Shifu Muhammad Junaid Chafeker, known as MJ Li, and the South African Chin Woo Kungfu Team returned home victorious from the 20th Hong Kong International Wushu Kungfu Championship.
On Wednesday 26 February, MJ Li led his team to an incredible 14 gold medals, two silver, and one bronze, marking a remarkable achievement in both individual and team performances.
MJ Li himself earned four gold medals in the Professional Athletes Division, solidifying his reputation as a world-class Kungfu champion.
His success also earned him the Outstanding International Shifu/Coach award and the title of International Wushu Kungfu Ambassador for the event.
Despite the demanding competition schedule, Li observed Ramadan, fasting while competing, which added a unique layer of resilience to his performance.
“It was an amazing experience, winning four golds while balancing my spiritual discipline,” said Chafeker.
Following the championship, Li, accompanied by his wife, Salma Natalie Doran, spent a month traveling across China. They visited cities like Guangzhou, Beijing, Kashgar, Hohhot, and Xian, engaging with Chinese Muslim communities, experiencing Ramadan, and exploring the history of Islam in China.
Key highlight
A key highlight was meeting Shifu Ma Yue, a renowned grandmaster of Chinese Muslim Wushu Kungfu, whose family lineage dates back seven generations.
This meeting marked the beginning of a significant connection that will bring Shifu Ma Yue to South Africa for the 2026 Africa International Youth Kungfu Championship in Cape Town.
Li’s journey also included training with several Kungfu grandmasters and deepening his understanding of martial arts and Islamic history in China, which inspired his new book KUNGFU Part 2.
With a wealth of experience from his travels, Li looks forward to continuing his mission to promote both Kungfu and Islam through lectures and cultural tours in China.
Back in South Africa, Li will resume coaching the South African Youth Kungfu Team as they prepare for upcoming national and international competitions. “My journey is far from over,” he said. “I’m excited to continue sharing my knowledge and bridging cultures, inspiring future generations of Kungfu champions.”
