Taiwan Praying Mantis Fist Martial Arts Association board member Shi Zhengzhong’s daughter, Shi Yizhen, won the silver medal in the women’s boxing category at the 8th “Nectarine World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition” held in Waldwick, New Jersey, USA on September 2nd with a routine showcasing the Praying Mantis Style’s Plum Blossom section.
In her previous participation in the Nectarine Martial Arts Competition, Shi Yizhen had won a bronze medal. What attracted her to repeatedly join the Nectarine World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition?
Shi Yizhen expressed her strong support for the competition’s mission to promote the essence of traditional martial arts, which motivated her to participate. “I support the principles of the competition,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of providing a platform to introduce more people to traditional martial arts. “Because nowadays, many people are more interested in flashy and spectacular things, like modern martial arts. Traditional and culturally significant aspects may not receive the same attention, hence the need for a stage, a platform to promote them,” she explained.
Shi Yizhen believes that the Nectarine Competition “helps raise awareness about the existence of traditional martial arts,” beyond just the flashy and gymnastic-like movements.
Since practicing martial arts, Shi Yizhen has felt significant physical and mental benefits. She noted that the primary benefit was in maintaining good health. “I feel the most significant benefit is in terms of physical health. Sometimes I feel like I might be catching a cold, but after moving around, practicing, and sweating, I feel much better.”
She also highlighted the benefits at the spiritual level, stating that the mental aspects have greatly helped her. Despite the exhaustion from martial arts training, she perseveres through the power of her spiritual elements.
Shi Yizhen introduced her father as her teacher, stating, “The traditional martial arts heritage and his spirit on my father are worth learning from, because he is truly passionate about martial arts and has dedicated his entire life to research.” She acknowledged that her father’s dedication to learning is an essential lesson for her.
“As I grew older, I started to understand more about what I was practicing and felt that it was something valuable to invest in,” said Shi Yizhen.
In conclusion, she expressed that the Nectarine Competition provides a fantastic platform for martial arts enthusiasts to learn from each other and refine their skills through mutual exchanges.
“I feel that (the competition) is full of love!” Shi Yizhen said, “It’s a place where everyone shares and exchanges, creating a loving atmosphere.”