THE South African Chin Woo Kung Fu team kicked butt over the weekend, bagging 13 medals at the 21st Hong Kong International Wushu Kung Fu Championship.
While the road to success for the Blitz Fus was blocked by many challenges, discipline, focus and a warrior spirit saw Shifu Muhammad Junaid Chafeker’s fighters come out shining at the Ma On Shan Sports Centre.
Preparation for the 21-23 March tournament took place during the Holy Month of Ramadan, meaning that some of the team had to train without eating or drinking.
And with the Middle East in turmoil due to fighting between US-Israeli forces and Iran, travelling through the transit hubs of the Gulf states posed more danger than any kick or punch on the mat.
But the South African team walked away with nine gold medals and four silver medals and finished in the top five out of 22 countries competing.
Led by Legends of Kung Fu World Champion, Chafeker aka M.J Li, the master could not have been prouder.
Speaking to the Daily Voice from China, he said: “It is indeed a magnificent achievement by the South African team. The team initially went through a lot of challenges and difficulties.
“The final preparation in Cape Town was done in the Holy Month of Ramadan. Both the athletes and I were experiencing fast and training and travelling under strenuous and different circumstances with the turmoil in the Middle East.
“Competing at the championship, representing South Africa, is an amazing experience with a total of nine gold medals and four silver medals.”
Team Coach and Shifu Muhammad Junaid M.J Li, was also Officially Appointed as International Wushu Kung Fu Ambassador in Hong Kong for Global Promotion of Kung Fu.
Having recently been inducted into the World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Li wasn’t resting on his laurels and scored three gold medals in the Professional Adults Division, claiming the highest scores by any foreign athlete at the championship.
The SA Team Manager, Salma Natalie Doran, also won the award for Best Foreign Team Manager.
With international success under their belts, the Blitz Fus will continue their training ahead of the fourth Africa International Youth Kung Fu Championships.
As defending champions, the team will host seven African Teams in the 25th and 26th April tournament at Fairbairn College in Goodwood.