Students practice Chinese martial arts at Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
YANGON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- With bare feet striking the foam floor in a steady rhythm, children roll, kick, and regain their balance with focused expressions far beyond their years inside a modest training hall in Myanmar. Here, Kung Fu is not just a physical exercise; it is a lesson in discipline, confidence, and perseverance.
Watching closely is U Khin Maung Nyein, 66, the founder of Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon. For 46 years, he has devoted his life to teaching Chinese martial arts, inspired by the Bruce Lee films that once captivated him as a teenager.
"At that time, Bruce Lee movies were very popular," he said. "I watched many of them and wanted to learn martial arts."
That inspiration grew into a lifelong mission. Today, U Khin Maung Nyein teaches children and adults five days a week, believing that Kung Fu builds character as much as strength.
"The foundation usually takes about one year," he explained. "If they master the foundation, the rest becomes easy."
Discipline is central to his teaching. He said martial arts help young people avoid harmful habits and instead develop consistency and self-control.
"When they learn martial arts, they don't waste their time," he said. "They become fit and healthy. Kung Fu is more than just getting healthy."
Children form the majority of his students, though he emphasized the importance of parental support. Some attend year-round, while others join only during school holidays.
Fourteen-year-old Hnin Thazin Phyo has trained at the center for nine years. What began as curiosity became a defining part of her life.
"I saw the center and became interested, so I joined," she said. "Now I feel fit and healthy."
She practices about three hours a week and has performed demonstrations at school events.
More importantly, she said Kung Fu taught her discipline and emotional strength.
"When I was young, I felt sad when I was scolded," she said. "Here, we learn discipline."
The training has changed how she moves through daily life. She can lift heavy items, climb ladders easily, and handle physical tasks with confidence. She hopes to become a martial arts teacher one day and dreams of studying in China.
"By learning Kung Fu, I can defend myself now," she said.
She admires Jackie Chan, another global symbol of Chinese martial arts. "He does everything by himself," she said. "Sometimes I try to imitate his movements."
Fifteen-year-old Ye Mahn joined the center four years ago for health reasons. "I was very small and often sick," he said. "My mom sent me to become healthy and grow my body."
Now taller and stronger, he practices five days a week, about two hours each day. Though the training is demanding, he said it brings happiness and confidence.
"Sometimes I feel tired, but I feel happy," he said. "Now I am fit and confident." His advice to friends is simple: commitment matters. "Practice any sport seriously for at least five or six months," he said. "You will see results."
Younger students echo the same mix of effort and joy. Ten-year-old Zwe Lin Htet practices three to four days a week.
"Sometimes, I feel tired, but I am happy," he said, proudly showing forward rolls to his friends.
For U Khin Maung Nyein, these small transformations are the true rewards of teaching. Through repetition, discipline, and guidance, he believes Kung Fu gives children strength in the body, focus in the mind, and confidence to face the world. ■
A student practices Chinese martial arts at Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Students practice Chinese martial arts at Golden Jet Myanmar, a Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
U Khin Maung Nyein (C) instructs students at his Chinese martial arts center in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)