The ninth NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Championship, lasting for three days, concluded successfully on August 15th. A total of 27 medals were awarded to outstanding participants. Judges expressed that the level of traditional martial arts among the athletes is steadily improving year by year, a positive sign indicating the revival of traditional martial arts. Both participants and spectators expressed their gratitude towards the organizers for their dedication to promoting traditional martial arts, praising the event as a pure competition that respects martial virtues, filled with harmonious energy that the world greatly needs.
Chairman of the judging panel, Li Youfu, mentioned that authentic traditional martial arts are rare in society nowadays. Therefore, the judging standards have been raised annually since 2022 with the aim of reviving traditional martial arts.
“This year marks the ninth NTD Martial Arts Championship, and our standards are higher than before, but we are still striving for improvement,” Li Youfu stated. “We have helped establish martial arts departments in universities to explore genuine traditional martial arts and revive lost techniques. Simultaneously, we emphasize not only improving traditional skills but also enhancing martial virtues, aiming to revitalize the entire culture of martial arts, including military strategies, wisdom, and tactics.”
Li Youfu emphasized that traditional martial arts involve aspects such as the meridians of the human body and the circulation of qi and blood, which are invisible to the naked eye. Hence, the emphasis on “martial virtues” is crucial for the advancement of martial skills.
“In past competitions, we encouraged everyone, but this time the standards are higher,” he said. “I hope all martial arts enthusiasts can find authentic traditional martial arts, prioritize enhancing their martial virtues, and let go of certain fixed notions, as they are no longer the original traditional values.”
Female weapon category silver medalist from the United States, Jin Huan, expressed her gratitude for winning the award, considering it as encouragement and a rare opportunity for personal growth through the practice of traditional martial arts.
Similarly, male boxing category silver medalist from Japan, Kasei Kiyochi, was pleasantly surprised by his achievement, attributing it to a recognition of traditional martial arts.
Male weapon category silver medalist from Taiwan, Lin Chenhan, shared his joy in winning the award and highlighted the importance of the experience gained, expressing gratitude towards NTD TV for its long-standing support in promoting traditional martial arts and the essential values of martial virtues.
Young weapon category silver medalist from Taiwan, Liang Songqi, also expressed appreciation for the encouragement received from the NTD Martial Arts Championship, emphasizing the significance of preserving and passing on the traditional martial arts and virtues inherited from ancestors.
Male weapon category bronze medalist from Taiwan, Chen Shaoxuan, acknowledged the judging panel’s desire for his continuous improvement, underscoring the value of observing different competitors and broadening horizons through participation.
Chen Shaoxuan, who also runs a martial arts school, empathized with the commercialization of the martial arts industry, which often leads to the overshadowing of traditional practices. He praised NTD for its dedication to promoting authentic traditional martial arts.
Male weapon category bronze medalist from Colombia, Jimy Garcia, commended the peaceful and non-competitive energy present at the NTD competition, emphasizing that such an atmosphere is essential for the world. He expressed gratitude for the spiritual experience gained through martial arts and advocated for a culture of peace, respect, and love among humanity.
Wu Xiufen, Executive Director of Taiwan’s Qingdao Martial Arts Hall and Dao Sheng Chinese Weapon Museum, praised NTD’s competition as the most traditional and authentic, emphasizing the rarity of maintaining purity in traditional martial arts amidst the influence of modern practices.
European viewer Mr. Shi was deeply impressed by “Special Contribution Award” recipient Liu Dayan, recognizing him for embodying the essence of “martial virtues” highlighted in the competition. He appreciated the dedication of participants to promoting traditional martial arts, showcasing exceptional skills, and demonstrating a spirit of respect and humility.
New York martial arts enthusiast Mr. Huang, attending the finals for the first time with his son, expressed amazement at the competition’s emphasis on martial virtues, emphasizing the importance of preserving their ancestors’ cultural heritage through the practice of traditional martial arts.