ZJU teacher ZHA Susheng wins double gold at National Wushu Taolu Championships

At the 2026 National Wushu Taolu Championships (Men's Optional Events Division) & Selection Trials for the 20th Asian Games Wushu Taolu Events, ZHA Susheng, a young teacher from the Department of Public Physical and Art Education at Zhejiang University (ZJU), clinched two gold medals in the men's Jianshu (swordplay) and Qiangshu (spearplay) events. This victory came just three months after he successfully defended his Baguazhang championship at the National Wushu Taolu Champions Cup.

ZHA's path to the top podium was a grueling battle against time and physical limits. After retiring from professional competition in 2022 due to injuries, he had been away from the arena for several years. In February 2026, he decided to resume professional training, leaving him with only two months to prepare for the selection trials. As an older athlete in competitive sports, he had to overcome declines in muscle strength and stamina, while adapting to the dynamically changing scoring criteria of Wushu taolu.

To prepare, ZHA pushed his physical limits and meticulously refined every movement. In the competition, he leveraged his agility and speed to outmaneuver opponents, securing the two gold medals. His comeback was fully supported by ZJU's Department of Public Physical and Art Education and the Wushu Team of Zhejiang College of Sports, which provided him with personalized training plans, medical care, and nutritional support. His ultimate goal is to represent China at the upcoming Asian Games.

ZHA's journey has not been smooth. Shortly after becoming a professional athlete, he suffered a severe injury, which prevented him from training during his undergraduate studies at ZJU's College of Education. However, after winning a championship at the Student Games, he returned to the provincial team, balancing academics and training. During this period, he realized that the key difference between top-tier athletes lies in intelligence—the ability to analyze, reason, and execute. After retiring, he pursued a master's degree at the College of Education to further his understanding of sports science.

Today, ZHA serves as an assistant coach for the ZJU student Wushu team and teaches Wushu classes. In his teaching, he moves beyond repetitive physical drills, integrating martial arts stories, philosophy, aesthetics, and etiquette to engage students. He believes that physical education is not just about mastering techniques, but about helping students discover their inner strength and cultivate resilience.

Adapted and translated from the article written by ZHANG Shutian, YU Ziyi and CHEN Qilisha
Translator: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering)
Photo: the interviewee
Editor: JIANG Chenqi, DING Chenwei