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For thousands of years the
development and growth, and perpetuation of Chinese Martial Arts has
existed exclusively within the boarders of its originating roots -
China. Since ancient times, the Chinese people have developed a
countless array of styles and signature techniques that have their own
distinctiveness. When performed properly, Chinese martial arts are a
great cultural representative in illustrating the richness and diverse
history of China and the Chinese people.
And yet, as the globalization of Chinese Martial arts continues to spread
throughout all the regions of the world we should pay homage to all of
the oversea masters who have spread their knowledge to millions of
people living outside China.
This year a good friend of mine introduced me to master Tony
Yang, who was accompanying his students to the city of Tsingtao to
attend a local Chinese martial arts tournament. Master Yang spoke very
highly about the benefits he and his students have benefited from
through their love and devotion of spreading Chinese Martial Arts in
the United States. That week, I also was able to meet with master
Yuzhang Su, a well known master throughout many parts of the world. At
68, master Su continues to spread his knowledge of Chinese Martial
Arts in the United States. On October 14th 2006, I had the privilege
of attending the 10th Annual Hall of Fame Open martial arts tournament
in Akron, Ohio through the generous invitation of master Yang. It was
there master Su offered his thanks to the Chinese Traditional culture,
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As this being my first experience
attending a martial arts tournament outside China, I was especially
impressed with the amount devotion and organization that came from
students and organizers alike, all of whom I noticed displayed their
highest level of support for the event. As a Chinese, I was truly
proud to observe how well received Chinese martial arts has been
embraced outside of China’s borders. Moreover, it especially hit home
after witnessing so many blond haired and blue eyed students putting
in so much effort to be able to display their skill at the tournament.
However, for most American students, I believe that their present
understanding of real Chinese Martial can still be greatly heightened.
Moreover, it is my opinion we still have a long road ahead of us in
bridging the cultural gaps to enlarge the publics curiosity, to enrich
even further the current role Chinese martial arts here in the U.S. I
know this can be easily accomplished through the continued efforts of
the overseas Chinese Masters as well as more thorough support coming
from the Chinese martial arts associations.
As most Americans might not be aware of, young people in
China are adopting American culture in huge proportions. From KFC to
Jazz music, to their love for professional basketball the Chinese
people are embracing American culture in many of the same ways we see
how their American counterparts are embracing their interest in things
Chinese. Unfortunately, more and more young people in China have
turned to other Martial Arts such as Karate, Tak-Kwan-Do, Jujitsu .
This is causing alarm for many scholars in China who see it as a
challenge for Chinese Martial Arts and to survive in China. Even so,
it might sound surprising for a non-Chinese person to try and
understand the forces which has been shaping Chinese young people to
know no little or nothing about traditional Chinese Opera or Martial
Arts. Fortunately, the Chinese government is aware of this, and is
taking measures to ensure for future generations the continued growth
and success of its rich cultural traditions.
That said, I am suggesting that Chinese Martial Arts is a lot
more than a just “physical technology”. It is a beautiful peaceful
dialogue which can heighten and improve a practitioner’s mind, body,
and spiritual growth. Although Chinese Martial Arts were initially
developed for fighting - today it is a sometimes forgotten fact that
the highest level of Chinese Martial Arts is not about fighting at all
– just the opposite. The strive for any diligent practitioner should
be the proper attainment of peace, a better understanding for him or
herself, and to gain a heightened acquaintance of the human condition.
Chinese Martial Arts represents a collection of wisdom that can be
traced back in China’s history, and is intrinsically intertwined in
its cultural philosophy. Therefore, it is my sincere belief, through
better education and the expansion of understanding that is taking
place - the true essence Chinese Martial Art will offer even a better
representation of peace, diligence, and benefit to citizens of the
world who continue to embrace it.
I want to express my gratitude to Tony Yang, Master Su, and
Pu Ying, and the president of Xian Sports University, as well as my
professor Master Qiu Pixiang from Shanghai Sports University for
provisioning this trip allowing me to share my Martial Arts experience
in the United States for the first time. I sincerely wish that Chinese
Martial Arts will be able to thrive outside China through more
diligent cultural exchanges. I would also like to express my gratitude
to my students Michael, George, and Daniel for their continued support
and expanding my reach here in the U.S. |
