Ancient Chinese Martial Arts Find New Home in Benin

In Benin, 53-year-old Damien Agossou Degbo leads a martial arts club, teaching kung fu and tai chi. He has turned his passion for Chinese martial arts into a cultural bridge, guiding over 350 students. His journey from a cinema enthusiast to a cultural ambassador highlights the significance of discipline and mutual understanding between Benin and China.

COTONOU, Benin — In a lively, modest martial arts club situated in Akpro-Misserete, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Cotonou, the economic heart of Benin, one can hear enthusiastic calls of “Hay-Hah!” paired with the rhythmic sounds of students mastering kung fu and tai chi under the guidance of 53-year-old Damien Agossou Degbo. The club radiates energy, complemented by the warm equatorial sun, creating a unique atmosphere for training.

For Degbo, his practice transcends physicality; it embodies a philosophy, a way of life, and a significant connection between Benin and the rich cultural heritage of China. His journey began at just 13, in Dangbo town. While watching martial arts films featuring icons like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan during school breaks in Porto-Novo, Degbo’s curiosity blossomed into a profound interest in this exotic culture that continues to shape his life today.

“What struck me most was how these actors defended themselves. The grace, the strength, the philosophy behind each movement… it spoke to me,” Degbo expressed, recalling the moment that ignited his passion. Starting his quest at a kung fu club in Porto-Novo, he later pursued Chinese language and cultural studies at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou in 2009. By 2010, he established his own club, the Super Shaolin of Benin.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2014 when a scholarship ushered him to the Shaolin Temple in Henan province, the very institution he had longed to attend for martial arts mastery. “At Shaolin Temple, training was fast-paced and relentless,” Degbo noted, reflecting on the intensity of his experience. Compared to the three to four times weekly training back home, the rigorous regimen in China transformed his understanding of martial arts into a lifestyle.

This immersion did not just enhance his physical abilities; it also introduced him to thorough aspects of Chinese culture. He explored calligraphy, tea preparation, and meditation, alongside classes in traditional Chinese medicine and Buddhist philosophy. Art evolved into a crucial element of his skill set, leading to a return to China the following year for training in traditional performance arts, including lion and dragon dances, ensuring he could share these with his students in Benin.

Today, the Super Shaolin club has expanded dramatically, with over 350 students enrolled. Degbo instructs them not only in Chinese martial arts but also in meditation techniques and cultural practices, such as tea ceremonies and traditional dances. Among his students is Cherif Deen, a dedicated 26-year-old who has trained under Degbo from childhood.

“Kung fu changed my life. It gave me clarity and helped me face life’s challenges with calm and focus,” remarked Deen, illustrating the profound impact of martial arts on personal growth. Degbo, reflecting on his mentorship role, views Chinese martial arts as a channel for fostering mutual respect and understanding between cultures.

“Sharing kung fu with young people gives them insight into the values of Chinese culture: discipline, harmony, respect,” he emphasized. Through performances, cultural exchanges, and his teachings, he seeks to build not only physical fitness among the youth but also enrich their appreciation of diverse worldviews.

Damien Agossou Degbo’s dedication to Chinese martial arts has transformed his life and the lives of his students in Benin. Through the establishment of the Super Shaolin club, he is not just teaching martial arts; he is also fostering important cultural connections between Benin and China. As he imparts the lessons of discipline, respect, and self-mastery to his students, Degbo acts as a cultural ambassador, promoting a deeper understanding of the values inherent in Chinese traditions. His journey reflects the power of martial arts as a bridge between continents and cultures, ultimately enriching the lives of those involved.

Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn