NANNING, July 19 (Xinhua) — Gabriel de Morais Neto was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1978 and is now a martial arts coach based in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Inspired by Bruce Lee's kung fu at a young age, Gabriel became interested in Chinese martial arts and began systematic training in 1999. As his understanding of martial arts and traditional Chinese culture deepened, he named himself “Mo Xiaolong” after Bruce Lee's Chinese name, “Li Xiaolong”.
Gabriel de Moraes Neto (center) practices the Miao Dao, a two-handed sword, with his friends in a park in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)Gabriel de Moraes Neto practices martial arts in a park in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
In 2008, Gabriel came to Japan as an exchange student at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where he studied acupuncture while practicing martial arts. For him, both Kung Fu and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represent the fascination of Chinese culture.
Gabriel de Moraes Neto (left) learns massage techniques from Doctor Wen Yong at Guangxi International Zhuang Autonomous Hospital in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)Gabriel de Moraes Neto (right) learns acupuncture treatment while Doctor Liao Lianlian gives a demonstration at Guangxi International Zhuang Autonomous Hospital in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
After completing his studies, Gabriel returned to Brazil and opened a school specializing in Kung Fu training and acupuncture courses.
Gabriel de Moraes Neto teaches martial arts students in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
In 2011, Gabriel returned to China and met his soul mate in Nanning, and they were married the following year in Brazil. In 2016, Gabriel and his wife returned to Nanning, and he decided to stay and work in China. Soon after his return, Gabriel was introduced to local martial arts master Cai Rongkun, who became a coach at a local martial arts club.
Gabriel de Moraes Neto teaches martial arts students in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)Gabriel de Moraes Neto (first from right) practices the skill of Miao Dao, a two-handed sword, with his friends at a park in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)This aerial photo taken on July 6, 2024 shows Gabriel de Morais Neto (front row) practicing the Miao Dao, a two-handed sword, with his companions at a park in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
In his spare time, Gabriel enjoys cycling, Chinese tea and calligraphy, while also learning medical skills from a local TCM practitioner. He shares his insights into martial arts and TCM culture on his social media accounts, attracting many followers from around the world. “Chinese traditional culture is truly fascinating and I plan to continue learning,” Gabriel said.
Gabriel de Moraes Neto makes tea in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)Gabriel de Moraes Neto (right) learns calligraphy from his teacher in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)Gabriel de Moraes Neto (second from left) enjoys Brazilian roast meat dish with friends in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Brazil. As a foreigner, Gabriel aims to act as a cultural ambassador to promote Chinese traditions among Brazilians while deepening understanding between the people of the two countries.
Gabriel de Moraes Neto rides a bicycle in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)Gabriel de Moraes Neto returns home after a martial arts instruction class in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)Gabriel de Moraes Neto (front row) practices martial arts with his friends on the banks of the Yongjiang River in Nanning city, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)
Photographers: Jin Haoyuan, Gao Yiming
Editors: Meng Chenguang, Hu Zhixuan, Chu Jiayin, Zhou Dixiao, Cui Bowen, Mu Wenchun, Cheng Li
