Wushu joins PNG Olympic Committee

THE Wushu Association of Papua New Guinea Kung Fu (KFWPNG) is the latest member of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC).
KFWPNG was endorsed as a member during PNGOC’s annual general assembly in Port Moresby last month.
The newly established sporting body has plans to expand its programme and thanked PNGOC and its members for accepting it.
KFWPNG president Geoff Hui said Wushu was a fascinating martial art that was expanding in the world and the recognition by PNGOC gave it the motivation to grow in PNG.
Modern Wushu was developed from traditional Chinese martial arts with competitions held in two categories, Taolu (forms or patterns) and Sanda (freestyle sparring).
“We are targeting Sanda as the sport to develop in PNG,” Hui said.
Being endorsed as an official member of the PNGOC means KFWAPNG can now apply for support from the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) and its events recognised by PNGOC.
The IWUF is interested in supporting the development of the sport in the Pacific and will provide support through funding, equipment, technical expertise and scholarships for its members.
While Sanda has its roots in Wushu and traditional Chinese Kung Fu, it is a flamboyant fighting style that features strikes from the hands and feet, clinches, throws and take downs.
From the onset it looks like a variant of western kickboxing and has also been referred to as Chinese kickboxing however, Sanda is purely a Chinese product.
With the aim to make it a major combat sport in the country. Hui said the Association is not limiting it to students and practitioners of Kung Fu only but is treating it as a sport and anyone regardless of their background can participate with proper training and coaching.
“We are not taking students or athletes away from other styles. They can keep practicing their style but just come for training and participate in Sanda tournaments for the chance to be selected to represent PNG,” he said.
The Oceania Kung Fu Wushu Federation is aiming to make Sanda a sport in the Pacific Games.