Ancient Chinese Martial Arts Find New Home in Benin

Damien Agossou Degbo has established a thriving kung fu club in Benin, bridging the cultural gap between his country and China. He imparts not just martial arts but also Chinese philosophy and customs to over 350 students. This initiative serves to blend fitness with cultural appreciation, fostering mutual understanding. Degbo’s journey from avid fan to cultural ambassador highlights the transformative power of martial arts.

COTONOU, Benin — In a lively martial arts club located in Akpro-Misserete, about 40 kilometers from Cotonou, the sounds of feet hitting the ground reverberate alongside energetic shouts of “Hay-Hah!” Under the warm equatorial sun, 53-year-old Damien Agossou Degbo is guiding a host of students through the intricacies of kung fu and tai chi.

For Degbo, practicing Chinese martial arts represents much more than just a physical activity; it embodies a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a vital link connecting his native Benin to the rich cultural heritage of China. His journey began at 13, in Dangbo town, where he first became captivated by the discipline while enjoying films featuring iconic martial artists Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan at a Porto-Novo cinema.

His admiration turned into passion, prompting him to join a kung fu club in Porto-Novo and later sign up for Chinese language and cultural classes. In 2010, he launched his own martial arts establishment, which he named Super Shaolin of Benin. Eventually, a scholarship opened the doors for him to train at the esteemed Shaolin Temple in China—an ambition he’d long cherished. This opportunity thrust Degbo into a grueling training routine that far surpassed his previous efforts back home.

“At Shaolin Temple, training was fast-paced and relentless,” Degbo recalled. “We trained three to four times a week back home, but at Shaolin, it was more of a lifestyle.”

Beyond mere physical training, his time in China deeply immersed him in its cultural fabric. He engaged in activities ranging from calligraphy and tea brewing to meditation—and he explored traditional Chinese medicine and Buddhist philosophies. After returning to China a year later to study performance arts like lion and dragon dances, he infused this knowledge into his teachings back home to help cultivate appreciation for Chinese customs.

Now, the Super Shaolin club serves over 350 eager students in Benin. Degbo’s curriculum extends well beyond martial arts, encompassing meditation, traditional massage, and cultural events like the Chinese tea ceremony and lively dragon dances. Cherif Deen, 26, is one of Degbo’s long-time students, who attributes his newfound wisdom and resilience to kung fu.

“Kung fu changed my life,” he shared. “It gave me clarity and helped me face life’s challenges with calm and focus.”

For Degbo, mastering Chinese martial arts has been a transformative experience, likened to a spiritual renaissance. “Kung fu taught me self-mastery,” he stated. “It fortified my mind and body while redefining my perspective on life.”

In his role as a cultural ambassador, Degbo sees martial arts as a bridge fostering mutual understanding between Benin and China. Through classes, performances, and cultural exchanges, he promotes physical fitness and reciprocal respect across cultures. “Sharing kung fu with young people opens their eyes to the core values of Chinese culture: discipline, harmony, and respect,” he noted. “It provides them with a glimpse into a different worldview.”

In conclusion, Damien Agossou Degbo’s journey with Chinese martial arts showcases a vibrant cultural exchange between Benin and China. His establishment of Super Shaolin not only enriches the lives of Benin’s youth through physical fitness and discipline but also enhances cross-cultural understanding. Through his teachings, Degbo acts as a cultural ambassador, embodying the values that both unite and differentiate these two rich cultures.

Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn