Project Sifu brings together martial arts training and filmmaking to inspire and empower young people in the UK. Founded in Sheffield, the project combines physical discipline with cinematic storytelling to explore cultural heritage, confidence, well-being and social issues including violence and knife crime.

Since its launch, Project Sifu has grown from a local youth initiative into an international programme of filmmaking, screenings and public engagement. The project has been presented at a side event for the United Nations’ 64th Commission for Social Development in New York and at UNESCO’s International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement in South Korea. Screenings, workshops and presentations have taken the project to Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea (Seoul), Australia (Sydney) and Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto), alongside activities across the UK, including the Fighting Spirit Film Festival in London and Showroom Cinema in Sheffield.

Through these collaborations, Project Sifu continues to use martial arts and cinema to foster creativity, confidence, connection and belonging.