When Tikiri boarded a plane from Colombo to Beijing, he carried more than luggage – he brought a childhood dream forged by Jet Li’s cinematic heroics. Now training at a martial arts school in Dengfeng, Henan Province, the Sri Lankan student is discovering kung fu’s transformative power beyond physical prowess.
"Every stance teaches patience. Every strike demands focus," Tikiri told KhabarAsia.com during a break from training. The 24-year-old, who grew up watching wuxia films, says the discipline required for traditional Shaolin techniques has reshaped his approach to life’s challenges.
Dengfeng’s martial arts schools attract thousands of international students annually, creating a unique cultural exchange hub. For business analysts, this trend highlights China’s growing soft power through cultural exports. Academics note how such programs foster people-to-people connections under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
As Tikiri perfects his tornado kick, he represents a new generation bridging Asian cultures through shared passions. His journey from film fan to dedicated practitioner underscores martial arts’ enduring appeal as both art form and life philosophy.
