On August 31, in the state of New Jersey, Waldwick, the preliminary rounds of the 8th NTD World Chinese Traditional Wushu Competition were held. After intense competition, a total of 79 athletes advanced to the semi-finals.
The NTD World Chinese Traditional Wushu Competition is one of the cultural events organized by NTD Television, aimed at preserving and promoting Chinese traditional culture. Chief judge Li Youfu emphasized the uniqueness of this competition, focusing on “martial virtue” and “tradition.” He expressed his delight at the increased participation of athletes who pursue traditional martial arts.
Li Youfu stated, “It is the first time I have seen such a rise in traditional martial arts in this competition, which makes me very happy. There are not many people in the world who understand traditional martial arts. We need to help everyone understand what traditional martial arts are and make more people appreciate the health benefits they bring. Reviving traditional martial arts is not the task of a few; it requires collective effort from all of us.”
The pursuit of traditional martial arts is the main reason why many martial arts enthusiasts participated in the competition. Some athletes pointed out the current mixed nature of martial arts competitions and expressed appreciation for NTD’s emphasis on “tradition,” clearly distinguishing traditional martial arts from modern ones. Instructors leading teams also highlighted the importance of NTD’s focus on “martial virtue.” Some athletes shared their experiences transitioning from modern to traditional martial arts, noting a sense of belonging they found in traditional practices.
One of the participants, Liu Zichuan from New York, who has competed in NTD’s events for the fourth time, emphasized the significance of NTD in separating “new” and “traditional” martial arts. He raised concerns about the trend of modern martial arts overshadowing traditional practices, potentially leading to the extinction of traditional martial arts.
Expressing similar sentiments, Master Meng Chuansheng from California, leading 15 participants, highlighted the importance of “martial virtue” in martial arts. He appreciated NTD’s platform for promoting the virtues of Chinese martial arts worldwide.
Another participant, Wang Yaofeng from Northern California, switched from practicing modern to traditional martial arts after being inspired by Li Youfu’s teachings on “martial virtue.” He emphasized how following values such as “be kind but not weak,” “be brave in the face of evil,” and “conceal excellence in skills” gave him a sense of belonging.
In a heartwarming story, Los Angeles mother Fan Guixiang competed alongside her 9-year-old daughter Li Hemei, who showcased a routine of lotus fist and secured a spot in the semi-finals. Fan Guixiang praised NTD for its emphasis on “martial virtue.” She observed remarkable changes in her daughter’s physical fitness, dedication, and respect for elders after practicing traditional martial arts.
The competition continues with the semi-finals on September 1 at Village School in Waldwick, NJ. Tickets for live audiences can be purchased online. The finals and award ceremony will be broadcasted live on various platforms including NTD’s website, Epoch Times website, NTD’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and the Epoch Times Taiwan Facebook page.