On August 14, in the ninth “New Tang Dynasty World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition” held in Manhattan, New York, Wu Jiarou from Taiwan showcased her skills with a traditional spear, demonstrating grace and strength as she effortlessly maneuvered the weapon with precision.
Wu Jiarou began learning traditional martial arts under her master at around 10 years old. She chose to specialize in spear training, which she has dedicated over a decade to perfecting. “Firstly, I found the spear very cool, and secondly, it became something I had an emotional connection with,” Wu Jiarou said. Despite trying other weapons, she has remained committed to the spear.
Known as the “king of weapons,” the spear requires strength and practicality in its techniques. Wu Jiarou explained that mastering the spear involves a gradual process of increasing strength and developing a harmonious relationship with the weapon through prolonged training. Interestingly, as her martial arts skills improved, she discovered the importance of “stillness” and “slowness” within the art of spear training.
Wu Jiarou shared that when she focuses on spear practice, she is seldom influenced by her surroundings, achieving a state of mental tranquility. “Immersed in that moment, it’s like the outside world is muted,” she said.
Martial arts emphasize a balance between movement and stillness, and through her daily practice, Wu Jiarou has come to appreciate the significance of “slowness.” She emphasized the importance of slowing down in martial arts training, stating that progress requires patience, perseverance, and a calm mindset. “From the beginning until now, it has been a slow and steady journey of improvement, one step at a time,” she reflected.
Her mindset has been transformed by traditional martial arts. While previously focused on competition results and attaining high rankings, Wu Jiarou has shifted her focus towards personal growth and self-improvement, letting go of the desire for external validation.
Currently working in psychological care and counseling, Wu Jiarou credits her martial arts experience for teaching her to approach her work with patience, understanding, and active listening. By embodying these qualities, she supports others in overcoming challenges at their own pace.
Under the guidance of her master, Wu Jiarou not only learned martial arts skills but also embraced traditional moral values such as respect for teachers, honoring hierarchy, and practicing humility. She exemplified this by allowing senior students to choose their weapons first, embodying the virtue of respecting hierarchy within the martial arts community.
Reflecting on the stress-relieving benefits of practicing traditional martial arts, Wu Jiarou highlighted how it serves as a form of exercise that helps dissipate negative emotions. Through martial arts practice, she finds true relaxation and is better equipped to engage in her psychological counseling work with a healthy mindset.
Participating in her second New Tang Dynasty Traditional Martial Arts Competition, Wu Jiarou expressed her nerves but also her eagerness to learn from seasoned practitioners and further enhance her skills. She aspires to engage in friendly competition with skilled peers and continue her journey of self-improvement through martial arts practice.