Martin Mangwandjo (C), a disabled Cameroonian, leads young learners in practicing Chinese martial arts moves at his training center in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, Nov. 18, 2025. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
by Arison Tamfu, Wang Ze
YAOUNDE, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- In a martial arts club in Yaounde's Mimboman neighborhood, the steady thud of feet and sharp shouts fill the room as scores of students mirror the fluid, forceful movements of their instructor, Martin Mangwandjo.
Beneath the bright sun, Mangwandjo punches with precision and kicks with power. The 29-year-old moves with confidence and ease, despite relying on crutches due to a congenital condition. For him, Chinese martial arts have long been more than a physical practice.
His passion began in childhood, sparked by a serendipitous encounter with Chinese culture through martial arts films featuring legends like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
"When I first wanted to practice martial arts, I wondered whether it was possible with my disability," he recalled. "So I started learning by watching films and trying to imitate those actors."
Through persistence and self-training, his confidence grew. About seven years ago, he started receiving formal instruction in Chinese martial arts from both Cameroonian and Chinese teachers.
His journey took a decisive turn during a performance in Yaounde's Ekounou neighborhood, where he caught the attention of a visiting Chinese martial arts master, surnamed Xiao. Impressed by Mangwandjo's skill and determination, Xiao offered to train him personally.
That mentorship opened a new world.
"It was Master Xiao who taught me many aspects of Chinese culture -- traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, kung fu, tai chi, and even some basic Chinese language," Mangwandjo said.
Over time, his understanding of martial arts deepened. "I found in martial arts a certain power, a certain physical strength to defend myself in any dangerous situation," he said. "I also found a kind of fulfillment that taught me that, beyond everything, we all remain the same despite the small physical limitations we may be born with."
Today, Mangwandjo is a household name in Cameroon's Chinese martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine community. He now runs two training centers in Yaounde.
"I am the head of the Temple of the Golden Knights, a Chinese martial arts school in Cameroon," he said with pride. "I hope to see this school grow, develop further, and welcome many more students interested in Chinese culture."
As the world observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday, Mangwandjo said martial arts have given him peace and purpose.
"Martial arts have truly given me a great deal. On a psychological and moral level, they offered me the inner strength that allowed me to integrate into the economic and social life quite quickly," he said.
He hopes more Africans, especially those living with disabilities, will explore Chinese martial arts.
"My wish is to see many Africans and Cameroonians, even those with disabilities like myself, take an interest in Chinese culture and Chinese martial arts in particular, where I have found a source of moral strength that enabled me to overcome any situation or difficulty in life," he said.
More than a practitioner, Mangwandjo now sees himself as a "cultural ambassador." Through classes, performances, and exchanges, he promotes not only physical discipline but also mutual understanding and respect between people in China and Cameroon.
"My main future project is to visit China and experience Chinese culture firsthand," he said. ■
Martin Mangwandjo (front), a disabled Cameroonian, leads young learners in practicing Chinese martial arts moves at his training center in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, Nov. 18, 2025. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Martin Mangwandjo (1st R), a disabled Cameroonian, leads young learners in practicing Chinese martial arts moves at his training center in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, Nov. 18, 2025. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)
Martin Mangwandjo (1st L), a disabled Cameroonian, leads young learners in practicing Chinese martial arts moves at his training center in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, Nov. 18, 2025. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua)