A visual feast: Closing Ceremony of the 3rd Australian International Martial Arts Culture Festival, 2026

Posted by wendy
Categories News, Martial Arts Festival, Master, Melbourne Youth Martial Arts
Date 20 May 2026
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Hosted by Committee Chair Wendy Jiang, the 3rd Australian International Martial Arts Festival culminated in a spectacular closing ceremony at Melbourne’s iconic The Round Theatre. Welcoming esteemed guests and martial arts masters, the fully booked venue resonated with incessant applause.

A brilliant display of martial arts culture, the event embodied the unyielding spirit of overseas Chinese. Taking Melbourne by storm and sweeping across social media, the sensational gala has been praised by locals as worthy of the Spring Festival Gala stage.

Deputy Consul General Liu Dongyuan noted that martial arts are a gem of traditional Chinese culture, with Tai Chi embodying Eastern philosophy. The festival has built an exchange platform for enthusiasts, rooted Chinese martial arts in Australia, deepened local cultural recognition, and greatly enriched bilateral people-to-people exchanges. He thanked Australian authorities and multicultural departments, paying sincere tribute to the committee, staff, referees, athletes and volunteers. Guided by the ethos “Overseas in body, Chinese at heart; united by martial arts with patriotism”, the committee has earned wide recognition for cultural heritage preservation.

Cr Kirsten Langford, Mayor of Whittlesea, attended the grand closing and expressed pride in hosting the international martial arts event. The two-day tournament witnessed the flourishing development of martial arts in Australia. Transcending boundaries and languages, martial arts unites people of all ages and backgrounds to enhance physical health and community bonding. Featuring eminent masters and public participation, the event integrated martial arts demonstration with health, friendship and cultural exchange. The mayor thanked the organisers, volunteers and participants, congratulated the winners, and looked forward to future martial arts gatherings in Melbourne.

Mayor of Manningham, Cr Jim Grivas, spoke highly of community cultural events and praised Tai Chi as a sport suitable for people of all ages. Practicing martial arts strengthens the body, calms the mind, bridges interpersonal gaps, and fosters a strong sense of community belonging and warm friendship. The municipal government is committed to building an inclusive, harmonious and livable community. We sincerely thank all organizers and participating guests. Special gratitude goes to volunteers who have long been dedicated to selfless dedication. May everyone grasp the essence of martial arts, integrate healthy concepts into daily life, and gain abundant positive energy.

On behalf of the Victorian State Government, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member of Parliament Sonja Terpstra MP stated:The presence of renowned martial arts masters has elevated the international prestige and glory of this grand event. Practicing martial arts builds physical fitness, tempers one’s temperament and fosters firm willpower. Local martial arts academies unite community strength and inspire young people to forge ahead with determination. The Victorian Government fully supports all sports and cultural undertakings, striving to build a healthy community and a promising future through sports. Regardless of competition results, every onstage performance embodies passion and perseverance, and all dedicated efforts are worthy of high praise.

Councillor of City of Whittlesea, Cr Andrew Davenport shared that he used to work out regularly yet failed to keep it up. Having watched our competitions yesterday, he has developed a keen interest in martial arts.

The closing ceremony was co-hosted by Ms. Wendy Jiang Hui, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of this Martial Arts Festival and Seventh-Dan Holder of Chinese Chen-style Tai Chi, together with student George M.

The closing ceremony was co-hosted by Ms. Wendy Jiang Hui, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of this Martial Arts Festival and Seventh-Dan Holder of Chinese Chen-style Tai Chi, together with student George M.

Rita Li Tong, Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee for the 3rd AWCC International Martial Arts Festival, read out congratulatory letters from the Governor-General who was away on official business and two Federal Parliamentarians.

Congratulatory Letter from Governor Margaret Gardner AC

Blessings from Federal MP Paul Hamer

Blessings from Federal MP Paul Hamer

Ge Chunyan, a Baguazhang inheritor, delivered an exquisite performance that amazed the audience. Her brilliant display sparked a local passion for Baguazhang among Melburnians.

Xu Qinlan, a master of Chen-style Tai Chi, demonstrated Tai Chi Single Sword with profound power and elegant yin-yang rhythms. Her superb swordsmanship won enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Fu Qingquan, intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Yang-style Tai Chi, performed Yang-style Single Broadsword. His fluent movements and graceful demeanour brought a refreshing spectacle to the Melbourne audience.

The award presenters, pictured from right to left, consisted of Li Chao (Editor-in-Chief of Tai Chi Network), Yang Qiyuan (Former Vice President of the Chinese Wushu Association), Liu Hongqi (Founder of Tai Chi Network), Cr Andrew Davenport (Whittlesea City Councillor), Cr Jim Grivas (Mayor of Manningham), Cr Kirsten L (Mayor of Whittlesea), Liu Dongyuan (Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne), alongside Sonja Terpstra MP (Victorian State Parliamentarian and Multicultural Affairs Delegate).

Several sponsors were also invited to take part in the presentation ceremony, namely Lin Jiuhuai (President of the World Association for Traditional Medical Culture and Wellness), Xu Xiaoli (Executive Vice Chair of the festival’s special competitions and Director of Melbourne New Oriental Art Troupe), and Du Ying (Chief Exhibition Consultant and President of the Beijing Fellowship Association). Together, the dignitaries awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, graded trophies and official certificates to the overall champion, runner-up and second runner-up of the martial arts tournament.

Overall Championship Winners

Women’s Division

1st Place: Ying Ying (Lucy) Luo
2nd Place: Yulian Sun
3rd Place: Liang Ping

Men’s Division

1st Place: Oliver H F Chor
Joint 2nd Place: Oscar Yu, Di Wang
3rd Place: Joshua Li

Traditional Routine Overall Championship (Team Event) 1st Place: Australia Dongwu Tai Chi Alliance 2nd Place: China Shaolin International Wushu Academy 3rd Place: AWCC Melbourne Junior Wushu Class

Organizations participating in special events were granted exclusive honorary titles, cash bonuses and large trophies. All competing athletes received commemorative gold medals.

Sincere gratitude goes to all volunteers. Their dedication and solidarity preserved traditional martial arts culture and promoted Chinese wushu globally.

Tai Chi has long nourished both the body and mind. Many practitioners begin their journey through competitions and performances, then delve into traditional health-preserving techniques. Baduanjin regulates internal energy, Taihe Quan calms the spirit, and refined sword routines stretch the physique. With consistent practice, meridians are unblocked and blood circulation improves. Immersed in martial arts, practitioners gain peace and joy. The training builds physical strength and fosters a broad, composed mindset, bringing remarkable physical and mental transformation.

The show featured dynamic fan and flowing silk ribbon dances with elegant poses. Uyghur hand dances exuded ethnic charm, while warriors in ancient costumes showcased heroic grace. Vibrant modern dances brimmed with youthful energy. These diverse, exquisite performances delivered stunning visual feasts.

Elegant cultural and modern dances delivered captivating visuals with diverse ethnic and stylistic performances.

Shaolin teens, local juniors and senior practitioners presented splendid age-inclusive martial arts demonstrations.

Various elegant dances presented stunning cultural visuals.Performers of all ages delivered brilliant martial arts displays.

Tea art, folk dance, paper-cutting and classical shows showcased Chinese traditional beauty.Tea art, folk dance, paper-cutting and classical shows showcased Chinese traditional beauty.

Heartwarming parent-child performances embodied familial harmony. Adults and children jointly performed martial arts and Tai Chi, presenting touching moments of companionship.

Thanks to generous supporters and diligent teams, the event ran smoothly with stunning opening and performances. Special thanks to Xu Xiaoli for her dedicated efforts to ensure the event’s brilliant success.

United volunteers made the event a great success. Under meticulous organization, members devoted their time selflessly, even sacrificing personal competition opportunities. Their dedication and noble spirit will always be remembered.

This wushu festival concluded successfully with immense support from all sectors. Gratitude is extended to the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne, Australian governments, martial arts masters, enthusiasts and media for jointly promoting Chinese martial arts worldwide.

wendy

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