In Akpro-Misserete, a town near Cotonou, Beninm (贝宁共和国), 53-year-old Degbo is teaching some students kung fu and tai chi. For Degbo, these Chinese martial arts are a special bridge connecting Benin to China’s rich culture.
Degbo’s journey began at age 13 in Dangbo town. Watching movies starring Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan sparked (引发) his love for Chinese culture. “I was amazed by their graceful and powerful fighting,” he said. This interest led him to joining a kung fu club in Porto-Novo. Later, in 2009, he studied Chinese language and culture in Cotonou. The next year, he opened his own club, “Super Shaolin of Benin”.
In 2014, Degbo’s dream came true. He won a scholarship to train at China’s famous Shaolin Temple! The three-month training was tough. “In Benin, we practiced three to four times a week,” he explained. “At Shaolin, it was a way of life!” Despite the challenge, it was amazing. He learned martial arts and calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and Chinese medicine, deeply experiencing the culture. A year later, he returned to China to study lion and dragon dances.
Now, Degbo teaches students wushu, tai chi, lion dances, and tea ceremonies in his hometown. His club now has over 350 students across Benin. “I want to pass on what I learned,” Degbo said. “I want to give young people self-discipline, confidence, and an understanding of another culture.” Through Chinese martial arts, Degbo brings people together and shares cultures.
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