The 36th annual Canada-American International Championships opened Friday evening in the Olympic Oval in Vancouver's suburb city of Richmond, with hundreds of international martial artists attending the grand opening ceremony.

The three-day event is the longest-running martial arts competition in Canada and attracted more than 600 athletes from around Canada, China the U.S. and other countries. Competitors of all ages compete in a variety of styles such as Chinese Kong Fu, Karate, Jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai events, and a dozen other styles.

While it includes some professional athletes, it's a friendly spirit that rules among the martial artists, said young Kung Fu competitor Fanny Wang from Vancouver. She is making her second appearance this year at the CAN-AM championships.

"Even though you're competing with one another you still want everyone of them to do like their great job," she said.

Event organizer Ken Low said the tournament first started in 1979 and has brought together athletes from around the world to build goodwill and to share techniques.

"It's a community event. We try to encourage practitioners of all styles of martial arts to come and enjoy each other's company and to compete in the friendly, fair manner," Low said.

The event is a major draw for Chinese athletes who come to Vancouver to compete in several of the disciplines.

China's deputy consul general in Vancouver, Fan Xiaodong, welcomed the Chinese athletes during the opening ceremony, and lauded martial arts as a good way to keep a healthy mind and fit body. Endit

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