What do kung fu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu have in common? More than you'd think. In the heart of Beijing on the Chinese mainland, our anchor Li Qiuyuan trades her mic for a gi, stepping onto the mat with a Brazilian coach, a room full of Chinese students and a whole lot of humility.
From the first grip break to the final tap, practitioners discover shared roots in close-quarters combat and respect-driven training. Coach Ricardo emphasizes that this discipline goes beyond self-defense into trust and cultural dialogue.
For Li, moving from the newsroom to the dojo tested her adaptability. She admits she expected a challenge, but the energy here exceeded her expectations. Every roll feels like a conversation between martial arts traditions.
What began as a niche import has blossomed into a vibrant community on the Chinese mainland. Students gather daily to swap techniques, translate belt systems and forge friendships that span continents. Here, a simple wristlock can speak volumes about mutual respect, and a precise chokehold echoes centuries of evolution in martial arts.
This cultural crossover reflects a broader trend among young global citizens: breaking boundaries through shared passions. Whether you're a tech entrepreneur, a sustainability activist or a digital nomad, the mat offers universal lessons in resilience, humility and human connection.
Next time you spot a gi in Beijing, remember it's not just Brazilian. It's a testament to global dialogue—one roll at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
