The 12th World Grand Wushu Festival Shanghai was held in Shanghai from Sept 20 to 21, attracting martial arts enthusiasts from around the world to showcase skills and foster friendships.

Nine international students from SUTCM achieved outstanding results, winning three first prizes, six second prizes, six third prizes, and one group third prize.

The competition encompassed a variety of categories, including compulsory routines, traditional events, paired practice, and group performances. Participants from the university delivered impressive performances in tai chi, tai chi apparatus, traditional Chinese boxing, and other disciplines.

In the women's Group C 24-form simplified tai chi event, Sze Hua Tan from Malaysia delivered precise movements with steady rhythm, earning a first prize. She shared that tai chi has taught her focus and balance, giving her a deeper understanding of the Chinese philosophy of using stillness to overcome motion.

Another standout, Edwin Sing Yew Wong from Malaysia, won first prize in the men's Group C compulsory apparatus event with a high score, along with a second prize in the compulsory boxing routine. He noted that the competition boosted his confidence and helped him realize that wushu is not merely physical exercise, but also a cultivation of the mind.

Caroline Szu Ying Siew, also from Malaysia, won second prize in Chen-style tai chi and first prize in the tai chi apparatus event with exceptional performances. Chien Yi Natalie Hong demonstrated strong all-around skills, securing second prizes in both traditional Chinese boxing and traditional apparatus events.

Other notable achievements included:

Aaron Christopher Joost (US): second prize in men's Group C compulsory apparatus routines, third prize in traditional Chinese boxing

Alexander Jason Lee (Indonesia): third prize in men's Group C traditional tai chi

Yu Hen Tan (Malaysia): third prizes in men's Group C compulsory apparatus routines and traditional tai chi

Noroozi Tahereh (Iran): second prize in women's Group D traditional tai chi, third prize in tai chi apparatus

Xuan Yue Sim (Malaysia): third prize in women's Group C tai chi apparatus

In the group event, the university's six-member team scored 8.72 points to win third prize. Their synchronized movements and unified rhythm showcased excellent teamwork, as Yu Hen Tan said, although they came from different countries, tai chi brought them together, and the spirit of collaboration they built during training is the most valuable reward.

The International Education College and the Department of Physical Education of SUTCM provided strong support, organizing systematic pre-competition training with experienced coaches. Participants devoted their spare time to practice, refining every detail to deliver their best performances.

The festival served as a platform for cultural exchange, offering international students valuable insights into the spirit of traditional martial arts and China's cultural diversity.

Source: Official WeChat account of SHUTCM International Education College at "SHUTCMIEC"