Interviewer: Can you tell us about the role of Shaolin Kung Fu in enhancing cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia?
Shi Yanshu, the head of the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center in Cambodia and the 34th generation disciple of Shaolin, stated, “We hope to use martial arts as a medium to build a bridge of friendship between the people of China and Cambodia through exchange and mutual learning.”
Recently, Shi participated with a team of Cambodian lion dancers in the 13th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Martial Arts Festival in China, and engaged in cultural exchange activities related to Shaolin Kung Fu. Before departing from Phnom Penh, he shared with us that this event is significant for strengthening cultural interactions between China and Cambodia and enhancing collaboration between Cambodia and the Shaolin Temple in China.
The Shaolin Temple Cultural Center in Phnom Penh occupies over 2,000 hectares and is surrounded by a blend of Chinese bamboo and Cambodian greenery, offering a serene atmosphere. Since its establishment in May of this year, the center has attracted numerous martial arts enthusiasts.
Shi explained, “From the very beginning, our center has focused on meeting the interests of the local community by offering various martial arts classes, including foundational and competitive training, allowing people to learn about Chinese culture and traditional martial arts.” Many people have come to learn from Shi, including local youth, Chinese expatriates, and even individuals of Chinese descent from Malaysia.
Shaolin Temple and its martial arts have garnered popularity in Cambodia through films and television. In April, an event called “When Shaolin Martial Arts Meets Cambodian Lion Dance” was held in Siem Reap, where Shaolin Kung Fu and Khmer boxing competed on the same stage, a thrilling experience that people still talk about.
Reflecting on that event, Shi said, “It was my first opportunity to exchange skills with Cambodian practitioners, with the performance backdrop being the world-renowned Angkor Wat. I was profoundly moved by Cambodia’s rich historical and cultural heritage.”
When discussing the similarities between Shaolin Kung Fu and Khmer boxing, Shi noted that both boast deep historical roots and unique qualities, serving various purposes such as physical fitness, self-defense, mental training, competitions, and entertainment. “Both are invaluable forms of intangible cultural heritage, carrying rich historical messages and contributing to modern human civilization,” he added.
Shi disclosed plans for the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center to collaborate with local departments in creating a national martial arts team and sanda (Chinese kickboxing) team, utilizing the cultural center as a training base to promote Khmer boxing on a global scale.
As a significant branch of the Songshan Shaolin Temple in Southeast Asia, the Cambodia Shaolin Temple Cultural Center also plans to invite Shaolin monks and other martial arts masters for exchange visits in the future. Shi concluded, “Our center will continuously promote cooperation between China and Cambodia in cultural exchanges and sports education to deepen the friendship between our two countries.”
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