Martial artists from around the world gathered in New York for the NTD International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Competition, showcasing classical forms while emphasizing discipline, humility, and traditional values. According to NTD Television, the event focuses on reviving traditional Chinese culture, encouraging participants to prioritize character development and martial virtue, known as wude.
Event Mission and Cultural Preservation
The competition aims to inherit and promote the spirit of traditional martial arts, according to event organizers at New Tang Dynasty Television. Participants are encouraged to cultivate an indifferent attitude toward fame and fortune, uphold kindness and righteousness, and respect teachers. Organizers state that the tournament serves as a platform to demonstrate self-cultivation through martial arts and to nurture the mind through virtue.
Competitors and judges described martial virtue as a combination of discipline, humility, restraint, and respect. Mr. Li, a participant noted in event coverage, emphasized that traditional martial arts demand dedication and effort to counter the influence of contemporary martial arts forms.
Competition Categories and Rules
The tournament features distinct divisions for adults and juniors across multiple disciplines. According to competition guidelines, the adult category includes participants aged 19 to 60, while the junior category covers ages 8 to 18.
- Adult Unarmed Hand Category: Divided by gender, this category includes Long Fist styles such as Cha Quan, Hua Quan, Pao Quan, Hong Quan, and Shaolin, alongside other external and internal styles like Ba Gua and Xing Yi. Southern martial arts styles are excluded.
- Adult Weapon Category: Features external weapons including swords, broadswords, spears, and staves, as well as internal weapons like Xing Yi swords and specialized implements such as Yuanyang Blades and Qian Kun Circular Blades.
- Junior Categories: Males and females compete together across unarmed and weapon divisions, following similar stylistic boundaries while allowing flexibility for contemporary soft metal weapons.
Performance time limits are strictly enforced. Internal style forms are limited to three minutes, while external style forms have a two-minute limit. The competition is restricted to advanced practitioners, and previous gold award winners are prohibited from competing in the same category again.
Recent Results and Medalists
At the 9th NTD International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Competition, the awards ceremony concluded on August 15, 2026, according to NTD reports. Martial artists received eight silver awards and 19 bronze awards. Organizers noted that gold awards remained vacant for the event.
The tournament continues to draw international competitors and spectators interested in preserving authentic martial arts techniques and philosophy. Preliminary rounds leading up to the New York finals have previously been hosted internationally in regions including Germany and Taiwan.
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