Ancient Chinese Martial Arts Find New Home in Benin
Damien Agossou Degbo, a 53-year-old martial arts instructor in Benin, introduces ancient Chinese martial arts such as kung fu and tai chi to over 350 students. His journey began at 13 from watching films, culminating in a scholarship to the Shaolin Temple. Degbo now serves as a cultural ambassador, teaching martial arts while fostering cross-cultural understanding between Benin and China.
Cotonou, Benin – In a lively martial arts club located in Akpro-Misserete, about 40 kilometers northeast of Cotonou, the rhythmic beats of feet hitting the ground resonate alongside energetic shouts of “Hay-Hah!” Under the warm equatorial sun, 53-year-old Damien Agossou Degbo leads his students through the precise movements of kung fu and tai chi. To Degbo, these martial arts go beyond just physical practice; they embody a philosophy and serve as a cultural bridge connecting Benin with the rich traditions of China.
Degbo’s fascination with martial arts began at age 13 in Dangbo town when he discovered kung fu films starring icons like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan at a Porto-Novo cinema during school breaks. These films sparked a deep interest in the art form, which he describes as a captivating mix of grace, strength, and philosophy. “What struck me most was how these actors defended themselves,” he reflected.
His pursuit of martial arts led him to join a kung fu club in Porto-Novo and enroll in Chinese language and culture courses at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou in 2009. The following year, he founded the Super Shaolin of Benin club, marking a new chapter in his journey. A pivotal moment came in 2014 when a scholarship sent him to the revered Shaolin Temple in Henan province, where he trained intensively for three months. This period was a significant contrast to his training in Benin, as he engaged in a relentless daily regimen. “At Shaolin Temple, training was fast-paced and relentless,” Degbo explained.
Through this training, he delved deeply into Chinese culture, practicing calligraphy, preparing tea, and meditating. He also learned about traditional Chinese medicine and Buddhist philosophy, experiences he found vital in shaping his approach to teaching. A year later, he returned to China to study traditional performance arts, including lion and dragon dances, which he would later bring back to Benin.
Today, the Super Shaolin club has grown to accommodate over 350 students. Degbo’s curriculum includes not just martial arts, but also meditation, traditional massage techniques, and cultural practices such as the Chinese tea ceremony and lion and dragon dances. One of his dedicated students, 26-year-old Cherif Deen, attests to the transformative power of kung fu in his life. “Kung fu changed my life,” he shared.
For Degbo, teaching martial arts is not only about self-defense; it is about instilling values like discipline and respect. He views himself as a cultural ambassador, using kung fu as a medium to foster understanding between Benin and China. “Sharing kung fu with young people gives them insight into the values of Chinese culture: discipline, harmony, respect,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural exchange.
Through performances, classes, and ongoing cultural exchanges, Degbo aims to not only promote physical fitness but also cultivate mutual respect and understanding across both cultures, showcasing how martial arts can be a bridge to a broader worldview.
Damien Agossou Degbo’s dedication to Chinese martial arts illustrates how culture can transcend borders. His journey from a movie-loving youth to a cultural ambassador in Benin highlights the power of martial arts not just as a form of physical discipline, but as a vehicle for the values and philosophies of another culture. With the growth of the Super Shaolin club, Degbo continues to empower the youth in Benin while promoting cultural exchange between nations.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
