Nigerien plans to take kung fu back home

Doctoral candidate credits martial art with deepened understanding of China

For one overseas student who has been in China for over a decade, learning the moves and culture associated with Chinese martial arts has been his most valuable experience.

Souleymane Hima Oumarou, a Nigerien student at Hebei University in Baoding, Hebei province, first came to the university in 2012 as an undergraduate, not only for an education, but also to fulfill his dream of learning the Chinese martial art of kung fu.

Before enrolling at the university, Oumarou studied Mandarin for a year at Beijing Language and Culture University and now speaks fluently. "I like Chinese martial arts very much, because I think it helps me better understand Chinese culture," he said.

Oumarou said he became a fan of kung fu after watching movies starring renowned martial artists such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

"I want to be like them. What they do is awesome."

During his studies in Baoding, Oumarou joined the university's martial arts association and studied under Duan Shuxing, one of the association's instructors.

Following Duan's instructions, Oumarou began to practice basic moves in 2015, including Eight Extremities Fist, or bajiquan, as well as the associated art of tai chi.

"Learning martial arts has not been easy because I was not young when I started," the 36-year-old said, adding that he was forced to overcome difficulties and make more of an effort to learn more advanced moves.

As far as his instructor is concerned, Oumarou is hardworking and energetic.

"He always trains hard and has made great progress in the past seven years," Duan said.

According to the instructor, Oumarou learns by emulating the moves of past kung fu masters.

"Their spirit of bravery and loyalty has made him more energetic," Duan said.

So far, Oumarou has mastered multiple boxing techniques and knows how to use many traditional Chinese weapons.

Apart from the skills he's learned, martial arts have brought him more.

"I've made many Chinese friends through learning kung fu and have been to many places around China to participate in competitions," he said.

Oumarou is now a doctoral student and is expected to graduate this year.

In the future, he plans to open a kung fu center in Niger after he graduates, and to become an instructor and teach youngsters martial arts.

"I think that will also help me better understand the spirit of martial arts, and also become a cultural communicator between China and Niger," he said.

Oumarou's wife is also a student at Hebei University, and they have a 2-year-old daughter.

His enthusiasm for martial arts has already inspired his little girl.

"When my daughter sees me practicing, she imitates my movements, which is very cute," he said.