The two-day 17th California International Wushu Championships successfully concluded, with the in-person competitions held grandly at the Santa Clara Convention Center from May 24 to 25, and the online video competition wrapping up on May 30. This year’s event reached a historic scale, attracting nearly 95 teams and around 2,000 athletes from 15 countries and regions worldwide. Including judges, coaches, accompanying parents, and spectators, the total number of on-site participants reached 4,500.
The opening ceremony was hosted by President Shudong Li and his student, Meixi Zhuoan.
Opening Ceremony Procession
This grand event was hosted by the World Taiji Science Federation, authorized by the USA Wushu-Kungfu Federation (USAWKF), and co-organized by Chinese Wushu Magazine. It was proudly supported by sponsors including KungFuDirect, Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Fantuan Delivery.
Renowned vocalist Frank Ouyang was invited to perform the national anthem at the opening ceremony.
Elected Officials Show Strong Support, Dignitaries Gather for Grand Opening
The championship received strong backing from Chinese diplomatic missions abroad and multiple levels of the California government. Cultural Consul Wang Wenhui of the Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco and Director Ye Desheng of the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Other distinguished guests included California State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor candidate Fiona Ma, State Senator Aisha Wahab, Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, Union City Mayor Gary Singh, Union City Councilmember Jeff Wang, Cupertino Mayor Liangfang Zhao, and former California Assemblymember Kansen Chu along with his wife, Mrs. Daisy Zhou. Many of them attended in person or sent representatives to extend their congratulations.
Cultural Counselor Wang Wenhui from the Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco delivered the opening speech.
California State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor candidate Fiona Ma delivered remarks on behalf of Herby Lam and presented a Certificate of Recognition.
California State Senator Aisha Wahab delivered remarks and presented a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of Elizabeth Vacca.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee delivered a speech and presented a certificate of commendation
Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor delivered a speech and presented a certificate of commendation
Former California State Assembly Member Kansen Chu delivered a speech
Director Ye Desheng, head of the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau delegation, delivered a speech
Professor Hui Jun Zhou of Stanford University presented Master Shudong Li with the
“Stanford University 2025 Distinguished Guest Lecturer Award”
International Kick Boxing Federation (IKF) CEO Toni Fossum attended the opening ceremony.
Professor Ma Wenguo from Xi’an Physical Education University and World Taijiquan Champion Ms. Gao Jiamin attended the opening ceremony.
At the grand and dignified opening ceremony, distinguished guests presented trophies to the organizations honored with the “Martial Arts Education Institution of the Year Award” and the “Excellence in Teaching and Promotion Award,” creating a solemn and celebratory atmosphere.
2025 Outstanding Martial Arts Education Institution Award
2025 Excellence in Teaching and Promotion Award
Shaolin Temple USA Cultural Center – Traditional Kung Fu Performance at the Opening Ceremony
Elite Wushu Academy – Modern Wushu Performance at the Opening Ceremony
Li’s Wushu Academy – Taijiquan and Tai Chi Sword Performance at the Opening Ceremony
This year’s championship not only showcased the profound depth and artistry of Chinese martial arts, but also marked the emergence of a new generation of outstanding young martial artists from around the world.
Among the standout youth performers, several have advanced to the 2026 inaugural World Wushu Open All-Around Championship and Scholarship Finals. This prestigious selection is designed to recognize the most well-rounded youth martial arts elites and support their continued development on the international stage.
4 Finalists – Taijiquan Division
(in no particular order)
Aaron Cheng, Samantha Lu, Marshall Brayton, Michelle Ahl
12 Finalists – Modern Wushu Division
(in no particular order)
Arnie Yim, Timothy Fu, Guhan Zhang, Sabrina Ding
Alvin Tang, Miles Nicdao, Latisha Fong, Alayna Chiu
Dazhi Lu，Augustin Yim，Allison Chew，Catrina Ding
12 Finalists – Traditional Kung Fu Division
(in no particular order)
Tai Yu, Matthew Teng, Yosan Ting, Stephanie Lin
Nicholas Ji，Ziqiang Chen，Milica Nikolic，Alice Zhu
Eason Tsai，Palash Desai，Zixuan Wang，Emma Huang
These outstanding martial arts athletes will share a scholarship fund of $15,000–$30,000 USD provided by the World Taiji Science Federation （WTSF）and sponsoring organizations during the finals of the 2026 World Wushu Open All-Around Championship and International Youth Wushu Scholarship Selection.
The online competition attracted 31 teams from Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania, with nearly 500 athletes participating in solo, paired, and group events. Categories included modern Wushu, traditional Kung Fu, Taijiquan, and Health Qigong.
Among the largest delegations was a 100-person team from Hong Kong, led by Master Cun Liang, which included the Hong Kong International School Martial Arts Elite Team, the school’s Wushu Team, and the Hong Kong International Martial Arts Cultural Center. They achieved remarkable results in modern hand forms, weapons, Nanquan, and Taijiquan categories.
In the traditional youth division, the U.S. International Martial Arts Center led by Ms. Qiu Hua Wu and Rongwutang School led by Master Rongjun also achieved standout performances in various traditional disciplines.
Outstanding Athlete from Hong Kong, Yu Jianan
Wei Shihao from Zhengzhou University – Bajiquan
Wu Jiabao from Henan Polytechnic University – Customized Taijiquan
Double Sword Performance by Yu Zhongchun from Shandong Sport University
Professor Yu Lingling from Inner Mongolia Normal University – Stunning Performance of the Five-Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Health Qigong Group Competition – Hangzhou Normal University
Group Taijiquan Performance – Shandong Sport University
Taijiquan Competition by Athletes from Shanghai University of Sport
Athletes from Beijing Sport University demonstrated Taijiquan.
Group Qigong Demonstration by Quzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
Paired Routine by the Iran Golden Dragon Wushu Team
Children’s Group Hand Form and Weapons Demonstration by Guangze Kindergarten, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou
Group Tai Chi Saber Demonstration by Dongfeng East Road Primary School, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Athlete Moustafa Khedr from the United Arab Emirates competed in the Wing Chun event.
The online video competition, with its accessible format, has created a global platform for martial arts enthusiasts to engage with the international Wushu community. Innovative and creative performances from across the world converged here, showcasing diverse styles and fostering mutual learning. This was not only a competitive arena, but also a meaningful opportunity for cultural expression and exchange.
Given the worldwide distribution of participants, all online competitors can download their electronic participation certificates through their personal registration accounts. Medals and trophies will be shipped from either California, USA or Guangzhou, China, with shipping costs covered by the recipients.
With 17 years of development and refinement, the California International Wushu Championships has grown into one of the most influential martial arts events in the global Chinese community, earning widespread trust and respect through its fair judging system and highly professional event management.
The 2026 event will mark a historic upgrade with its official new title: the Inaugural World Wushu Open Championships, scheduled to take place in September 2026 in Silicon Valley, California, USA. The tournament is expected to attract over 3,000 athletes from around the world, with total participation projected to exceed 6,000.
As an internationally branded event, it will serve as a powerful platform to propel Wushu further onto the global stage.
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