There are countless forms of martial arts from nations all around the world, and this year, Transcend United and Shaolin Kung fu Chan Academy have teamed up to form the Washington State Martial Arts Alliance. This Alliance will celebrate its inaugural year by hosting the Washington State Martial Arts Festival on September 29.
Founded in 2023, Transcend United seeks to promote cross-cultural learning and unite local communities through the shared practice of martial arts. “Our goal is to redefine martial arts as an art form and promote it as an option for holistic exercise, fostering cross-cultural exchanges, and dismantling historical barriers,” said Transcend United’s manager Lawrence Luo. “To this end, the annual festival aims to be the signature activity of the alliance, uniting Bellevue and Washington residents, fostering a sense of community, and providing opportunities to learn from one another across cultures.”
Luo believes that the two organizations will contribute complementary strengths to the Festival. “Transcend United will take the lead on addressing cross-cultural and multi-generational aspects of the project,” he said. “With a strong emphasis on inclusion, we will ensure that marginalized groups have meaningful representation and participation.”
Meanwhile, Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy will focus on engaging youth groups and leveraging its extensive network within the martial arts community. “The academy’s established reputation and connections will help position the festival as a premier event in the martial arts world, attracting enthusiasts and participants from various backgrounds,” Luo lauded. “By drawing on its extensive experience and influence, the academy will help elevate the festival’s profile and impact.”
Both organizations hope to expand understanding of martial arts. “Martial arts, a timeless form of cultural expression and self-discipline, have flourished across civilizations, shaped by diverse traditions, philosophies, and strict rules,” Luo elaborated. “However, the distinctiveness of each martial art, coupled with cultural influences, has often hindered meaningful exchanges among them.”
But Luo plans to change that locally. “The Washington State Martial Arts Festival is envisioned as a multi-generational, cross-cultural, and community-led celebration that builds new relationships,” he said. “Tailored events for specific age groups will exhibit culturally diverse martial arts, catering to various demographics such as tai chi for seniors, jiu-jitsu for adults, and beginner taekwondo for children.”
The Festival also hopes to provide a platform for cultural exchange. “The festival will be planned and implemented by local leaders from the communities of origin for each of the martial arts, including Japan, Korea, China, India, Thailand, and Egypt,” Luo said. “Participating martial art groups will host booths and workshops led by their elders, providing opportunities for the public and other groups to explore different forms of martial arts and their rich histories.”
Well-known martial arts forms will be showcased, including karate, a popular Japanese martial art emphasizing striking techniques, including punches, kicks, and knee strikes; tai chi, a graceful and meditative form of martial arts from China known for its slow, flowing movements and focus on balance and internal energy; and taekwondo, a Korean martial art with high, fast kicks and dynamic techniques, blending self-defense with sport.
In addition, some lesser-known martial arts will be featured, such as limalama, an ancient Samoan martial art that combines striking techniques with dance and a sense of wisdom; silambam, an ancient South Indian martial art involving the use of sticks, known for its intricate and precise movements; and muay Thai, often called the “art of Eight Limbs,” utilizing strikes with the fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
To promote accessibility for all martial arts groups, regardless of resources, the Festival is offering varying levels of registration pricing, depending on sponsorship level or use of a booth, including a free registration level for groups without a booth. “We anticipate a broad participation from various martial arts groups,” Luo explained. “This diverse involvement will enrich the festival, bringing together practitioners and enthusiasts from different backgrounds to celebrate and share their unique traditions.”
The Festival runs six hours, from 10am to 4pm. “There will be national anthem performed by Yolanda Ji, the performer for national anthem at this past weekend’s Seahawk game,” Luo enthused, “followed by ribbon cutting by invited guests and key sponsors, and performances by all participating martial art groups throughout the day.”
But the Alliance aims to reach beyond martial arts. “We are deeply committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact on our community,” Luo said, “Proceeds will be donated to Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network, two esteemed organizations dedicated to providing critical care and support to children facing serious health challenges.”
And Luo hopes this festival will be the first of many. “We anticipate that this collaboration will not only be productive but also establish a lasting partnership that benefits both organizations and the broader community,” he said. “Together, we aim to bring the Washington State Martial Arts Festival to life, creating an event that honors martial arts traditions while promoting inclusivity and community engagement.”
The Washington State Martial Arts Festival will be held on September 29 at Crossroads Park, 999 – 164th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue.
