Zhang Daojin (R), an inheritor of Six Harmony Praying Mantis boxing, teaches a foreign student martial arts in Longkou City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 16, 2024. (Xinhua)

JINAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- In a classroom at the Confucius Institute of the University of Granada, in Spain, a group of Spanish students mirrored their teacher's martial arts movements: holding horse stance, jabbing with controlled force, and retracting elbows in fluid arcs.

Leading them was Zhang Daojin, an inheritor of Six Harmony Praying Mantis boxing, which is a Kung Fu style originating from Shandong Province in east China.

Zhang recently concluded a two-week cultural exchange program in Spain, sharing Chinese Kung Fu with martial arts enthusiasts from Spain and other European countries through lectures and training sessions.

"Chinese Kung Fu is much more than a way to get fit. It's rich with cultural and philosophical significance," said Alejandro Romero, a 43-year-old instructor who started his martial arts journey at 15. "It's woven into my daily routine. I've found myself growing stronger, both physically and mentally."

Six Harmony Praying Mantis boxing is celebrated for its unique blend of strength and gentleness. It focuses on internal and external training and reflects traditional Chinese beliefs about the balance between humanity and nature.

In addition to Six Harmony Praying Mantis boxing, Zhang also introduced Tai Chi and Qigong, sparking engaging conversations about martial arts, wellness and the richness of traditional Chinese culture.

"The Spanish students are passionate, hardworking and adaptable to different cultures," Zhang remarked. "Some have even made the journey to Shandong several times to deepen their Kung Fu practice. Their commitment is truly inspiring."

Alejandro Alvarez, 45, has studied under Zhang since 2009 and runs a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Granada. "Kung Fu has transformed my life," he said. "It has not only strengthened my body but also enriched my spirit and mind."

As martial arts continue to grow in popularity in Spain, more and more enthusiasts are traveling to China for training, and some have even established martial arts schools in Spain. Zhang has made several trips to Spain since receiving his first Spanish student in 2006, during which time he has shared his knowledge with thousands of students of all ages.

This growing interest reflects Spain's trend toward wellness practices that blend physical fitness with mental health, as martial arts strengthen the body and foster emotional connections.

Bu Shan, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Granada, said that Spain is now home to over a hundred martial arts schools, and many of practitioners travel to China for studies every year. She believes martial arts promote mutual understanding and provide a glimpse into Chinese culture.

During traditional Chinese festivals like the Spring Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, martial arts performances have become a bonding activity connecting local and Chinese communities, even "a bridge for cultural exchange," Bu added.

The Confucius Institute at the university is preparing for a martial arts festival in Spain and plans to send a delegation to a competition in Shandong later this year.

Isabel María Balsas Ureña, the Spanish director of the institute, said martial arts transcend physical techniques. "It's a philosophical practice," she explained. "It instills values like respect and sharing, ultimately teaching us how to live harmoniously with one another. The principles found in Chinese Kung Fu resonate profoundly across different cultures." ■

Martial arts enthusiasts from China and Spain participate in a martial arts exchange event at the University of Granada in Spain, May 14, 2025. (Xinhua)