The FADAM Opening Ceremony in Yaoundé: A global show under the banner of Peace
- FADAM Games
- Aug 7, 2025
- 2 min read
On April 6, 2018, the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Palace resonated with the rhythms of martial arts from around the world. A look back at an unforgettable evening, a symbol of fraternity, excellence, and peace.
A historic moment for Africa and martial arts
This was the first edition of FADAM, which at the time was still called the "African Martial Arts Festival", and the first major FADAM Night. Organized in the Cameroonian capital, the event brought together more than 500 martial artists from five continents , in a spectacular production acclaimed by an enthusiastic audience and international media.
Broadcast live on CRTV, this evening was much more than just a sporting spectacle: it was a celebration of unity between peoples , of respect between disciplines, and of the profound values that martial arts embody.
A prestigious opening ceremony
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Founding President of FADAM, Maître Dominique Saatenang , in the presence of the Ambassador of China to Cameroon, HEM Wei Wenhua , and the Ministry of Sports of Cameroon , represented by Dr Oumarou Tado, Secretary General.
Iconic figures such as Roger Milla , Miss Cameroon , the King of Bafoussam , as well as numerous dignitaries were also present in the official stand.
Prestigious guests… even remotely
Although Jackie Chan , Gérard Depardieu , and Abbot Shi Yongxin (spiritual leader of the Shaolin Temple) were unable to attend, their video messages of support and apologies were shown and met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. This demonstrated the international reach of FADAM from its very first edition.
40 delegations, a fraternity in motion
The evening began with a parade of the 40 international delegations , in a spirit of respect and unity. Each team proudly displayed its colors, traditional attire, and the identity of its discipline. This powerful moment set the tone: FADAM is a space for cultural exchange as much as a martial arts demonstration .
A breathtaking martial arts spectacle
The audience was able to discover an impressive diversity of practices, in a fluid and rhythmic presentation:
Kungfu Shaolin (China)
Para-Karate (Belgium)
Krav Maga (France)
Nanbudo Self-defense (Croatia)
Aikido, Jeet Kune Do, Wushu, Traditional Wrestling, Taekwondo (Cameroon)
Kungfuka children from Central and Western Cameroon
BIR (Rapid Intervention Battalion) agents
Shaolin Black and White Troupe , founded by Master Saatenang
And of course, the Shaolin Monks who came straight from China, who closed the evening with a breathtaking elite performance.
A strong message for the future
This FADAM Night was not just a show: it carried a message of peace, self-improvement, and brotherhood among peoples . It laid the foundations for a festival destined to become an essential event for all enthusiasts of martial arts, culture, and human development.
