China's first professional martial arts league, the Wushu Masters Association, opened in Huangshan, Anhui province on Sunday. The event started with the team matches, which saw Guangzhou fighters put in a good performance to bag a 4-1 win over Shandong.Six teams took part in the event.
Guangzhou and Shandong were the first to face off with each other after the opening ceremony. Guangzhou first sent 19 year old Zheng Hui to compete with Shandong's 32 year old veteran Ren Guotong. Zheng use his strength advantage to take the match 7-0 over three rounds.
The climax came when Guangzhou's 2 meter tall Wu Lihan took on 1.77m Leng Lin. Wu led 12-4 over 3 rounds, but due to too many errors and poor technique, the judges gave the fight to Shandong. Guangzhou's Zhang Yanfei was the last to appear. After he fell behind 7-2, his opponent pulled out due to injury, giving him the point. Guangzhou won the opening match 4-1.
The Wushu Masters Association had its inaugural event in Huang Shan, a city steeped in the tradition of Martial Arts. The best fighters in China are taking part in the event as it looks to not only make it's mark here in China, but across the globe. Jonas Gilbart now, takes a special look at the event and its goals moving forward.
Under the shadow of the legendary Yellow Mountain, a new legend is looking to emerge.
For centuries Wushu has held a special place in the hearts of the Chinese people. Now this legend is looking to cross borders and cultures and become a world-wide force.
This is the hope and dream of the Wushu Masters Association.
