A trip to China last month has resulted in local Riley Greenland becoming the Shaolin Kung Fu Star of the World.
The 24-year-old was one of 144 contestants taking part in the first-ever World Shaolin Games, a vibrant celebration of martial arts and international camaraderie at Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, China.
Stars from 47 countries participated in the multi-day festival, with 10 champions – including Greenland – crowned 2024 World Shaolin Kung Fu Stars.
Greenland showed off his speed, endurance, power and technique across three rounds to impress the judges and take the big prize home.
“They are calling me the ‘Australian Shaolin Boy’ now… it’s a pretty big thing to win over there,” Greenland told the Weekender.
“Crackers were going off, there were heaps of people on the stage – everyone wants photos and interviews with you. It was on Chinese TV and being live-streamed, it was full-on.”
After qualifying for the World Shaolin Games last year, Greenland said he originally had zero expectations before arriving in China. However, when he won his first round, his confidence started to grow and grow.
“After winning the first round, I wanted it more and went after it,” he said.
“The format was fairly simple – you bow, march on and do your form and then you go to the waiting area for your score.
“The first round, only the top three go through. And then it’s head-to-head rounds after that. Whoever wins, the other person is out before you get an overall winner.”
To be crowned Shaolin Kung Fu Star of the World was a moment Greenland will never forget and he’s got his father and master David to thank for helping him on his incredible journey.
David is the owner of Emerald Dragon Martial Arts in Jamisontown and has been teaching his son – not only the basics of life – but the Shaolin way.
“Dad has been doing it for 30-40 years, but I was born into it,” Greenland said.
“It wasn’t forced on me, I always wanted to do it. I’ve been doing it since I was three.
“After I won, I generally don’t cry but I got emotional. I was looking for Dad when I got the trophy. Everyone was on the stage, but I just wanted to find Dad for a photo.”
Shaolin Kung Fu, a treasured part of Chinese cultural heritage, has a history spanning over 1500 years and enjoys a global following.
According to Shi Yongxin, Abbot of Shaolin Temple, “Shaolin culture promotes a healthy lifestyle, equipping us to navigate life’s challenges while maintaining physical and mental balance”.
Greenland said he isn’t sure whether he’ll return to defend his crown, instead he’d love to train someone else to try and win it next.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.