Idman.biz
The successes of Azerbaijani kung fu masters are well known - our athletes regularly win medals at various international tournaments. One of those who have dedicated their whole lives to this sport is Babek Aliyev, multiple world champion, vice-president of the Azerbaijan Kung Fu Federation (FKA). In an interview with Idman.Biz, he answered questions about kung fu.
- Why hasn't this sport received Olympic status yet?
- Kung fu is recognized all over the world. In our country, according to the most modest estimates, about five thousand athletes are engaged in this sport in 35 clubs. However, it is not included in the program of the Olympic Games. I think the reason is related to politics, not sports. Kung fu has 11 weight categories, but fights at world championships are held in five. This means that at least five sets of medals will be presented at the Olympics. Of these, a minimum of three "gold" medals can be regularly won by China – this country is practically the only competitor for the USA in the overall team standings. Therefore, the Americans are trying in every possible way to prevent kung fu from being included in the Games program.
- Does this mean we will never see kung fu at the Olympics?
- I wouldn't be so pessimistic. I think that in the 2030s this sport will be given a chance, just as karate was once allowed to be included in the program. Sooner or later this injustice will be eliminated.
- But karate didn't stay in the program for long.
- This question should be addressed to the International Karate Federation (laughs). Our sport consists not only of kung fu, but also includes wushu, which is popular all over the world. World championships are held simultaneously in two disciplines. Unfortunately, in Azerbaijan these sports, which are almost indistinguishable from each other, cannot unite. Fortunately, both federations are at least part of the Chinese Martial Arts Association.
- What prevents the merger?
- I would say that the problem is not in what, but in who. The problem is the president of the Azerbaijan Wushu Federation, Azer Hasansoy. He has been rejecting our proposals for unification for many years. Because of this, our athletes cannot participate in wushu-sanda competitions. Although at one time I myself fought and even defeated the opponent who was defeated by our only world champion in wushu-sanda, Canpolad Budagov. We offered Hasansoy to hold fights in all 11 weight categories to determine the strongest to represent the country in the international arena, but he did not agree.
- Are there many kung fu world champions in Azerbaijan?
- Yes, of course. Kung fu is more developed and more popular in our country than wushu-sanda, the federation has done a lot for this. Besides me, we have had more than ten world champions since independence. At every world championship, Azerbaijani masters are considered favorites.
- Why should young people choose kung fu specifically, and not more popular judo, karate, boxing or wrestling?
- There are several reasons for this. Firstly, kung fu has the least risk of injury among the sports on this list, because we don't have full contact. It is possible to practice this sport from the age of six, from the first grade. Secondly, kung fu develops an incredibly fast reaction, because you need to deflect blows with both your hands and feet. Thirdly, kung fu is one of the most massive sports in the country and is not even inferior to judo in terms of this indicator. Therefore, I urge parents reading this interview to bring their children to our sections – I am sure they will not regret it.
