Although Chinese Kungfu has yet to take central stage in the sports world, some foreign pioneers are starting to promote it internationally.

"China is the hometown of Kungfu. I love Wushu because it nurses man's body and mind. By practising it, people can find a balance from inner part and also can face this world more bravely," said Manca Giancarlo, coach of Italian Wushu Federation, during the 3rd World Traditional Wushu Championships (WTWC) held in central China's Shiyan city.

The 58-year-old Giancarlo has practised Wushu for forty years. After learning Wushu in China, he came back to Italy and began teaching Wushu. Until now, he has 1,500 students in Italy.

"A Kungfu player should pay respect to his master and seek for knowledge modestly," he told his students.

Derventis Panagiotis, 41, comes from Greece and has practised Kungfu for twenty years.

Now he opened a Wushu center in Greece and became a teacher of more than a hundred students in his country. During this WTWC, Panagiotis also participated in the competition as a player with his students.

"There is no limit to Wushu knowledge. I hope more and more people can learn Wushu and benefit from it," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2008)