On September 2, 2024, the final round of the 8th World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition, hosted by NTD Television, took place in New Jersey. Competitor Eike Opfermann from Germany showcased his skill and precision in the men’s weapons category and impressed the audience with his exceptional swordsmanship, ultimately winning the gold medal in this year’s competition.
Before the official announcement of the results, Opfermann expressed his satisfaction during an interview with reporters, stating that he felt great that day. He mentioned that while winning was not his primary goal for participating, he aimed to demonstrate his learned skills and current capabilities while engaging in exchanges with other athletes.
Observing athletes from various countries coming together for a common purpose of promoting authentic Chinese traditional martial arts, Opfermann remarked on the camaraderie and enthusiasm among participants. He emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to compete in such a welcoming and joyous environment.
With a mixed heritage of Chinese and German descent, Opfermann developed a passion for Chinese traditional martial arts from a young age, guided by his mother’s influence. He described martial arts as a means to experience a sense of freedom, agility, and unity of body and mind, where every movement reflects the interconnectedness of his thoughts and spirit.
Opfermann highlighted the endless depth of traditional martial arts, explaining that mastering various techniques and forms brings incomparable joy and satisfaction to practitioners. He emphasized the importance of diligence, dedication, and a genuine desire to improve continually in the pursuit of martial arts excellence.
The NTD Martial Arts Competition aims to revive and promote traditional martial arts values, as underscored by Chairman Li Youfu, emphasizing virtues like distinguishing between good and evil, believing in cause and effect, and exhibiting courage in upholding righteousness.
Opfermann stressed the significance of embodying martial virtues beyond theoretical knowledge, incorporating these principles into daily life to cultivate and elevate one’s martial character naturally over time. He exemplified aspects of martial virtue through humility, sincerity, and moral courage in his actions and interactions.
Reflecting on his progress, Opfermann attributed his success not to innate talent but to consistent effort and persistence in martial arts training over an extended period. He encouraged fellow practitioners to acknowledge and celebrate their incremental improvements as a necessary step towards achieving mastery in martial arts.
Opfermann extolled the accessibility and versatility of traditional martial arts practice, noting that it can be integrated seamlessly into daily routines regardless of time or location. He shared anecdotes of martial artists incorporating training during various activities, demonstrating the adaptability and practicality of martial arts practice.
Encouraging enthusiasts to explore the enriching experience of participating in the NTD Martial Arts Competition, Opfermann emphasized the potential for significant personal growth and development through engaging in friendly competition and mutual learning opportunities among peers. He encouraged participants to view the competition as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering a community of martial arts enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and promoting Chinese traditional martial arts heritage.