Chan Wu

The Chan Wu philosophy reflects the worldview of the Shaolin monks. The Chan is a branch of buddhism and represents spirituality, while Wu refers to martial arts and the development of the body, together they are a system of ideas that encompasses the whole of Chinese culture.

The aim of the foundation of the Hungarian Chan Wu Federation was to promote both in Hungary and in other countries of the world alongside with the Shaolin kungfu and other martial arts, the artistic, spiritual and philosophical movements that are popular in China and have been effectively practiced for thousands of years.

The founder Shixinghong (civil name Wang Deqing), a 32nd generation warrior monk of the Shaolin Temple, was willing to spread the spirit of Shaolin as widely as possible. As he is well known and highly respected in the martial arts world, Hungary has become the Chan Wu Centre of the West. Many people visited Hungary to get to know Shaolin kungfu and through it the Chan Wu ideology.

Since its establishment, the Hungarian Chan Wu Federation has had 18 member associations. The Associations have trained and taught approximately 1500 people. There are those who train "only" for the purpose of health maintenance, others who train specifically for competing and some just for good company. 

The Chan Wu Federation is more of a cultural organization where of course the martial art of Kungfu plays a big role. Among its members you can find practitioners of Shaolin Kungfu, Taiji, Sport Wushu, Wing Chun, Lion Dance, Dragon Dance. It is also involved in the practice of tea ceremony, which is almost inseparable from martial arts in Chinese culture, the study of traditional Chinese medicine, the practice of Chinese language, calligraphy, the practice of qigong – health maintenance through breathing techniques and much more, which is an integral part of the 5000-year-old Chinese culture. 

Apart from these cultural activities the Chan Wu Federation organizes Kungfu competitions at national and international level and supports its member organizations to promote themselves in as many places as possible. 

The members of the Hungarian Chan Wu Federation have won about 5000 medals in competitions of various levels (from the smallest domestic championships to the official national championships and international competitions of the highest level, such as European Championships and World Championships). Hungarian athletes have won 19 gold, 24 silver and 43 bronze medals at the European Championships, and took 5 first, 5 second and 5 third places at the World Traditional Championships.

The Chan Wu Federation also teaches traditional behaviour and strict martial ethics while teaching Chinese martial arts, helping students to develop values that benefit themselves and society. Furthermore, a level examination system is used to motivate students to set further goals.

Each year, different training camps are organized, where students are exposed to a wide range of cultural activities. For example: meditation, tea ceremony, calligraphy and traditional Chinese games. The motivational effect of these camps is also reflected in the fact that some students start to learn Chinese.

The Chan Wu Federation is a communication and learning platform between all martial arts styles, which also contributes to the spread of other excellent traditional cultures. It is open to accept new styles and cultures, thus strengthening the Chan Wu culture. It strives to create useful value for society. This is the dream of the Chan Wu Federation at all times.