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  What’s it like for a philosophy student to secure a national title in kickboxing? Meet Cai Zhuocheng, a graduate philosophy student at Chongqing University’s Liberal Arts College. As captain of the university’s kickboxing team, Cai achieved third place in the men’s 68 kg category at the 8th China College Students Kickboxing Championships, and he also placed third in the men’s 63.5-71 kg category at the 2024 National College Boxing Championship. This marked the first time Chongqing University’s team competed in a national college kickboxing tournament.

Cai’s journey is a unique fusion of two seemingly opposite worlds: the intellectual depth of ancient Chinese philosophy and the intense physicality of competitive sports. How does he manage to cultivate both his mind and body, allowing “classics” and “combat” to thrive side by side? Let’s take a closer look at how Cai skillfully balances theory with practice and ideals with reality.

“Every punch I throw, every time I push beyond my physical limits, it brings me a sense of fulfillment,” Cai shared when describing his passion for combat sports. He feels he may have a natural drive to test his own limits.

From a young age, Cai was drawn to physical challenges. His father often engaged him and his cousin in “wrestling games,” and he began practicing Taekwondo in elementary school. At 16, he took up kickboxing and boxing, and his enthusiasm for combat sports has continued through high school and into university. Through relentless training and conditioning, Cai fell in love with the sense of achievement and empowerment that these sports bring.

After entering graduate school at Chongqing University, Cai Zhuocheng joined the campus kickboxing and boxing teams. In May 2024, he and four fellow students represented Chongqing University in a national kickboxing competition, marking the establishment of the university’s first official kickboxing team. To prepare, Coach Zhang Chonghui from the College of Physical Education led the team to train with a professional squad in Chongqing, where they endured intense workouts alongside seasoned athletes. Their regimen covered everything from basic warm-ups to targeted practice, combat drills, and extensive endurance and cardiovascular training. Over the course of three months, they trained for three hours daily, an intensive but rewarding experience. “We all persevered because we were striving for growth; without persistence, real progress is impossible,” Cai said.

“Perhaps my passion for combat sports helps me face challenges that seem overwhelming,” Cai noted. Whether dealing with blisters, minor injuries, or even severe ankle sprains, he has learned to adapt quickly and keep pushing forward.

Originally an undergraduate student in management, Cai’s first encounter with Chinese philosophy in a course altered his path. Captivated by the wisdom of ancient Chinese scholars from the Pre-Qin, Han, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, Cai decided to pursue philosophy in his graduate studies. A quote by Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” resonated deeply with him, sparking a desire to understand life more profoundly. His decision to study at the Liberal Arts College aligned with his ideal of becoming a well-rounded individual rather than a mere societal tool. Once there, he was inspired by the college’s philosophy faculty, who embodied academic rigor, simplicity, and genuine care for students.

Cai believes that, despite their apparent differences, philosophy and kickboxing are profoundly connected. “Philosophy is a love of wisdom; studying it involves pushing the limits of the mind through reasoning and mental discipline, while kickboxing pushes physical limits.” In the ring, finding the balance between attack and defense reflects the dialectical nature of philosophical thinking. He also applies the ancient Chinese concept of “Yin-Yang” to balance his time and activities. “Boxing tests and strengthens my courage. Even when I’m exhausted or facing a tough opponent, once I step into the ring, I must persist. This mindset inspires me in life, empowering me to overcome difficulties.”

Facing strong competitors at the national level, Cai remained composed. “Mencius cultivated a focused will and unyielding spirit, embodying the principle of being ‘unmoved in heart.’” This wisdom from the classics bolstered his determination.

Cai believes that life’s exploration goes beyond textbooks. “Learning solely from books or reasoning often falls short of understanding real life. Analyzing combat strategies is one thing; experiencing them in competition is entirely different.” He often learns through practical experience, transforming knowledge into action.

As the former minister and executive chairman of the graduate student association, Cai actively promoted the establishment and growth of teams for basketball, cheerleading, badminton, and table tennis, helping the college dance team and association earn numerous awards. In the summer of 2022, he traveled to the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province for field research, where he persevered through challenging conditions to assist teachers in a cultural investigation.

Cai believes that his achievements do not define success; instead, he hopes to inspire others to explore life. He encourages every student to pursue diverse fields and to live a life without limits. “At Chongqing University, a platform that brings together remarkable scholars and offers high-level events across fields, everyone can boldly pursue their passions, integrate them with career goals, and uncover new possibilities for their lives.”