Chongqing - A 13-year-old from Chongqing, China, has claimed the global championship at the Juste Debout 2026, one of the most prestigious street dance competitions in the world. Li Yongqiu (Qiuqiu), a junior high school student, captivated judges and spectators with a breaking routine infused with traditional Chinese martial arts, securing first place beyond dispute.
Li Yongqiu (Qiuqiu) has claimed the global championship at the Juste Debout 2026. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
As the music started, Li struck poses inspired by kung fu - and the venue erupted.
Li Yongqiu (Qiuqiu) at the Juste Debout 2026. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
“I can't describe it - the place just exploded,” said Lai Junquan, one of Li's coaches, recalling the electric atmosphere. “Foreign audiences were especially curious about the martial arts elements. There's this popular saying online that every Chinese person can do kung fu. When we incorporated moves from Tai Chi and Mantis Fist into the choreography, the contrast blew everyone away.”
The victory marks the first time a Chinese breaker has won the top prize at Juste Debout, often called the “World Cup of street dance.” But more than a personal triumph, Li's performance highlighted a cultural fusion that resonated far beyond the dance floor.
Li Yongqiu (Qiuqiu). (Photo provided by the interviewee)
The winning moves were no accident. In the two months leading up to the competition, Li's coaching team worked closely with a Shaolin martial arts master to study traditional Mantis Fist techniques, integrating its explosive power and fluidity into breaking choreography.
“We call it tracing the roots,” Lai said. “Breaking in the 1980s was heavily influenced by kung fu movies. Now we're bringing authentic Chinese culture back to the world stage.”
Li Yongqiu (Qiuqiu) at the Juste Debout 2026. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
The challenge was heightened during the final battle, when the DJ played music outside the usual breaking genre. Li held his nerve, executing a signature UFO variation and a spinning head slide that ultimately won over the judges.
Li's championship is not an isolated achievement - it reflects a broader surge in breaking talent across Chongqing.
“Qiuqiu is just one of many kids,” Lai said, gesturing toward training halls filled with young dancers, some still in elementary school.
Among them is 17-year-old Ling Lihuan, who placed second in the U18 category at the 2025 ROCKIN'SENSATION International Competition in South Korea. Ling, who started dancing on the streets of Chongqing's Shapingba district, blends martial arts and swordsmanship into his style.
Ling Lihuan. (Photo/Deng Nan)
“When I get injured, if my hand hurts, I train my legs; if my leg hurts, I train my hands,” Ling said. “I never stop.” His ultimate goal? “To win an Olympic gold medal.”
Chongqing's rise in the breaking world is rooted in a public-private partnership between the municipal government, local districts, and professional clubs.
Since breaking was added to the Olympic and National Games programs in 2022, Chongqing has built a formal youth training system. Shapingba District was chosen as a pilot zone, with Shabin School designated as a training base.
A coach is helping a kid with his moves. (Photo/Deng Nan)
“We receive strong financial support from Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Sports, and the Shapingba district helps with education - Shapingba is a top education district, so we can assist students with enrollment, easing parents' concerns,” said Yang Chao, head of the breaking program at the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Sports' Social Guidance Center.
The model allows young athletes to pursue intensive training while continuing their studies. Currently, Chongqing has over 10,000 street dance enthusiasts, with young people accounting for more than 60%.
“In terms of youth development and talent cultivation, we're leading the country,” Yang said.
Over the past three years, Chongqing's breaking team has traveled regularly to Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the United States for competitions and exchanges. At the same time, international masters have been invited to teach in Chongqing.
“We want to cultivate more kids like Qiuqiu - not just to represent their hometown, but to go out into the world and represent China,” Yang said. “To raise the profile of our megacity, Chongqing.”
For Li Yongqiu, the world championship is only the beginning. “My dream is the Olympics. I want to represent China,” he said simply, with quiet determination.
Li Yongqiu. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Behind him, a new generation of Chongqing breakers is rising - ready to make their mark on the world.
(Liu Yiting, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)
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