Fatshimetrie, a look at the rise of kung fu in Kenya
In the vast semi-arid plains of eastern Kenya, Evans Munzaa’s life has taken an unexpected turn. Contrary to his initial plan of a career in IT and a fulfilling family life, the 31-year-old father now finds himself without a steady job since finishing his studies ten years ago, and does not live with his daughter and mother, citing “a meager income that does not allow me to support a family”.
His interest has since shifted to the Chinese martial art of kung fu, which is now at the heart of his daily life. He is even considering becoming a full-time trainer, hoping that the Kenyan government will financially support this sport that is growing among young people. This change of direction symbolises a trend observed in Kenya, where more and more young people are seeing kung fu as an opportunity for a future livelihood.
Coach Kennedy Murimi, who trains many children and teenagers in Nairobi, has seen a significant increase in the number of practitioners. He says the number of participants in his training sessions has tripled in recent months, reaching about 60 people. The trend, reflecting the growing desire of Kenyan youth to take up kung fu, comes at a time of high unemployment, which is particularly worrying among Africa’s youth population.
Ngaruiya Njonge, president of the Kenya Kung Fu and Wushu Federation, was himself inspired by Chinese martial arts films 30 years ago. His commitment to promoting kung fu in public primary schools in Kiambu County has resulted in about 4,000 students benefiting from free training sessions. According to him, kung fu instills discipline, improves health and enables individuals to defend themselves, both physically, mentally and socially.
The captivating story of Elvis Munyasia, a student of Njonge, is a testament to the positive impact of kung fu practice on his life. He says that without kung fu, he would have fallen into alcoholism and crime. For him, the martial art has been a vehicle for personal transformation, offering him a new horizon and an escape from a dark destiny.
Aisha Faith, another student, shares how kung fu has not only improved her academic performance, but also strengthened her discipline and fighting spirit. Thanks to the rigor acquired during her training, she has been able to overcome her learning difficulties and focus fully on her academic goals.
For Evans Munzaa, kung fu has become a lifeline. While struggling with financial difficulties, diligent practice of the martial art has taught him perseverance and given him a new meaning to life. Each training session is a lesson in resilience and a way to strengthen his determination to overcome obstacles.
Through these inspiring stories, kung fu emerges as much more than just a physical activity. Growing rapidly in Kenya, it offers young people a path to discipline, determination and personal transformation. Beyond its martial aspects, kung fu thus becomes a symbol of hope and rebirth for a generation in search of personal fulfillment and accomplishment.