Interview with headteacher at the Shaolin Temple in Dar es Salaam.

It is time for the government and the people of Tanzania to work together to take the adoption of martial arts like Kung Fu to the next level. Let us fly our flag proudly, for future generations to see. 

The following interview was conducted with the owner and headteacher at the Shaolin Temple in Dar es Salaam, Master Mfaume. We spoke candidly about the importance of Martial Arts, such as his specialty of Kung Fu, for the youth of Tanzania. 

Question 1 – How can Kung Fu help youth in Tanzania?

It prepares youth for physical and mental well-being. Through these benefits it will make life easier for them, they will fulfill their life responsibility with great efficiency. Kungfu also builds its members spiritually with love and cooperation, commitment, and support. We also cannot forget the importance of confidence-building and self-defense techniques for physical property and family.

Kung Fu can also help young people in the action movie industry by learning how to perform Kung Fu acrobatics and even becoming a paid fighter.

Lastly, it can help young people to easily find employment in the military due to the development of excellent self-defense skills and a disciplined attitude. Kungfu has more benefits than any other sport in the world

Question 2 – What are some of the main goals of the Shaolin Martial Arts school?

We want to spark a revolution to destroy all that holds us back. To bring respect to the art form and its participants. To be a responsible creator of jobs and to change the lives of young people. Kung Fu has the power to improve lives in many ways. 

The school aims to share the art of Wushu/Kung Fu with the people of Tanzania, especially among youth. We use social media to showcase the beauty and strength of our art form. In the past, it was not possible to learn about things online, but now it is our responsibility to use this tool to promote our work for the benefit of the nation.

Kung Fu has become famous because of big Hollywood movie stars and we want to inspire Tanzanians to dream this big as well. Additionally, the skills we teach are very helpful for the military and to promote discipline in any employment sector.

Question 3 – What are some challenges you are facing?

We face difficulty in helping parents of potential students to understand the full value of martial arts. People sometimes think that all sports are unimportant and that Kung Fu is unnecessarily aggressive. However, when our students and their guardians see the positive results of our training, their minds are often changed. 

Many people also have a difficult time paying for our training and we have not yet received any support from the public sector. I believe that my life’s work is important, but we need to work on increasing awareness. 

Question 4 – Have you tried to open any schools outside of Dar es Salaam? 

Yes, I have tried to reach many regions for the distribution of martial arts but I have faced challenges with the registration of businesses and attracting enough students. My journey started in 2010 when I toured the country teaching people about Kung Fu. I found that there were many people who are interested, but so far, Dar es Salaam is the place where I fit the best. With more support, I do believe i can expand in the future. 

Conclusion

It is time for the government and the people of Tanzania to work together to take the adoption of martial arts like Kung Fu to the next level. Let us fly our flag proudly, for future generations to see.