The First Muslim South African and African Kung Fu champion has been inducted into the World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame. The Cape Town-born Kung Fu Champion, Shifu Muhammad Junaid M.J.Li has made history after receiving this honour in Atlantic City, USA, this week.
“It’s a Childhood Dream to be recognised by The Greats and Global Elite in Martial Arts, who I’ve followed as a little kid for years.”
The First Muslim South African and African Kung Fu champion
Junaid M.J.Li says after a 30-year Kungfu Journey filled with Highs and Lows, it was an honour to be recognised by The Greats in Global Martial Arts. He says that to be inducted into The World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Honours, he has become the first Muslim South African and African Kung Fu champion to be inducted.
He added, “To be congratulated by World Heavy Weight Boxing Champion Tim Witherspoon and Undefeated World Kickboxing Champions, Don The Dragon Wilson and Benny The Jet, is a childhood dream you never knew would be possible.”
A Cape Town son who has made Global History in Kungfu Martial Arts
M.J.Li was formally inducted into the World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Honours in Atlantic City, USA, over the weekend of 31st January and 1st February 2026. This follows a 30 Year Kungfu Journey, which saw him winning over 30 Gold Medals for South Africa. He has also been crowned an Undefeated Legends of Kungfu World Champion three times.
“I’m still speechless and feel tremendously honoured to be inducted into The World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Honors and to become the First Muslim South African Kungfu Champion to achieve this feat, is special and a moment to savour.”
A honuor for a Son of the Soil, Son of Cape Town, to make History in this manner
According to M.J.Li Kungfu Foundation Manager, Salma Natalie Doran, he arrives back in the Mother City later this week from New York City. Afterwards, she will leave with Two Tour Groups to China in March 2026, then return to Cape Town in April 2026 to Host The 4th Africa International Youth Kungfu and Open Martial Arts Championship.
“To be congratulated by Icons like: Don The Dragon Wilson, Benny The Jet Urquidez, Cynthia Rothrock, upon receiving this auspicious award, is just special, a small boy from humble beginnings, rising to the top after decades, wow, I hope this inspires the next generation of Martial Artists in South Africa and Africa, to dream, to believe and work hard. Only praise to The Most High.”
