Ancient Chinese Martial Arts Find New Home in Benin

Damien Agossou Degbo, a 53-year-old martial arts enthusiast from Benin, leads a thriving kung fu and tai chi program in Akpro-Misserete. With his club, Super Shaolin of Benin, boasting over 350 students, Degbo promotes not just physical fitness, but also cultural understanding between Benin and China, sharing the philosophy and values associated with Chinese martial arts.

COTONOU, Benin — In a lively martial arts club in Akpro-Misserete, situated around 40 kilometers northeast of Benin’s bustling economic hub, Cotonou, the sounds of feet connecting with the floor resonate alongside enthusiastic shouts of “Hay-Hah!” Under the blazing equatorial sun, 53-year-old Damien Agossou Degbo passionately leads a group of students in the intricate movements of kung fu and tai chi, making for a striking scene.

For Degbo, practicing Chinese martial arts goes beyond just physical movement, as he describes it as a whole philosophy and lifestyle—one that serves as a link between his native Benin and the rich cultural heritage of China. His fascination with martial arts started young; at just 13, while studying in Dangbo, he became captivated by kung fu films featuring icons like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan at a Porto-Novo cinema, sparking a transformative interest in this foreign culture.

“What struck me most was how these actors defended themselves. The grace, the strength, the philosophy behind each movement… it spoke to me,” Degbo recalls. He joined a local kung fu club in Porto-Novo and, later, in 2009, enrolled in classes focused on Chinese language and culture at the Chinese Cultural Center in Cotonou. A year later, he established his own martial arts school, named Super Shaolin of Benin.

In 2014, he received a scholarship that allowed him to train at the legendary Shaolin Temple in Henan province, which had been a dream of his for years. He endured an intensive training regimen there, far more demanding than what he had previously encountered in Benin. “At Shaolin Temple, training was fast-paced and relentless,” he said. “Back home, we trained three to four times a week. But at Shaolin, it was a way of life.”

His time at the temple also provided a rich cultural education. He delved into traditional practices such as calligraphy, tea making, and meditation, along with teachings in Chinese medicine and Buddhist thought. Degbo’s dedication to learning continued, and he eventually returned to China to explore traditional performance arts, including lion and dragon dances, which he later brought back to Benin.

“I wanted to pass on what I had learned to empower young people with self-discipline, confidence and an understanding of another culture,” he stated. Fast forward to today, and the Super Shaolin club counts over 350 students throughout Benin. Among the various skills he teaches are not only Chinese wushu and tai chi but also meditation techniques, traditional massage, and cultural practices like the Chinese tea ceremony and dragon dances.

Among his students is Cherif Deen, 26, who has been training under Degbo’s watch for years. He credits kung fu with instilling wisdom, self-discipline, and emotional resilience. “Kung fu changed my life,” Deen shares. “It gave me clarity and helped me face life’s challenges with calm and focus.”

Reflecting on his own path of martial arts mastery, Degbo refers to it as a spiritual awakening. “Kung fu taught me self-mastery,” he notes. “It strengthened my mind and body and shaped how I see the world.” Now, Degbo embraces his role as a cultural ambassador, using kung fu as a bridge to foster understanding between Benin and China. Through his performances, classes, and cultural exchanges, he not only promotes physical health but also enhances respect for different cultures.

“Sharing kung fu with young people gives them insight into the values of Chinese culture: discipline, harmony, respect,” he elaborated. “It opens a window into another worldview.”

Martial arts, particularly Chinese styles like kung fu and tai chi, are finding significant representation in Benin thanks to Damien Agossou Degbo. With over 350 students engaged in his Super Shaolin club, Degbo not only teaches physical techniques but shares cultural values and philosophies as well. His journey, which includes rigorous training in China, highlights the unifying power of martial arts as a tool for cultural exchange and understanding between Benin and China.

Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn