The 8th “NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition” in the Asia-Pacific region welcomed 13 Taiwanese athletes who successfully arrived in New York for the final rounds. The athletes were greeted by the New York Office of Economic and Cultural Affairs. On August 29, a welcome tea party was held by the office, where Director Li Ziqiang emphasized the physical and mental benefits of martial arts and encouraged the athletes to give their best. Deputy Director Zhang Lixian stated that practicing martial arts not only strengthens the body but also nurtures the mind, allowing individuals to cultivate both martial and moral virtues. She encouraged the athletes to compete with skilled practitioners from around the world and promote Taiwan’s kindness and beauty.
Among the Taiwanese athletes this year, the youngest is only 10 years old, while the oldest is 72. Director Li Ziqiang of the New York Office of Economic and Cultural Affairs expressed his support and encouragement for the Taiwanese athletes. He recalled his youth studying martial arts and believed that martial arts not only enhances physical fitness but also nurtures children’s martial virtues, teaching them how to resolve conflicts peacefully. Director Li encouraged them to do their best and to cherish the opportunity to exchange on an international platform at the “NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition”, regardless of whether they win awards or not.
Deputy Director Zhang Lixian shared during the welcome tea party her inspiration from Jin Yong’s martial arts novels and kung fu movies during her youth, which instilled in her a longing for the spirit of chivalry emphasizing righteousness, helping the weak, and contributing to peace and nation-building. Deputy Director Zhang looks forward to the Taiwanese athletes showcasing not only their martial arts prowess but also promoting Taiwan’s kindness and beauty through this competition to enhance international understanding of Taiwan and contribute to its diplomatic efforts.
In an interview with NTD TV, Zhang Lixian emphasized the multiple benefits of martial arts in cultivating one’s character and spirit. She highlighted that martial arts not only strengthen the body but also nurture the mind, allowing individuals to achieve a balance of martial prowess and moral integrity. She wished the athletes success in the competition in the United States regardless of age and hoped that they would achieve good results.
During the tea party, participating athletes demonstrated martial arts routines: Showcasing the Praying Mantis style were students from the Xiu Shan Martial Arts Society – Gao Yuhong, Liang Xuanlun, Yang Enshuo, and Yang Enrui. Shi Yizhen presented a segment of Plum Flower Praying Mantis. Lin Qixian from the Chinese Crane Fist Association and Luo Kaiwei demonstrated “Butterfly Piercing Flowers” and a two-person routine of “Step-into Fighting in Two, Four and Five Steps”. Xiao Nenghui, who started learning martial arts at the age of 4, performed the Golden Eagle Fist Movements of Three Stacks from the Shaolin Southern Boxing.
Helen Li, Deputy General Manager of the competition, warmly welcomed the athletes from Taiwan and expressed gratitude for their efforts in traveling a great distance. She specially thanked the New York Office of Economic and Cultural Affairs for organizing a welcoming ceremony for the athletes and their families, providing an excellent opportunity for mutual exchange. Helen Li lamented the systemic destruction of traditional Chinese culture after the Chinese Communist Party’s usurpation, making it difficult to preserve many traditional martial arts. She emphasized the profound and vast nature of Chinese traditional culture, where martial arts not only focus on high skills but also emphasize martial virtues, “by placing martial virtues first, one can achieve very high martial arts skills”.
This year, two Taiwanese athletes, Jiang Chongyi and Lin Mingyi, who made it to the finals, expressed their love for Chinese traditional martial arts in an interview with NTD TV. They emphasized the importance of not only honing their technical skills but also cultivating martial virtues within themselves.
Jiang Chongyi shared how he entered the world of martial arts inspired by Bruce Lee and how his teacher emphasized the importance of “humility towards others” from the beginning of his training. He mentioned that during a speech by Master Li Youfu in Changhua, Taiwan, the concept of “the wicked are not feared, the virtuous are not bullied” was highlighted, emphasizing the principles of upholding justice and altruism. Thus, Jiang also strives to maintain a kind heart in his daily life towards his family and friends.
Lin Mingyi, who practices Wing Chun, discussed in the interview that each movement in Wing Chun has its own significance. He believes that martial arts not only refine the body but also cultivate the inner self. He expressed his anticipation for the competition and his curiosity about how competitors from other countries view martial arts.
The 8th “NTD World Chinese Traditional Martial Arts Competition” will take place from August 30 to September 2 in New Jersey, with the finals on September 2 being broadcast globally online.
For ticket information and venue details, please visit the website: https://martialarts.ntdtv.com/index.html