The 9th NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Championship Finals was held in Manhattan, New York on August 15th.
Frances Gui from the University of Renaissance in California won the bronze prize with her set of Lotus Fist, demonstrating gracefulness and a balance of strength and softness.
Frances stated that practicing traditional martial arts is a way to surpass oneself and she encourages more modern women like her to learn traditional martial arts.
During her martial arts practice, Frances realized that traditional martial arts have three main characteristics: physical fitness, self-defense, and body posture.
Regarding physical fitness, she believes that practicing martial arts is a way to refine the body, aiming to achieve a state of balance and harmony. She mentioned that in modern times, people live unhealthy lifestyles with minimal physical activities, while ancient people valued both intellectual and physical cultivation for a more holistic well-being.
Frances highlighted the importance of martial arts in improving flexibility and balance to reduce the risk of falls and injuries as one ages.
In terms of self-defense, Frances emphasized the importance of protecting oneself without promoting violence.
The body posture in martial arts showcases the artistic aspect of the practice. Frances explained that traditional martial arts emphasize the skill and artistry of body movements during combat.
According to Frances, maintaining focus and concentration on the routine is crucial during practice, where the mind and body should work in unison.
During her martial arts journey, Frances discovered the significance of “martial virtue,” which can be reflected through perseverance and endurance in daily training.
Frances noted the emphasis on internal cultivation in traditional martial arts, where practitioners with high levels of expertise also possess internal strength.
For Frances, the most significant benefit of practicing martial arts is the enhancement of physical and mental energy.
Frances admitted to having no prior martial arts experience or interest in sports due to her sedentary office job. However, regular martial arts practice significantly boosted her physical strength and energy levels.
Frances mentioned that starting the Lotus Fist routine was challenging initially, but with dedicated practice in basic techniques and routines, she saw substantial improvements in her performance.
She believes that traditional martial arts are suitable for modern women like herself as the practice caters to individuals of all fitness levels and can be learned from scratch.
Frances emphasized that consistent practice focusing on martial virtues and internal cultivation will lead to noticeable improvements in physical and mental well-being over time.
“Martial arts are about self-improvement, not about competing with others. It is about elevating oneself and enhancing one’s physical fitness,” Frances concluded.