Outside of trade, cultural exchanges drive the connection between two countries. In South China's Guangzhou, Cambodian language teacher Tiger is immersing himself in Chinese martial arts, and sharing his native language with Chinese students.

Cambodian language teacher Tiger has been living in China for nearly eight years. Today, he's getting an authentic lesson in Southern martial arts in Guangzhou - the city where legendary master Wong Fei Hong spent most of his career.

KEATH PISETH, Lecturer, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies "It seems my previous training was all choreography. Here, it feels more practical. I haven't practiced in seven or eight years. Now my body aches and I can't hold a horse stance."

Huang Fei: "What does your shirt say?"

"Khmer martial arts."

Huang Fei: "Are you here to challenge us?"

"No, no. I forgot."

Master He Zhongjian explains how Chinese southern martial arts share many similarities with Southeast Asian styles: especially in animal forms.

HE ZHONGJIAN, Deputy Director, Guangzhou Liwan Martial Arts Association "The Southern Fist focuses on a strong horse stance, because Southerners tend to have a smaller build. Animal forms like Tiger Fist come from our ancestors' techniques for fighting animals. Chinese martial arts also teach perseverance and unity."

KEATH PISETH, Lecturer, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies "Cambodia's ancient martial art is called 'pounding of the lion', which also uses lower stances. Nowadays, many Cambodians practice Chinese martial arts because it's part of the Southeast Asian Games. Winning medals brings pride to our country."

Tiger's passion for China began with volunteer work at the Confucius Institute in Phnom Penh, where he met his wife. Following his heart, Tiger studied the Chinese language, and now he's giving back — teaching Khmer to Chinese students.

KEATH PISETH, Lecturer, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies "There's a lot of trade here with a global reach. Cambodian businessmen come to Guangzhou to find goods to sell back home. With China's Belt and Road Initiative, more students are learning Khmer, and the number keeps growing."

Whether through martial arts or language, Tiger is helping build a future where China and Cambodia continue to grow — and win — together.

Tiger: "We have a saying, 'we win together'."

(How do you say that in Khmer?)

"Everybody wins."

 

转载自：CGTN