Forty-two years ago, a 14-year-old African teenager, captivated by the allure of Chinese Kung Fu films and harboring dreams of emulating the heroes who could leap over walls and run across rooftops, resolved to journey to China to learn martial arts. Although he never mastered the filmic feats of "flying" through the air, his experience training at the Shaolin Temple ignited a lifelong passion for Kung Fu. This individual is none other than Luc Bendza, originally from the Republic of Gabon in Africa and now the Vice Chairman of the Traditional Events Committee of the International Wushu Federation and the Chief Representative of the African Film Association in China.

42年前，年仅14岁的非洲少年因迷恋中国功夫影片，梦想成为像片中的侠客一样飞檐走壁，便决定来到中国学习武术。虽然他没有学会电影中那些“飞”起来的特技，但在少林寺的习武经历点燃了一个持久的“功夫梦”，他就是国际武术联合会传统项目委员会副主任、非洲电影协会驻华首席代表，来自非洲加蓬共和国的吕克·本扎。

Since participating in the inaugural Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival in 1991, Bendza has forged a profound connection with the city of Zhengzhou. His presence could be seen at the 13^th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival in 2024 and the World Traditional Wushu Festivals held in Zhengzhou in 2004 and 2006. He has long since regarded Zhengzhou as his "second hometown".

从1991年参加首届郑州国际少林武术节开始，本扎便与郑州结下了深厚的缘分，2024年第十三届少林武术节、2004年和2006年在郑州举行的两届世界传统武术节，都能看到这位“洋大侠”的身影，他早已把郑州视为自己的“第二故乡”。

In his youth, Bendza was particularly fond of Kung Fu films starring Bruce Lee. After interacting with interpreters of Chinese medical teams dispatched to Africa, he began learning Tai Chi, which further deepened his interest in Chinese martial arts.

本扎小时候非常喜欢李小龙主演的功夫片，与中国赴非洲医疗队的翻译接触后，他开始学习太极拳，进一步加深了对中国武术的兴趣。

In 1983, at the age of fourteen, Bendza arrived in China. Accompanied by his uncle who was serving as a diplomat in China, he visited the Beijing Film Studio and discovered that the "flying men" were actually the result of special effects. Though disappointed, he did not abandon his dream of Kung Fu. Encouraged by his uncle, he then ventured to the Shaolin Temple. Initially struggling with language barriers and culture shock, he gradually adapted to life at the temple and persisted in his practice. Subsequently, he moved on to study Chinese at Beijing Language and Culture University, eventually earning bachelor's and master's degrees in martial arts from Beijing Sport University.

1983年，14岁的本扎来到中国，在当时担任驻华外交官舅舅的带领下参观了北京电影制片厂，发现“飞人”其实是依靠特效完成的，虽然失望，却未放弃“功夫梦”。于是，在舅舅的鼓励下，又来到少林寺。刚开始，语言和生活方式的不同让他不太适应，一段时间后，他渐渐习惯了少林寺的生活，并坚持修行。此后，他又来到北京语言文化大学学习中文，最终进入北京体育大学，取得武术学士和硕士学位。

Beyond practicing martial arts, Bendza has actively participated in international Wushu competitions. While humbly admitting that his skills are merely average, he found a steadfast belief in Kung Fu and a deep affection for China through his studies at the Shaolin Temple.

不仅仅是习武，本扎更积极参加国际武术比赛。他谦虚地说自己的功夫“很一般”，但他从少林寺的学习中找到了坚定的武术信仰和对中国的深厚兴趣。

In the 1990s, Bendza made a name for himself in the film industry, appearing in numerous Kung Fu films. Notably, he portrayed Bruce Lee's first student in the TV series The Legend of Bruce Lee, gaining widespread acclaim. Later, he appeared in the films Chinese Zodiac (2012) and Vanguard starring Jackie Chan, becoming a familiar face as the foreign Kung Fu master. Today, as the Chief Representative of African Film Association in China, he fervently promotes cultural exchange between China and Africa, striving to strengthen cooperation across various fields such as education, sports, tourism and trade.

20世纪90年代，本扎活跃在电影圈，参演了多部功夫片，尤其是在电视剧《李小龙传奇》中饰演李小龙的首位徒弟，赢得了广泛的认可。之后，他在成龙的电影《十二生肖》和《急先锋》中亮相，成了家喻户晓的“洋大侠”。现在，他担任非洲电影协会驻华首席代表，积极推动中非文化交流，致力于加强教育、体育、旅游、商贸等多领域的合作。

During the 13^th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival in 2024, Bendza returned to Zhengzhou, expressing his hopes for the city. He believes that Zhengzhou can integrate the Martial Arts Festival with cultural tourism, constantly innovate, and elevate its international recognition. Through collaboration and exchange in more areas, he hopes to sustain the development of the Shaolin Wushu Festival and further enhance Zhengzhou's global influence.

2024年第十三届少林武术节，本扎再次回到郑州，表达了对这座城市的期待。他认为，郑州可以将武术节与文旅相结合，不断创新，打响郑州的国际品牌。他希望通过更多领域的合作与交流，使少林武术节持续发展，进一步提升郑州的全球影响力。

Today, Bendza stands not only as a Wushu enthusiast but also as a bridge for cultural exchange between China and Africa. He firmly believes that comprehensive and multi-level cooperation is essential for fostering understanding and friendship between different cultures.

如今，本扎既是武术爱好者，也是中非文化交流的桥梁。他坚信，只有通过全方位、多层次的交流合作，才能促进不同文化之间的理解与友谊。