Kenyan acrobat coach cherishes longtime bond with China

Having trained over 1,000 youths, Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita beams with pride when recalling his 41-year bond with China, which has transcended time and geography to flourish into a successful career.

In 1983, just before his 12th birthday, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics, which focuses on group performance rather than individual routines like gymnastics, under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him into a "brave new world" of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendships.

For two years, Kavita and 23 of his compatriots lived together at the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe in Guangdong province, where they underwent rigorous training that culminated in mastering the difficult yet revered sport.

Shortly after completing the program, Kavita returned to his homeland and worked as an acrobat coach for a private company. He later founded his own company in the mid-1990s, with the aim of nurturing and encouraging the next generation of acrobats.

In a gated, leafy neighborhood in central Kenya's industrial town of Thika, the bubbly acrobat coach was in his element when he assembled a group of children for a one-hour training session that focused on jumps and rope-climbing.

"I have been in this field ever since I learned acrobatics from the Chinese," says Kavita, dressed in traditional Chinese soft-soled black shoes, commonly worn by the elderly. His two assistants wore uniforms with "Hebei Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School" patches on them.

In July 2024, Kavita visited Wuqiao county, located in North China's Hebei province, to participate in a two-month acrobatics training and exchange program funded by the Chinese government.

"When I set foot on this land after 41 years, I truly felt like I had returned home. For over 40 years, I have cherished my memories of China," says Kavita.

Kavita has preserved a "treasure trove" of mementos from his connection with China, including a graduation certificate from the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, a visa from his first trip to China, and group photos taken during past training sessions.

In June, Kenya marked 40 years of acrobatic exchange and cultural cooperation with China at a gala event where Kavita chaperoned youngsters who showcased their prowess in the time-honored sport.

Over the years, Kavita has witnessed the popularity of acrobatics in Kenya growing tremendously, fueled by children and youth eager to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.

"Acrobatics has evolved since I came back from China 40 years ago. What I learned last year in China is what I want to implement in our acrobatics training in Kenya," says Kavita. "With all these exchanges, it is really giving us hope in our acrobatics and athletes that we might train and compete internationally."

Kavita's mastery of acrobatics has not only provided him with a steady income as a coach but also inspired young people to embrace the sport.

Eric Musyoka, a young, Nairobi-based talent, has become an accomplished acrobat thanks to Kavita's training and mentorship since 2017. He proudly demonstrated his expertise during a home-based training session for multiracial children in a gated community.

Musyoka, one of Kavita's assistants, also took part in the exchange program with Hebei Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School, where he immersed himself in tai chi and Chinese martial arts while enjoying the scenic beauty of the countryside.

According to Kavita, an increasing number of Kenyan youth and their parents have embraced acrobatics for its physical and mental well-being benefits.

Tafari, a 10-year-old boy and one of Kavita's trainees in the gated community outside Thika town, says his health has improved tremendously since he started acrobatics lessons.

"I feel like acrobatics is a good sport because it keeps you fit and helps you in life. Children should do it more so that when they grow up, they will have more opportunities to keep improving themselves in the sport," Tafari says.

Madeline Herschdorfer, Tafari's mother, says the boy began practicing three years ago, while her daughter Ngina, aged 12, ventured into the sport when the family was living in Britain.

"We came to Kenya and found that they train children much better here. This is the first sport that they started doing seriously every week," says Herschdorfer.

"I think it is important to connect with different cultures and take home some of the good points," she adds.