enthusiast from Switzerland.
As the assembly continues in Berlin, the event stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional Chinese martial arts across generations and borders, forging connections from European training halls to China's historic temples.
Competitors at Martial Arts Assembly share passion for traditional Chinese martial arts
