In a unique phenomenon at the NTD Martial Arts Tournament, several family members are participating in the competition together. During the preliminary rounds of the 8th NTD Traditional Martial Arts Competition on August 31st, there were mothers and sons, fathers and sons, husbands and wives, as well as siblings competing together. A mother from Los Angeles who competed alongside her son mentioned that the benefits of learning traditional martial arts are numerous and particularly suited for modern individuals who often struggle with restlessness, anxiety, and lack of focus.
Wang Jing, a primary school teacher who originally enjoyed music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, discovered an interest in traditional martial arts after being mesmerized by a Tai Chi staff demonstration in a park.
After exploring various styles, none quite satisfied her until she learned about a martial arts class taught by Master Li Youfu in Los Angeles. Wang formally enrolled to study martial arts and found the experience particularly rewarding.
“At the beginning, I could feel sensations in my heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, especially when unblocking the liver congestion caused by excessive liver ‘fire’,” she said. “It’s quite miraculous that I can feel the meridians and energy flow, especially when striking the Bladder Meridian, from head to toe, particularly around the waist. When this meridian is unblocked and I practice boxing, my teacher would say: ‘You’ve made great progress.’ It’s amazing because through the unblocking of meridians, the physical changes are evident, truly miraculous.”
Since practicing traditional martial arts, Wang has experienced boundless benefits. She noted heightened energy levels, enhanced mental focus leading to quicker learning, and physical strength improvement for both herself and her child, leading to a feeling of rejuvenation.
Describing the importance of “martial virtues” emphasized in the NTD Martial Arts Tournament, Wang emphasized the pivotal role of righteousness in martial arts.
“All our teachers demand ‘you must embody righteousness,’ with a straight posture and righteous character. If you possess righteousness, you won’t be drawn to negative influences, such as problematic aspects of electronic devices or computers, preferring instead what is upright. This distinction becomes quite clear.”
Wang realized that traditional martial arts stem from divine culture, ultimately aiming for a return to true origins.
“Traditional martial arts emphasize the connection between the human body and nature, extending to the universe, with the ultimate goal of spiritual cultivation, a return to true origins,” she said. “It inevitably leads to cultivation, transforming individuals into better people. Martial artists who uphold martial virtues are gentlemen, not violent individuals. This is the essence of Chinese spiritual cultivation.”
Having previously dabbled in guqin and calligraphy, Wang believed that traditional martial arts are better suited for modern individuals compared to the refined arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
“To master the ‘Four Arts,’ one’s mind must be calm and focused, requiring a level of inner tranquility that is increasingly rare among contemporary individuals,” she explained. “Martial arts, however, involve movement within stillness, gradually cultivating focus, wisdom, and righteousness. Traditional martial arts are indeed more suitable for modern people and children.”
Therefore, Wang not only encouraged her son to start learning martial arts at the age of 3 but also persuaded her eldest daughter, who was studying dance, to transition to traditional martial arts.
Having delved into the world of traditional martial arts, Wang discovered new horizons. She participated in the women’s boxing and weaponry competitions at the NTD Martial Arts Tournament and enrolled her son in the youth boxing competition. On the 31st, she secured a spot in the women’s weaponry category semi-finals with her “Qimen Sword” routine.
Wang expressed gratitude towards NTD TV for organizing the competition.
“As one enters middle age, the pressure is immense, and traditional martial arts have been incredibly beneficial for me. I am truly thankful to NTD TV for providing us with this opportunity,” she said. “NTD has opened up a new realm, reviving traditional martial arts with the ultimate goal of showcasing divine culture. This effort is swimming against the tide with a grand objective in mind.”