From August 31st to September 2nd, the 8th NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition held in New Jersey attracted martial arts families to participate. One of these families was the trio composed of mother Tong Cuihua, daughter Frances Gui, and son-in-law Kibayashi Kiyosato.
It was their first time participating in the NTD Martial Arts Competition, and they all received awards. Kibayashi Kiyosato mentioned that the significance of the traditional martial arts competition organized by NTD is extraordinary as it emphasizes reconnecting with tradition to find the connection between people and deities.
At 65 years old, Tong Cuihua was honored with the Contribution Award for actively promoting traditional martial arts. Her daughter, Frances Gui, won the Bronze Award with her Odd Door Sword skills. Kibayashi Kiyosato, Tong Cuihua’s son-in-law from Japan who currently resides in Los Angeles, performed the Back Flip Fist at the competition and received the Bronze Award.
Both Tong Cuihua and Kibayashi Kiyosato were interviewed by a journalist from Dajiyuan. Tong Cuihua expressed that the trio has a shared love for martial arts, pushing each other to improve. She mentioned, “I started learning swordsmanship less than half a year ago. After practicing for a while, both my daughter and son-in-law have made great progress. My daughter is now physically stronger, and my son-in-law’s posture has improved significantly.”
Kibayashi Kiyosato appears younger than his actual age, attributing it to the practice of traditional martial arts.
He stated, “When I was younger, I was physically weak, which led me to start practicing martial arts. However, due to a busy life, I ended up giving up on the practice. I heard that the University of Renaissance in Los Angeles offered martial arts classes, so I decided to give it a try and returned to the path of martial arts practice.”
Through continuous practice, Kibayashi Kiyosato noticed significant changes in both his physical and mental state. He emphasized, “The benefits on a physical level have been immense, aiding in enhancing stamina and slowing down aging. Because it is traditional, it benefits both the body and mind.”
Regarding the return to tradition, Kibayashi Kiyosato expressed that martial arts are actually part of Chinese traditional culture. He emphasized the importance of incorporating moral cultivation within the practice of martial arts, a point repeatedly stressed by the chairperson of the competition committee, Li Youfu.
Kibayashi Kiyosato believed that practicing martial arts requires focusing on moral integrity from various aspects, as it aligns with the concepts of traditional Chinese culture.
Furthermore, he highlighted the profound significance of the NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition in restoring traditional culture and allowing people to experience various traditional elements of culture.
He elaborated, “What Chinese people refer to as traditional culture is, in fact, divine culture or semi-divine culture. It is what the divine passed down to humans. Chinese people emphasize the unity of heaven and humanity, and if the connection between humans and deities is severed, it can be dreadful. Conversely, by returning to the traditional path, there is a reconnection with the divine.”
Kibayashi Kiyosato concluded by mentioning that through the competition, both he and his family gained valuable insights and experiences. It was a learning process that broadened their horizons, allowing them to understand different martial arts styles and techniques.
Observing numerous martial arts enthusiasts from around the world participating in the competition, Kibayashi Kiyosato hoped to advise these newcomers to prioritize the cultivation of martial virtues.
He emphasized, “Without focusing on martial virtues, not only does one’s skill level stagnate but can also lead to self-harm. Modern martial arts, for instance, are detrimental as they may yield results in youth but can cause harm as one ages.”
Through his participation, Kibayashi Kiyosato learned to approach competition with a calm mindset and reduced his pursuit of fame and awards.
The NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition, now in its 16th year, continues to stand out for its dedication to preserving and promoting the spirit of traditional martial arts, fostering martial virtues, and reviving Chinese divine culture.