At the 8th NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition, Colombian competitor Mauricio Pinzon once again won a silver medal, marking his fourth participation in the NTD martial arts competition. Pinzon expressed that participating in the competition not only fulfilled his childhood dream but also provided him with an opportunity for personal growth. He emphasized the importance of reviving traditional martial arts, noting that it embodies the ancient wisdom of “martial virtue,” which involves respecting life and having reverence for nature.
Throughout his years of participation, Pinzon has consistently achieved success in the competitions. In 2016, he won the bronze medal in the men’s boxing category, followed by another bronze in the men’s apparatus category in 2019. In 2022, Pinzon secured the silver medal in the men’s apparatus category with a set of Seven-Star Linked Sword routine.
But why does Pinzon travel from Colombia to New York, USA year after year to join the NTD Traditional Martial Arts Competition? Following his recent participation in the elimination round on September 1, Pinzon shared his experiences in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Aside from being a martial arts coach in a small town in Colombia, Pinzon is also the founder of a temple named Aquarius, where individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly, come to learn martial arts. The unique aspect of Pinzon’s temple is its emphasis on staying away from worldly temptations such as rock music, drugs, tattoos, and processed foods. Through consuming natural foods and practicing martial arts, individuals in the temple have achieved physical and mental well-being, leading to significant health improvements.
Pinzon’s journey has taught him that the NTD Traditional Martial Arts Competition harmonizes the physical and spiritual aspects of life. He mentioned, “When I first started learning Taoist kung fu, many people thought I was learning to be aggressive and fight, but through martial arts, I learned to respect others, cherish life, including the lives of animals. People should not wantonly take lives, which also explains why many practitioners choose a vegetarian diet.”
The NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition, now in its 16th year, stands out for its focus on traditional Chinese martial arts styles and its commitment to promoting traditional martial arts spirit, ethics, and reviving the essence of Chinese divine culture.
Reflecting on his multiple appearances in the competition, Pinzon values the concept of “martial virtue” as a high-level skill that comprises respecting others, valuing life, and holding a reverent attitude towards nature. This includes being honest, refraining from lying, and not taking advantage of others, embodying positive qualities.
Pinzon also emphasized that traditional martial arts encapsulate ancient wisdom, teaching individuals to maintain good behavior and conduct. In contrast, modern martial arts often lack these traditional values. Nevertheless, the preservation of traditional martial arts can only be achieved through direct transmission, ensuring the authenticity and continuity of traditional practices.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the competition and contribute to the revival of traditional Chinese culture, Pinzon feels honored to be a part of this journey. He expressed, “It feels like a realized prophecy. Since childhood, I have always wanted to participate in (Chinese traditional martial arts) competitions, which seemed like an unattainable goal. Thanks to NTD and those who have helped me, I have been able to fulfill this dream.”
Pinzon believes, as Chairman of the competition’s judges and traditional martial artist Mr. Li Youfu stated during the opening ceremony, the success of the competition relies on the mutual cooperation of all participants.
He expressed, “Without your support (organizers), we wouldn’t be here. This reminds me that activities like this can enable capable individuals to help those in need, creating a more balanced world. This resonates here, reflected prominently.”
Moreover, Pinzon shared that each competition experience has offered him unique insights, with this latest experience further reinforcing the idea that “when one door closes, another opens.” He sees this as another opportunity for personal growth.