To foster cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and other nations, and to appreciate the resilience and harmony embodied in martial arts, the SOIE invited the SDUT Martial Arts Association to host the ‘Martial Arts: A Bridge to Friendship – International Students' Martial Arts Cultural Experience’ event on the morning of 7th December. Over 60 international students from more than a dozen countries, including Morocco, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, participated.

The martial arts association's representative first introduced the historical origins and cultural significance of Chinese martial arts to the international students. From the ‘yielding to overcome force’ principle of Tai Chi to the ‘robust vigour’ of the Five-Step Fist, martial arts were presented not merely as a means of physical fitness, but as a vehicle for the philosophical concept of ‘unity between heaven and humanity’ and the national spirit of ‘self-improvement without ceasing’. Association members employed a method of ‘step-by-step demonstration combined with patient correction,’ explaining key movements in clear, accessible language to ensure every international student could follow the pace. Instruction began with foundational elements like hand forms and footwork, with particular emphasis on the fluid continuity of Tai Chi and the precise execution of Five-Step Boxing techniques. Soukaina from Morocco remarked: Having seen martial arts in films before, I always found it fascinating. Today, practising it myself, I discovered that every move has its own significance. The sensation of coordinating breath with movement is quite unique.

This martial arts cultural experience serves as a vital initiative to enrich the campus life of international students. In recent years, our university has accelerated its internationalisation efforts by hosting diverse events including International Culture Week, classical poetry appreciation sessions, and traditional sports experiences. These activities foster multicultural exchange platforms for students from China and abroad, transforming the campus into a vibrant classroom where different civilisations collide and intertwine.