On August 13th, during the preliminary round of the 9th “NTD Worldwide Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition,” contestant Zhang Yuxia showcased the traditional routines of “Lotus Fist” and “Four Gates Saber.” She shared how learning traditional martial arts has impacted her work and family life.
Zhang Yuxia works in immigration legal services and is a certified legal representative by the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition to her professional work, she has been studying traditional martial arts for over a year. One of the most noticeable changes she has experienced is losing around 10 pounds. She mentioned feeling more agile and energetic after practicing martial arts, leading to significant improvements in her physical and mental well-being.
Learning traditional martial arts involves not only mastering moves but also focusing on inner cultivation. Zhang Yuxia emphasized how her concentration, thinking depth, and overall productivity have greatly increased through this practice. She credits traditional martial arts for enhancing her ability to concentrate, which is crucial in her demanding profession.
Zhang Yuxia’s master often emphasizes the importance of cultivating martial virtue along with martial skills. She believes in approaching every task with kindness and treating others with goodwill, as part of practicing martial virtue.
In her work, Zhang Yuxia encounters clients who may be anxious and repeatedly seek advice on the same issues. After integrating traditional martial arts into her life, she learned to approach these situations by first questioning her own moral conduct and then responding to clients’ needs more patiently and compassionately.
Both Zhang Yuxia and her family share a passion for traditional martial arts. Her husband participated in the previous competition and made it to the finals. This year, Zhang Yuxia and her 9-year-old son competed together. She noticed significant positive changes in her son’s behavior and character since he began practicing martial arts, especially during the challenging period of extended isolation due to the pandemic.
Witnessing her son’s progress in movements, focus, and confidence, Zhang Yuxia emphasized how martial arts instill values like perseverance and body coordination while fostering self-awareness in children.
Participating in an international competition for the first time, Zhang Yuxia was encouraged by her martial arts classmates to take the brave step of entering the tournament. She views the preparation process as a valuable opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement.
Before the competition, Zhang Yuxia devoted considerable practice time to perfecting her performance routines, emphasizing the importance of mastering each movement to the point of instinct. She believes that focusing on the intricate details of movements not only sharpens her skills but also contributes to her overall advancement.
During the competition, Zhang Yuxia found meaning in participation itself. Despite witnessing her competitors’ exceptional martial arts skills, she remained steadfast in her commitment to continue learning and reaching a higher level in traditional martial arts, inspired by the talent displayed by others on the competition stage.