On August 31, 2024, the 8th NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition held its preliminary matches for the US division in New Jersey. A total of 110 competitions took place on that day, with many participants who had relatively short martial arts training time showing impressive performances.
The chairman of the competition’s judging panel, Mr. Li Youfu, emphasized in an interview the importance of mastering the essentials when learning traditional martial arts. He stated that reviving tradition and upholding martial virtues are the foundation of traditional martial arts and key to improvement.
One Chinese contestant, Adam Lin, who has been practicing martial arts for just over a year, shared his profound understanding of the differences between traditional and modern martial arts. He highlighted that the key disparity lies in the emphasis on moral values, a fundamental aspect of traditional culture in traditional martial arts but often lacking in modern forms.
While both traditional and modern martial arts focus on techniques like hand movements, eye coordination, body positioning, and footwork, modern martial arts tend to neglect the ethical dimension. Lin noted that modern martial arts prioritize physical appearance, muscle strength, and competitiveness, deviating from the essence of martial arts.
In contrast, traditional martial arts place importance on inner cultivation and martial virtues, aiming at conflict resolution and embodying ethical principles deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. Lin emphasized that the depth and significance of traditional martial arts transcend mere physical practice, offering unique benefits that modern martial arts cannot achieve due to their neglect of internal cultivation.
Lin underscored the pivotal role of traditional martial arts in preserving and transmitting divine culture, advocating for its promotion as a vital pathway for passing down this cultural heritage to future generations.
Participants in the competition ranged from as young as 4 years old to over seventy. Among them was Jane Ding, a retired contestant in the women’s weapon category showcasing the art of Qimen Sword. With grace and vigor, Ding demonstrated a harmonious blend of strength and flexibility, surprising many with her agility and elegance despite her academic background.
Ding, who has only been practicing traditional martial arts for a year, shared her journey from initially learning Long Fist to falling in love with the Qimen Sword. She emphasized the profound depth of Chinese martial arts, highlighting the transformative physical and mental benefits she has experienced through her dedicated practice.
Ding remarked on the observable improvements in her strength, energy levels, and overall well-being since delving into traditional martial arts, inspiring her colleagues to explore the practice as well. She notably shed 10 pounds effortlessly, sparking admiration from her husband and motivating others to pursue martial arts for health and wellness goals.
The ethical teachings embedded in traditional martial arts resonated deeply with Ding, who emphasized the integral role of martial virtue in cultivating personal character and guiding individuals towards righteousness and compassion.
As Ding continued to progress in her martial arts journey, she found herself increasingly able to discern the subtleties and nuances in other martial arts performances, appreciating the complexity and depth of the discipline.
Participating in her first martial arts competition, Ding expressed gratitude for the opportunity to promote Chinese traditional martial arts. She was delighted by the considerable interest demonstrated by nearly 90 participants, recognizing the significance of preserving and sharing this rich cultural heritage.
Ding encouraged her friends to explore traditional martial arts, assuring them that the experience would be enriching and long-lasting, emphasizing the transformative benefits it offers for personal growth and well-being.