On the afternoon of September 2, 2024, the 8th “New Tang Dynasty World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition” concluded in New York. Bolivian athlete Sergio Torres won the silver medal in the men’s boxing category with a set of Drunken Fist techniques. 16-year-old Armilali Pinzon from Colombia won the bronze medal in the youth boxing category. Both athletes embrace the competition’s emphasis on martial virtue and tradition.
Chairman of the competition judges and traditional martial artist Li Youfu stated, “Respecting teachers, valuing integrity, not focusing on rankings, and enduring hardships are all part of martial virtue.”
Both Torres and Pinzon acknowledge the competition’s focus on martial virtue and tradition. Pinzon stated, “I believe this is very important for everyone. Nowadays, people often overlook the spiritual aspect, which is essential in daily life.”
He emphasized the importance of reawakening these spiritual connections with oneself and nature. This year marked Pinzon’s third participation in the competition. In 2022, at the age of 14, he won the silver medal in the youth boxing category. He first joined the competition in 2019 at the age of 11, winning the bronze medal in the youth apparatus category.
Starting his martial arts practice at the age of 4, Pinzon learned discipline from his martial arts training. He views martial arts practice as a way to enhance martial cultivation.
Torres believes that martial arts practice is not about fighting but rather about the spiritual aspect and preserving energy. Currently running a martial arts academy, he dedicates five to six hours of practice almost every morning in preparation for competitions.
Winning the silver medal in this competition brought immense joy to Torres. He mentioned that even if he hadn’t won, he would still feel good as long as he performed well during the competition because the most important thing is to deliver a good display of skills.
Torres expressed that the martial virtue embedded in traditional martial arts plays a crucial role in enhancing martial prowess on a spiritual level. He emphasized that martial arts, especially traditional forms, offer valuable guidance.
According to Torres, the New Tang Dynasty Martial Arts Competition will positively influence the younger generation. He believes that children are the future, and through proper guidance, they can have a brighter future.