On August 30, 2024, the day before the start of the 8th World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition hosted by NTD Television, 92 athletes from 11 countries arrived in New Jersey to register and prepare for the three-day boxing and equipment competitions.
Lucy Zhou, the director of the competition, welcomed the athletes to the Greater New York area, expressing her pride in their accomplishments and highlighting the challenges they had to overcome to participate. She encouraged them to engage in skill exchanges, mutual improvement, and wished them success in the upcoming competitions.
At the competition briefing, Mr. Li Youfu, chairman of the judging panel, introduced the purpose of the competition and emphasized the importance of ethics in traditional martial arts. He encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of authentic traditional martial arts through the competition.
Mr. Li stressed that traditional martial arts should exemplify beauty and contribute to health and longevity, as well as promote righteousness and bravery. He urged the participants to embrace the opportunity to learn genuine kung fu and reap lifelong benefits by setting aside fame and fortune.
Representatives from Taiwan emphasized the profound impact of the competition on their previous participation, citing valuable guidance received from Mr. Li Youfu that significantly aided their progress.
Mauricio Pinzon, the silver medalist from the 7th NTD Martial Arts Competition and a participant from Colombia, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, noting it was his third consecutive year participating. He praised the camaraderie among competitors, describing it as a profound deepening of bonds beyond mere acquaintanceship.
The Ouyang family from Germany, including siblings Ouyang Deke and his sister, showcased their four-generation legacy in traditional martial arts, underscoring the art’s enduring appeal and benefits for the entire family.
Ouyang Deke reflected on the liberating physical effects of practicing traditional martial arts, citing enhanced coordination and strength that allowed him effortless execution of movements, transcending physical limitations.
David Wang from Los Angeles expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition after only two months of practicing traditional martial arts. He highlighted the synergies between classical Chinese dance and martial arts, noting how his body’s coordination and strength had significantly improved within such a short period.
Wang emphasized the newfound sense of freedom in movement afforded by martial arts training, enabling him to explore a wide range of motions unrestricted by physical constraints. He aspired to showcase the distinctive aspects of traditional martial arts in the competition.
The competition featured 92 athletes from 11 countries, including Canada, China, the United States, Germany, Taiwan, Colombia, Bolivia, the Russian Federation, Japan, Austria, and Romania, competing across various categories and age groups.
The competition schedule included preliminary rounds on August 31, semifinals on September 1, and finals followed by the awards ceremony on September 2 at Village School in Waldwick, New Jersey. Live streaming of the finals and awards ceremony would be available on various platforms, including NTD Television’s website and social media channels.
The event aimed to provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, promote the values of traditional martial arts, and foster a spirit of mutual learning and cultural exchange. Spectators were encouraged to attend the live events to experience the excitement and energy of the competitions firsthand.