In a modest building on Hongqiao Road, Shanghai, Italian martial artist Kleber Battaglia blends precision and power in a demonstration of Wing Chun – a southern Chinese form of kung fu that originated during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). "Wing Chun is not just kung fu – it's a philosophy of harmony and balance," he explains.

Battaglia's journey began in 2009 when he traveled to Hong Kong to train under Master Wan Kam Leung, a disciple of Ip Man. After four years of rigorous practice, his master offered him a chance to open a Wing Chun school in Shanghai. Though hesitant at first, Battaglia accepted the challenge, knowing he would need to prove his skills.

In 2013, he moved to Shanghai, planning a short stay. "I just fell in love with the city, fell in love with the people, and fell in love..." he says.

Eleven years later, he's still teaching.

"A foreigner coming to China to teach kung fu to Chinese people, it's kind of funny. It's like a Chinese person who goes to Italy to teach Italians how to make pizza." he jokes. Yet, over the past 11 years, despite regular challenges from skeptics, Battaglia has earned respect through his mastery and deep understanding of Wing Chun.

[Video/xinmin.cn]