9th NTD International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Competition Hits NYC

New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD) is organizing the 9th International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Competition at the Allen-Stevenson School in Manhattan, New York City. The event features advanced practitioners competing in unarmed and weapon categories to promote traditional martial virtue and Chinese culture, according to NTD.

The competition is open to two primary age groups. The adult category includes practitioners aged 19 to 60, specifically those born between 1966 and 2007. The junior category covers ages 8 to 18, for those born between 2008 and 2018, according to the official competition requirements hosted by NTD.

Organizers stated that the event is intended for advanced martial arts practitioners only and advised that beginners should not apply. While age ranges are specified, NTD noted that contestants who do not meet these requirements may still apply if they provide details regarding their physical condition and martial arts experience for the judging committee to review.

To maintain a competitive standard, NTD rules prohibit contestants who previously won a gold award in the same category from competing in that category again.

Competition Categories and Technical Requirements

The tournament is divided into unarmed hand and weapon categories. For the adult division, unarmed hand competitions are split by gender and include Long Fist styles such as Shaolin, Cha Quan, Hua Quan, Pao Quan, and Hong Quan. Other external fist styles, including Praying Mantis, Fanzi Quan, Tong Bei, Mian Quan, and Ba Chi Quan, are also permitted, as are internal fist styles like Xing Yi and Ba Gua, according to NTD.

The adult weapon category is also divided by gender. It includes external weapons such as the staff, spear, broadsword, and sword. Internal weapon styles, including the Xing Yi spear, broadsword, and sword, as well as Qian Kun Circular Blades and Yuanyang Blades, are permitted, NTD reports.

Junior categories for both unarmed hand and weapon styles allow males and females to compete together. The styles permitted for juniors mirror those in the adult categories, though NTD specified that Southern martial arts styles are excluded from all unarmed hand categories.

Technical constraints are applied to the duration of the performances. According to NTD, internal style forms are limited to three minutes, while external style forms are limited to two minutes. Both must demonstrate most of the traditional techniques of the respective style. Contestants seeking exceptions to these time limits must obtain advanced approval during registration.

NTD noted a specific restriction on equipment: contemporary Wushu soft metal weapons are prohibited in the competition, though this rule does not apply to contestants in the junior category.

Judging and Organizational Mission

The panel of judges consists of experienced traditional Chinese martial arts experts. NTD also stated it has invited masters from various martial arts systems to serve as consultants for the event.

The mission of the competition, as stated by NTD, is to revive traditional Chinese culture and advocate for martial virtue. The organizers intend for the event to encourage contestants to prioritize virtue and kindness over fame and fortune, emphasizing the traditional values of respecting teachers and valuing the Dao.

The finals of the competition will be broadcast live to a global audience via internet channels, according to the organizer.