Area Students Compete At World Wushu Open Championships

SANTA CLARA, CA (WJON News) -- Some St. Cloud area kids joined thousands from around the country to celebrate Labor Day weekend at a tournament in Santa Clara, California. The kids are part of the Dee Cheng Kung Fu Academy in Waite Park and are taking part in the 2026 World Wushu Open Championships.

The tournament runs Saturday and Sunday with over 80 teams and 2,000 students taking part. Dee Chang had 8-year-old Alexander Kendrick, 8-year-old Grayson Korgstad, 13-year-old Max Zhang, and 16-year-old Alice Zhang participating. Instructor Long Chen took part as well and was a judge on day one, as did Dorian Shimabukuro-King in the adult category.

On Saturday, Kendrick placed second in Elementary Gunshu and fourth in Beginning Nunchuck. Krogstad placed second in Elementary Changquan. On Sunday, Max Zhang placed 2nd in Straightsword, 4th in Broadsword, and 3rd in Spear. Alice Zhang took 3rd in Guandao, 5th in Mantis routine, and 5th in 9 Section Whip. Chen tied for 1st in Other Xiangxingquan, and Shimabukuro-King brought home 1st in Other Shaolinquan.

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It is the first year of the World Wushu Open Championships, which was previously known as the Golden State International Wushu Championships. Over 5,000 people, including athletes, family members, and spectators, are expected to attend over its two-day run.