2017 XiamenInternational Martial Arts Competition kicked off on Friday evening.

The competition attracts more than 4,000 contestants home and abroad and features traditional martial arts, taekwondo and martial arts grading examination.

About 165 foreigners from 27 countries and regions attended the competition.They were from the countries such as the United States, Russia, South Africa, Brazil and India, forming 33 groups.

Zahra Ghodousi, from Shaolin Khong Quan of Iran, said this was the first time for him to take part in such a big competition abroad.

"I have been learning martial arts for more than three years. I like it very much. It is part of my life. It can not only make my body stronger, but also a good way for me to learn Chinese culture," Ghodousi said.

The competition will run to Nov. 20.