Past Events

Event Highlights: 2025 New Year Celebration

Date: January 16, 2025
Location: Crossroad Community Center16000 NE 10th 5t, Bellevue,WA 98008
Activities: Bellevue City Council Member Visit, Lion Dance, Folk Music Performances, Write Spring Festival Couplets, Give Out “Fu” Characters, Delicious Food, Other Entertainment Programs , and more

The Successful New Year Celebration of the Transcend United Non-profit Senior Activity Center

The Transcend United Senior Activity Center was abuzz with festive cheer today as seniors gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event was packed with engaging activities:

• A vibrant lion dance kicked off the festivities, setting a joyful tone for the New Year.
• The traditional practice of writing Spring Festival couplets was a hit, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Ms. Yi Duo enchanted the audience with a captivating pipa performance.
• A group Tai Chi session showcased the seniors’ vitality, and Mr. Ding Ding’s impressive demonstration drew enthusiastic applause.
• Three masters from Master Gao’s Kung Fu Chan Academy delivered a powerful Shaolin Kung Fu performance, while the seniors’ own dance performances brought even more warmth and laughter to the occasion.

We are deeply grateful for the generous support from the community:

• Zhide Clinic generously sponsored a delicious Peking duck feast, which was a big hit with everyone.
• The Deputy Mayor of Bellevue honored us with a New Year’s address and even joined volunteers in wrapping the Peking duck.
• One of the nation’s largest insurance providers contributed a delightful lunch, adding to the warmth and enjoyment of the event.
• We also extend our sincere thanks to Cathay Bank for their invaluable support.

Amidst the festive and harmonious ambiance, the seniors enjoyed a memorable New Year celebration filled with joy and heartwarming moments. The event was a resounding success!

Finally, Transcend United extends heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers. Thanks to your selfless contributions, our Chinese community will undoubtedly grow even stronger and more united. Thank

Media coverage:

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Event Highlights: 1st Washington State Martial Arts Festival

Date: September 29, 2024
Location: Crossroads Park, 999 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98008
Activities: Performances, workshops, and more

2024 Washington State First Martial Arts Festival Concludes Successfully!

— A Grand Gathering of Martial Arts, Celebrating Tradition and Promoting Global Martial Spirit

The 2024 Washington State First Martial Arts Festival, co-hosted by Transcend United and Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy, concluded successfully on September 29th at Crossroads Park, Bellevue, Washington. The event attracted martial arts enthusiasts, masters, and schools from Washington State, Oregon, and the Vancouver area, showcasing a spectacular martial arts feast. As the first project of the newly established “Washington State Martial Arts Alliance,” this festival marked an important milestone in promoting martial arts culture in the U.S. and aims to become an annual platform for cross-cultural exchanges and health advocacy.

Dignitaries Celebrated the Festival’s Grand Opening

The opening ceremony featured distinguished guests from various sectors, including Conrad Lee, Bellevue’s first Asian-American City Council member and former mayor (2012-2013); Martin Liang, SVP & District Administrator at Cathay Bank; and Lawrence Luo, a founding board member of Transcend United, who has contributed significantly to education and community services. Other notable guests included Zoe Jiang, founder of the Washington State U.S.-China Education Association, and Grandmaster John S.S. Leong of the Seattle Kung Fu Club. Master Leong, a renowned figure in the Seattle martial arts community, has been teaching Hung Gar Kung Fu since 1963 and has made profound contributions to the promotion of Chinese martial arts culture in the area. The presence of these guests added significance to the event, highlighting the martial arts festival’s impact on cultural promotion and community integration.

Celebrating Diversity through Martial Arts

With the theme of “Promoting Martial Arts Culture, Fostering Cultural Exchange,” this year’s festival brought together diverse martial arts disciplines, such as Tai Chi, Swordsmanship, Karate, Taekwondo, South Indian martial art “Silambam,” and Polynesian martial art “Limalama.” The event redefined martial arts as a holistic art form, emphasizing both physical fitness and mental discipline. It also provided a platform for participants from different backgrounds to exchange knowledge and grow together, strengthening the community’s inclusivity and cohesion.

Martial Arts Teams Showcase Skills and Culture

The festival offered exclusive booth spaces for each participating martial arts group to showcase their unique techniques, display cultural artifacts, and engage visitors. A dedicated main stage was set for martial arts groups to perform in traditional attire, presenting different styles and movements. Each performance embodied the beauty of martial arts and the diversity of global cultures, pushing the festival to its climax.

Traditional Martial Arts and Artistry in Harmony

The entire festival revolved around the motto of “Connecting through Martial Arts, Strengthening through Martial Arts, and Merging Martial Arts with Art,” blending martial arts demonstrations, competitions, and cultural showcases to promote cross-cultural understanding. Competitors, with agile movements and mastery of technique, stunned audiences with performances ranging from Shaolin Sword and Long Fist to Tai Chi. Masters provided live demonstrations and insights into the history and philosophy behind each technique, enriching the audience’s understanding of martial arts culture.

Rising Stars Steal the Show

Among the various performances, the highlight was the outstanding display by the young martial artists, some as young as five years old. These “little warriors” impressed the audience with their courage, perseverance, and strong foundation in martial arts, showcasing their skills in solo performances such as Shaolin Sword and Wing Chun. Special guest teams, including Cai Wei Yoga, Echo Art Center, Xiang-He Dance Theatre, and the traditional Face-Changing troupe, added even more splendor to the event.

Promoting Martial Arts Spirit and Cultural Heritage

This martial arts festival was not just a competition of skills but a celebration of martial ethics and spirit. Through this grand event, martial artists and enthusiasts experienced the true meaning of “friendship through martial arts” while deepening their understanding of traditional martial arts culture. The organizers expressed their hope that this event will help further promote martial arts in the U.S. and contribute to the ongoing transmission of martial arts culture within the new generation of Washington State communities and the international community.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Washington State Martial Arts

Although the festival has concluded, the spirit of martial arts will endure. In the future, Transcend United and Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy will continue to promote martial arts culture throughout Washington State through the Washington State Martial Arts Alliance. They aim to create more opportunities for enthusiasts to exchange skills and share culture. By organizing similar festivals, they will further spread martial arts worldwide, allowing its spirit and cultural essence to take root in more people’s hearts.

The successful launch of the first Washington State Martial Arts Festival is not just a showcase of techniques but a transmission of martial spirit. It has given us great confidence in the future of global martial arts, and we look forward to seeing martial arts culture shine on even larger platforms soon!

About Transcend United

Transcend United is dedicated to addressing social isolation faced by elderly individuals within immigrant and refugee communities, a challenge that has become increasingly severe post-pandemic. Many seniors struggle to integrate into society and access healthcare resources. We aim to build a diverse and inclusive community through cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, ensuring every elderly person feels a sense of belonging.

Through these efforts, Transcend United strives to create a harmonious community where each senior can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

For more information, please visit: Transcend United website.

About Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy

Founded in 2012, the Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy is a key pillar of the martial arts community in Washington State. Established by Master Gao (Shi Yan Xiang), the 34th-generation Shaolin Temple warrior monk, the academy is dedicated to promoting Shaolin Kung Fu and Chan culture. The academy focuses not only on physical training but also on providing comprehensive martial arts education for youth. In 2023, the academy formed a strategic partnership with Transcend United to co-found the Washington State Martial Arts Festival, promoting martial arts as a holistic cross-cultural discipline.

For more information, please visit: Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy Website.

Master Gao (Shi Yan Xiang)

Master Gao, also known as Shi Yan Xiang, is a 34th-generation Shaolin Temple disciple. He began his rigorous martial arts training at the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China, in 1995. After years of dedicated practice, Master Gao was selected as a Shaolin cultural ambassador, representing the temple in various countries to perform and promote Shaolin Kung Fu. He has won numerous awards in international competitions and served as the coach for the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Demonstration Team, making significant contributions to the global spread of Shaolin martial arts culture.

Master Qin (Shi Yan Lei)

Master Qin, also known as Shi Yan Lei, was born Qin Qinglei and is a 34th-generation secular disciple of the Songshan Shaolin Temple. He holds a sixth-degree black belt in Chinese martial arts. Master Qin started his martial arts training at an early age and, through rigorous practice and strong aptitude, became one of Shaolin’s young champions. He has won multiple titles in national and international competitions, including Hei Hu Quan (Black Tiger Fist), Long Fist, and Staff techniques. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Shanxi Youth Martial Arts Association and Vice Chairman of the Martial Arts Association of Nantong, Jiangsu. He has made significant contributions to promoting martial arts both domestically and internationally.

Master Ding (Shi Yan Wei)

Master Ding, born Ding Youwei, is a 34th-generation secular disciple of the Shaolin Temple, having started his martial arts training at the age of nine. He holds a sixth-degree black belt in Chinese martial arts and is a certified National Level One Coach and Referee. Master Ding specializes in a variety of martial arts techniques, including Double Whips, Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing), and Qinna (joint-locking). He has achieved numerous accolades in international martial arts competitions and has been dedicated to promoting Shaolin culture and martial spirit for many years.

Appreciation for the Support of Our Sponsors in Promoting Cultural Heritage

The success of this martial arts festival was made possible by the strong support of our sponsors, including but not limited to: Cathay Bank, American Mia Education, Anh Shenh Herbs, Drink T, Xiang-He Dance Theatre, Kung Fu Chain, United Hub, Echo Art Center, Bright Seeds, Hungry Panda, and Think Academy Seattle. Our sponsors not only provided financial and material support but also actively engaged in the festival through booth displays and interactive workshops, fostering deeper cultural exchanges within diverse communities.

Honoring the Unsung Heroes Behind the Scenes — Our Volunteer Team

The success of this martial arts festival would not have been possible without the selfless dedication and hard work of our volunteers. Many of them are parents of the academy’s students, providing invaluable support behind the scenes. From event preparation to on-site coordination, they devoted countless hours to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their efforts not only played a key role in promoting martial arts culture but also demonstrated the community’s strong spirit of unity and generosity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer!