By: RO Maung Shwe
In a refugee camp where uncertainty looms and young lives struggle for direction, one Rohingya youth has found his way through discipline, movement, and inner strength.
Master Anayet Ullah, a survivor of persecution and displacement, has transformed hardship into opportunity, establishing the Shaolin & Wudang Kung Fu Academy, a first-of-its-kind martial arts initiative by a Rohingya in exile.
From a Hard Childhood to a Path of Discipline
Born in Ali Than Kyaw Kayang Daing (Hashuratha Gojongdiya village) in southern Maungdaw Township, Arakan (Rakhine State), Anayet Ullah was raised in poverty.
When he was in Grade 4, his father remarried and abandoned the family, leaving his mother alone to care for eight children. To support his struggling family, young Anayet left school and began working at an octopus processing factory run by a Chinese owner.
It was here that fate intervened. In 2009, two Chinese men—masters of Shaolin and Wudang Kung Fu—introduced him to the world of martial arts.
Though he had once dreamed of becoming a teacher, he found in Kung Fu a new form of education and empowerment. With no fees required, the Chinese masters trained him, recognizing his potential and determination.
Due to his lack of official citizenship documents as a Rohingya, Anayet was unable to travel to China despite being offered work there. Still, he remained committed.
“I believe I am the only Rohingya Kung Fu and Shaolin master who had the chance to learn directly from Chinese mentors,” he says.
Escaping Genocide, Continuing the Dream
In 2017, during the Myanmar military’s genocidal attacks against the Rohingya, Anayet’s village was burned, and he, along with his family, fled for survival. After eight grueling days, they crossed the Naf River and arrived in the refugee camps of Bangladesh.
Even in exile, Anayet’s spirit remained unbroken. He searched across Bangladesh for a place to continue his training and eventually found his way to Dhaka, where he met Master Rezaul Karim, a martial arts trainer who welcomed him as a student.
Under the continued guidance of his Chinese Grandmaster Senna and Master Karim, Anayet resumed advanced training.
Competing on the National Stage
Anayet’s dedication soon bore fruit. In 2022, he earned his yellow and green belts. In 2023, he won first place in a national martial arts competition, earning the red belt.
He also won gold medals in two additional tournaments: the Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal Memorial and another national martial arts competition, where international participants also competed.
“My life changed because of the wisdom and kindness of my two masters. I owe my achievements to them,” says Anayet.
Establishing the Shaolin & Wudang Kung Fu Academy
Inspired by his journey and encouraged by community elders, Anayet established the Shaolin & Wudang Kung Fu Academy in the refugee camps.
Now in its third year, the academy trains over 35 students—including 10 girls. Some of his earlier students, after leaving the camp, have started teaching others, spreading the knowledge further.
The academy emphasizes not only physical strength but also moral discipline and community responsibility. Each student is admitted only after a guardian signs a form agreeing to the following principles:
- Students must obey their parents and respect elders.
- Students must continue their education and treat others with dignity.
- Students must avoid unethical behavior, including smoking and violence, and observe religious obligations such as prayer and fasting.
“Some in our community think martial arts lead to misbehavior. But it’s the opposite. Kung Fu has taught me discipline, professionalism, and respect,” says Anayet.
A Student’s Voice: Health, Safety, and Empowerment
One student, Mohammad Anas, who has trained at the academy for over two years, says, “Before joining, I would get tired easily. Now, I’m stronger and more active.
This training protects us from health issues like diabetes and hypertension—and prepares us for self-defense. It’s especially important for our sisters who often face harassment while traveling.”
Obstacles and Aspirations
Despite his success, Anayet faces significant challenges. Running the academy without funding makes it difficult to purchase essential equipment like gloves, boots, and protective gear.
As the main breadwinner for his family—including his mother, siblings, wife, and four children—he struggles to balance his personal responsibilities with the needs of the academy.
Still, he remains hopeful. “My eldest son and daughter have already learned everything I know. My dream is to see my son become a doctor—but also to see all my children carry forward this legacy.”
He emphasizes that martial arts are crucial for the Rohingya community, especially young girls, who face harassment and exploitation. “This is not just about fighting—it’s about healing, discipline, and protecting one another,” he explains.
A Life of Purpose in a Land Without Freedom
Master Anayet Ullah’s story is not just about martial arts. It is about reclaiming dignity in a stateless life, about empowering a generation through strength and ethics, and about planting seeds of resilience in the most unlikely soil.
In a refugee camp where opportunities are few and restrictions are many, his Shaolin & Wudang Kung Fu Academy is a rare sanctuary of hope.
If given the support, Anayet believes the academy could grow further—helping hundreds more youth find direction, strength, and purpose.
