“Gather in Oceania, Unleash a New Future with Wushu”
For decades, Wushu has steadily grown across Oceania, supported by passionate instructors, volunteers, athletes and national federations. What began as small local tournaments has evolved into a connected regional community that honours both the heritage of Kung Fu and the athletic excellence of modern Wushu. Each generation has strengthened friendships across cultures and borders, laying the foundation for today’s momentum.
From 21–25 May 2026, Brisbane became the centre of international Wushu as athletes, coaches, officials and supporters gathered at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler, Queensland. Under the theme “Gather in Oceania, Unleash a New Future with Wushu,” the Championships marked a turning point for the region, demonstrating Oceania’s capability to host major international events and its growing influence within the global Wushu community.
More than 180 athletes from 11 countries and regions competed, including teams from Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Australia. For many participants, the event was as much about reconnecting with friends and celebrating Wushu’s core values: respect, perseverance, humility, friendship and excellence, as it was about competing for medals.
The Championships featured Traditional Kung Fu, Contemporary Wushu (Taolu), Taijiquan and Sanda, with athletes of all ages and experience levels showcasing the depth and diversity of Wushu now present throughout Oceania. Widely recognised as one of the most significant Wushu events ever held in the region, the competition highlighted the sport’s continued growth in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and neighbouring nations, while international teams reinforced the partnerships that support Wushu’s development across Oceania.
The Opening Ceremony reflected both the international spirit of the event and the cultural identity of its Australian host. A Welcome to Country and Land Acknowledgement set the tone, followed by a Parade of Nations and the traditional lion eye dotting ceremony symbolising courage, prosperity and good fortune. Lion dance and martial arts performances celebrated the heritage from which Wushu draws its strength.
One of the most memorable elements of the Championships was its spirit of inclusion. Demonstrations by para-athletes performing Tai Chi and Kung Fu embodied courage, determination and resilience, reminding everyone present that Wushu is a lifelong practice accessible to all, regardless of age, background or ability.
Across two days of competition, athletes displayed outstanding technical skill, athleticism and sportsmanship. Yet for many, the most lasting memories came not from the medal tally but from shared training sessions, conversations between teams and friendships renewed across borders, underscoring what Wushu is really about: personal growth, cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Australia’s Wushu community was strongly represented, with clubs and schools from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia competing alongside international teams, demonstrating the sport’s continued national expansion.
Organising Committee Chair and President of Kung Fu Wushu Australia, Dr Shao Zhao Ming, described the Championships as a defining milestone for Wushu in Oceania. “The Championships have not only showcased Oceania’s capacity to host world-class events but have also cemented Australia’s role as a rising force in the international Wushu community,” he said. “This event has accelerated the growth of Wushu across Australia and the Oceania region. We are seeing a new generation of athletes emerge, stronger pathways being built, and a shared vision that Wushu belongs on the world stage. The momentum is building, and it is only the beginning.”
At the Closing Ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to participating teams, judges and volunteers, and the International Wushu Federation recognised the Organising Committee for delivering one of the most important Wushu events ever held in Oceania.
While champions were crowned and medals awarded, the true legacy of the 2026 Oceania International Invitational Wushu Kung Fu Championships lies beyond podium results. True to its theme, the event strengthened friendships, shared knowledge and inspired the next generation. It is a defining chapter in the ongoing story of Wushu in Oceania, written by every athlete, coach, official and volunteer who steps onto the training floor.
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