The Global Chinese Kung Fu Star TV Competition kicked off on Thursday seeking to discover a new icon of Chinese kung fu to follow Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

The competition is sponsored by China's youngest star TV channel Shenzhen Star TV and the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple which is regarded as the very cradle of the Chinese kung fu.

 

The six-month long competition will be held in six domestic zones -- Shenzhen, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Shenyang, Chengdu and Shanghai.

 

At the same time the organizing committee has established five international competition zones in the United States, Germany, Russia, Italy and Australia, said Wang Maoliang, president of Shenzhen Radio, Film and Television Group. He stressed this showed that selection was open to everyone in the world who participated in kung fu.

 

Shi Yongxin, Abbot of the Shaolin Temple, said one of the most important goals of the competition was to showcase Chinese kung fu culture. He said it was also an attempt to develop the cultural legacy of kung fu and promote it throughout the world.

 

The winner of the competition will be given the opportunity to play television roles in a series about Shaolin Temple and there's also the possibility of a Hollywood movie on the same theme.

 

Kung fu is regarded a precious legacy of China's 5000-year history. Historically kung fu was used to fight one's enemies and protect the homeland.  

 

But in the peaceful times now enjoyed by many Chinese kung fu has not disappeared but gained significant new interest through international cinema success.

 

 

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2006)