While much of China was recovering from their New Years Eve recovery, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) Sports Center teacher Lu Yang was competing in the “2019 Global Kungfu Spring Festival Evening Champion Kungfu National Final.” In scenic Wulingyuan District, the home of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Lu Yang defeated the defending champion and was crowned the champion of “I Am The King of Fists.”

The finals of “I Am The King of Fists” included 126 fighters of 21 ranks from 11 competition regions around China. There were three events in the finals – kungfu, saibu fighting, and safari aso.

In the over 84kg category, Lu Yang made it to the final for a three-round bout against defending champion Zhang Qianbao, known as the “Tough Man of the Ancient City.” Lu Yang eventually won the championship after fierce competition, in his second attempt at the title. He previously made it to the championships three years ago, and on his success on New Years Day, he shed tears of joy on the sidelines.

The 2019 Global Kungfu Spring Festival Gala and “I am the King of Fists” National Final is hosted by Beijing Boxson Media Technology Co., Ltd. and China Internet Television. It combined ethnic, folk, non-heritage culture and competition, national fitness and youth fashion vigorous song and dance into one event. It also strives to create a new sports culture feast for the New Year.