Chinese martial arts are a major part of Asia's cultural heritage. These days, they are practiced internationally as a competitive sport known as Wushu. In fact, Wushu is a highlight of the Asian Games where Team Japan is never far from the top of the leaderboard. After a hiatus of four years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Championships is set to return this autumn, delighting fans and contenders alike. We follow the fortunes of three young Japanese competitors on their quest to gain prominence on the global stage.