From Venezuela to China: wushu dreams realized

At the athletes' entrance area of the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, Hernando Dudamel, coach of the Venezuelan wushu team, gave last-minute instructions to his 14-year-old daughter, Valeria Dudamel, before she entered the competition area.

His eyes showed both the focus of a coach and the quiet pride of a father.

It was the second time Hernando had accompanied Valeria to the World Junior Wushu Championships as her coach, but the first time the father and daughter had visited China. For Valeria, competing in the birthplace of wushu was not only an important step in her athletic career, but also a chance to feel closer to the culture behind the sport she loves.

Held in Tianjin from March 25 to 30, the championships were a key qualification event for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, where wushu will make its debut as an official sport.

At the event, Valeria competed in changquan, qiangshu, and daoshu — wushu events featuring bare-hand routines, spear techniques, and broadsword routines — and secured her place at the Games, becoming one of only two wushu athletes from South America to qualify, according to the Venezuelan team.

"Wushu is an elegant sport full of culture and tradition," Hernando said. "It is deeply rooted in Chinese heritage and brings together people from around the world who share the same passion."

Hernando's own connection with Chinese martial arts began in the 1990s, when kung fu films became popular across Latin America. As a young man, he was drawn to the movements, spirit, and culture behind the films. He began practicing at a friend's gym and never stopped.

At that time, training conditions in Venezuela were limited.

"We lacked proper training equipment and had to use simple gear like fitness mats," he recalled.

Still, he kept going. Over the past 25 years, wushu has grown from a personal passion into a way of life.

Valeria grew up in this environment. Influenced by her father, she started practicing wushu at the age of 8 and later joined Venezuela's national youth wushu team.

During training, Hernando treats her like every other athlete. He sets strict standards, corrects her movements carefully, and expects the same discipline from her as he would from the rest of the team.

"He is my coach during training and my father at home," Valeria said. "Wushu has given us a very special family bond."

In Hernando's view, wushu is not just about movements or medals. It is also about personal growth.

"Discipline and respect are the qualities I hope she can develop most," he said."Wushu helps shape character, which is far more important than competition itself."

From mastering her first routine at 8 to winning three gold medals at the South American Wushu Championships and now qualifying for the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, Valeria has grown through years of training and competition.

"Watching her become independent, responsible, and determined is my most precious reward," Hernando said.

Their journey is also part of a wider story of inheritance in Latin America's wushu community. Many athletes who once competed alongside Hernando have now become coaches, referees, and mentors.

"Decades ago, we competed side by side. Now our athletes compete and learn from one another," Hernando said. "We bonded over Chinese wushu, and this connection is truly special."

Despite the language barrier after arriving in Tianjin, Hernando and Valeria said they quickly felt welcomed by the people around them.

"Although we don't speak Chinese, the warmth and kindness of the people we met — from volunteers at the venue to local residents — made us feel at home," Hernando said.

Their tight schedule did not allow them to visit more Chinese cities, but both father and daughter said they hoped to return and learn more about China's culture, history, and food.

"I have practiced wushu for 25 years, but this was my first visit to its birthplace," Hernando said. "More than the competition itself, what I will remember most is watching Valeria grow through this journey."

Zhong Aiyamei contributed to this story.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn