The 8th NTD International Chinese Martial Arts Competition entered the knockout stage on September 1st and was opened to the audience. Many spectators from New York and New Jersey attended, alongside family members of the contestants who had been observing since the preliminary rounds. Among them, many praised the competition, the staff, and the participating athletes of NTD.
They believe that in today’s society where morality is declining, advocating “martial virtue” is commendable. They described this competition as an opportunity for martial arts to promote friendship, virtue, and education, and they considered it nearly perfect.
Since the first day, Mrs. Cheng, a parent of one of the contestants, sat with a banner that read “Reviving Traditional Martial Arts” along with a few friends in the audience seats. She expressed that such a martial arts competition like NTD’s is rare.
“In this era where profit is the priority and traditional Chinese culture, including traditional martial arts, is nearly disappearing, contestants from various countries demonstrated a harmonious and resolute demeanor that aligns with the ‘martial virtue’ promoted in the competition,” Mrs. Cheng said. “Moreover, it is a rare opportunity for everyone to exchange and learn from each other.”
Mr. Wang, a Taiwanese audience member who rushed from New York City to watch the knockout stage, praised NTD’s efforts in reviving traditional martial arts.
“I love the arts, and I believe this competition is excellent. This traditional martial art must be preserved,” Mr. Wang said. He acknowledged that many old aspects of Chinese culture were lost during the Cultural Revolution by the Chinese Communist Party, so he finds it commendable that this competition unites the world through martial arts, promoting our traditional culture.
Mrs. Wen from New York repeatedly used the phrase “win people over with virtue” to praise the NTD competition.
“First of all, NTD’s International Chinese Martial Arts Competition promotes friendship through martial arts and education through virtue, which I like,” she said. “The competition gives me an overall feeling of high-end experience, and the martial artists who participate are elites from all over the world, possessing deep martial virtues. You can see the absence of noise, fighting, and violence at the venue; instead, it showcases civility. The competitors are completely focused, and us, as the audience, are also completely engrossed.”
Mrs. Wen specifically mentioned the competition’s staff, observing that each of them wore a smile, with a kind and compassionate expression. Whether it was serving the contestants with meals or reporting live on the competition, she could see that everyone was dedicated and responsible.
“I observed them closely, and each person carried out their duties meticulously and with kindness. The overall quality of the staff is excellent. I believe that having more competitions like this is beneficial. Even if I’m not participating, I will come to watch. Being able to absorb this kind of cultural enrichment, I like it,” she stated.
She also observed the participants, noting, “The female warriors are very beautiful, the men are handsome, with good physique, and a dignified air. They exude the upright spirit typical of the Chinese people, which is rare in society. Moreover, participants range from children to middle-aged, mature, and elderly, showing that this competition is welcomed by people. Parents bring their children to observe and enjoy this atmosphere.”
Mrs. Wen concluded, stating, “The competition can be described as perfect. I feel honored to participate in this competition. This is the pride of the Chinese people, the pride of the global Chinese community. I am amazed, quite amazed; I am currently very excited.”