Chongqing - Jia Rui, a four-time world Wushu champion and Macao's first Asian Games gold medalist, has recently established the International Wushu Champion Academy in southwest China's Chongqing, creating a premier training hub for martial artists from around the globe.

"To truly master martial arts, you must come to China," said Jia, whose academy has quickly become a magnet for elite athletes and enthusiasts alike. 

As Macao's first Asian Games gold medalist, a four-time world Wushu champion, and an International Wushu Grand Slam winner, Jia has dedicated his post-retirement career to promoting Chinese martial arts globally.

After retiring from competition following the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Jia sought a way to continue leveraging his expertise. "Poetic Kungfu," a unique program that integrates Wushu with traditional Chinese poetry. Initially introduced in over 30 primary and secondary schools in Macao, the initiative has since expanded to 11 provinces across China, with numerous martial arts schools adopting the curriculum.

Jia has taken another bold step by co-founding the International Wushu Champion Academy in Chongqing. The academy focuses on professional training and attracts both domestic enthusiasts and international students. 

The academy also serves as a training hub for national teams preparing for international competitions. Jia emphasized that Wushu is a powerful symbol of Chinese culture, much like table tennis. "For international enthusiasts and athletes, China offers the best coaching, facilities, and cultural immersion," he said.

Jia's vision extends beyond physical training—he aims to foster cross-cultural exchanges. His academy reaches a global audience through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. "Wushu is a universal language," he said. When international fans see our content, they engage, inquire, and often come to train with us."

For Jia, Wushu is more than a sport—it's China's "calling card" to the world. With his International Wushu Champion Academy, he's ensuring that this ancient art continues to inspire and unite people across borders.

"I love Kungfu. It makes me stronger," said Carmen from the UK. "China is the best place to master it."

(Zhang Yu and Liu Yang, as interns, also contributed to the report.)