In an exclusive interview with the reporter from Henan International Communication Center on the evening of October 18, former Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Huanacuni expressed his excitement about returning to Zhengzhou for the Shaolin Wushu Festival.

As a devoted Shaolin disciple, Huanacuni shared his insights on the essence of Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu (Wushu), describing it as a profound philosophy.

With the 13th China International Shaolin Wushu Festival underway, Huanacuni has returned to Zhengzhou alongside his wife and four children to take part in the various activities of the event.

“我很高兴能再次回到郑州参加少林武术节”,10月18日晚，接受河南国际传播中心记者专访时，玻利维亚前外长费尔南多·瓦纳库尼说。

他告诉河南国际传播中心记者，从他的角度理解，中国少林武术的精神就是一种“哲学”。

正值第十三届中国郑州国际少林武术节，“少林弟子”费尔南多·瓦纳库尼携妻子和四个孩子回到郑州，参加有关活动。

Fernando Huanacuni (left) in an exclusive interview with HICC

Hours of Kneeling for Entry: A Test of Devotion in Kung fu Pursuit

Fernando Huanacuni has a deep bond with Chinese Kung fu, a connection that traces back to his mother's passsion for it. Under the influence of her, Huanacuni had his first encounter with Chinese Kung fu at the age of 18 in Bolivia during a performance by Shaolin monks. This fateful encounter kindled a burning interest in Chinese Kung fu within him and spurred him to embark on a journey to China to explore more.

In December 1999, Huanacuni arrived at the esteemed Shaolin Temple. He demonstrated his commitment by kneeling outside the temple gates for hours and was eventually granted entry. Following a week of intense training and challenging tests, he was accepted by the masters. Over the next three years, Huanacuni immersed himself in the disciplined life of the Shaolin monks, undergoing rigorous physical training, embracing the profound spirit of Kung fu, and delving into the enlightening teachings of Shaolin Zen.

Back in 2018, while serving as Bolivia’s Foreign Minister, Huanacuni gave a lecture on Chinese Kung fu at the 23rd La Paz International Book Fair, where he shared his remarkable experiences of studying at the Shaolin Temple.

Upon completing his studies in China, Huanacuni who was then a professional lawyer and historian has been devoting his spare time to teaching Shaolin Kung fu in Bolivia and has led multiple groups of students to China for further studies. Even after being appointed as Bolivia's Foreign Minister in January 2017, Huanacuni remained committed to spreading Chinese Kung fu. During his official visit to China in August 2017, he took a special detour to Shaolin Temple to pay his respects.

学艺时跪了数小时才进寺门

瓦纳库尼是少林功夫的“铁杆粉丝”。2018年，时任玻利维亚外长的瓦纳库尼在第23届拉巴斯国际书展上举办了一场有关中华武术的专题讲座，分享了他在中国少林寺拜师学艺的经历。瓦纳库尼说，他的母亲酷爱武术，他深受母亲影响。18岁时第一次在玻利维亚见识到正统中国武术。到访的少林僧人展示了纯正的少林功夫，让他对中国功夫产生浓厚兴趣，并立志到中国的武林圣地“取经”。

1999年12月，他来到少林寺拜师学艺。在门外跪了几个小时后，他终于被允许踏进寺门。经过一周的超强度训练考验，瓦纳库尼被寺里师父留下来。此后三年，他与少林寺僧人同吃同住，学少林功夫、习武学精神、习少林禅学。

学成回到玻利维亚后，身为律师和历史学者的瓦纳库尼一直兼职教授少林功夫，并多次带学生到中国深造。在2017年1月被任命为玻利维亚外交部长后，瓦纳库尼依然坚持传播中国武术，并于2017年8月访华时专程回少林寺拜访。

"Shaolin Kung fu: the Finest Course in My Life."

Fernando Huanacuni's families have also formed a bond with Chinese Kung fu. His eldest daughter, Maya, has dedicated 16 years to the practice of Tai Chi. His second daughter Vala, aged 18, his son Wasca, 12, and his youngest daughter Pacari, 9, have each been honing their skills in Shaolin Kung fu for 14, 10, and 6 years. They have won several awards in international competitions. Following the exclusive interview, Vanacuruni's youngest daughter and son spontaneously demonstrated Kung fu moves with well-structured precision, showcasing their clear understanding of its principles.

Speaking about his study period at Shaolin Temple, Fernando Huanacuni described it as the finest course in his life. Practicing Kung Fu has bestowed upon him numerous physical and mental benefits. Through Kung fu training, Huanacuni gained insights into various aspects of Chinese culture, including food, philosophy, medicine, and politics.

"I love Chinese culture, and I believe it is China's most precious treasure," said Huanacuni, expressing his heartfelt appreciation.

这意味着一生中最好的课程

瓦纳库尼的四个子女也与中国功夫结缘。

26岁的长女玛雅习练太极拳16年，18岁的次女瓦拉、12岁的儿子华斯卡、9岁的小女儿帕卡里已习练少林功夫14年、10年、6年，并多次在国际比赛中获奖。

专访结束后，瓦纳库尼的小女儿和儿子分别即兴来了一段武术表演，举手抬足间，一招一式颇具章法。

谈及在少林寺学习功夫的经历，瓦纳库尼说，这意味着他一生中最好的课程。他从少林功夫中学到了很多，不仅是为了“战斗”，还为了思想、心灵。通过少林功夫，他了解了中国食物、中国哲学、中国医学、中国政治等中国文化。

“我喜欢中国文化，我认为中国文化是中国最好的宝藏。”瓦纳库尼说。

The Huanacuni Family

Witnessing China's Development Miracle

Fernando Huanacuni, during his tenure as Bolivia's Foreign Minister facilitated the signing of the "Belt and Road" cooperation document between China and Bolivia. Even now, as the head of external affairs for former Bolivian President Evo Morales, he remains highly active in the diplomatic arena.

In an interview with Reference News this September, Huanacuni said, "I have witnessed the miracle of China's development."

Having visited China on countless occasions, Huanacuni observed the constant change with every single trip. As reported by Dingduan News this July, Huanacuni participated in the launching ceremony of the drama "Shaolin Kung fu" and expressed willingness to promote Kung fu culture to the Bolivian people.

"What surprises me this time is the ubiquity of electric vehicles," Huanacuni said, noting that many of his Chinese friends have switched their cars to environment-friendly new energy ones thanks to the government subsidies. Besides, the renovated houses and infrastructure in small towns and the livelihood projects carried out by local governments have earned praise from his accompanying friends.

亲眼见证了中国发展奇迹

河南国际传播中心记者梳理媒体报道时注意到，瓦纳库尼担任外交部长期间，中国与玻利维亚签署共建“一带一路”合作文件。目前，瓦纳库尼仍活跃在外交领域，担任玻利维亚前总统莫拉莱斯的对外事务负责人。

今年9月，接受《参考消息》采访时，瓦纳库尼表示，“我亲眼见证了中国发展奇迹。”

瓦纳库尼已“数不清多少次”到访中国，每次访问他都能感受到日新月异的变化。

今年7月他再次访问郑州，媒体曾报道，瓦纳库尼参与了《功夫之绝世少林》短剧启动仪式，并表示会不留余力地向玻利维亚人民宣传功夫文化。

“这次让我感到惊讶的是随处可见的电动汽车。”瓦纳库尼说，他的很多中国老朋友通过政府以旧换新汽车补贴政策，将私家车换成了更环保的新能源汽车。

小镇上的房屋、基础设施等也都进行了翻新。地方政府开展的民生工程也让与他同行的外国朋友连连称赞。（新闻来源/河南国际传播中心·顶端新闻 记者/仝存瑞 编译/丁岚）

Web editors: Tong Lin, Li Siyao