Chinese Martial Arts Tournament – Is It Worth Participating? – Ch.7

When I came to China for the first time to train Kung Fu in Qufu Shaolin Kung Fu School, I didn’t even think about the Chinese martial arts tournament. That idea was very far from my reality. Almost one and a half years later, I have already participated in two Chinese martial arts competitions, and I have performed several times in front of a bigger audience. It is not because, during these almost two years, I have gained great kung fu skills. It is more because Qufu Shaolin Kung Fu school makes these events available for everybody who wishes to participate.

We needed to wake up very early to be ready in front of the Qufu school at 6 a.m. There was a bus waiting for 21 students. But, only 7 students decided to participate in the tournament. 2 hours driving in a bus. I couldn’t really sleep. I wasn’t very nervous. It was just uncomfortable. We arrived directly at the tournament venue.

At the beginning of each Chinese martial arts tournament, there is always an open ceremony. It was impressive how the kids and teenagers performed the jumps and kung fu skills on a hard and slippery floor. I admired them. The reason they do that without complaining is the way wushu is taught in most schools. You fall on solid ground, and you don’t cry. It is treated as conditioning. At some point, I guess, it doesn’t hurt so much. For me, till now, it is unthinkable to throw myself onto concrete. I need mats 😉

After the opening ceremony, everybody had time for lunch. The competing part of the tournament started in the afternoon, and it finished in the night, meaning around 10-11 p.m. Some of our students performed after lunch, some, including me, after dinner. I was among the last students to compete. I went in front of the judges to present my last form around 9:20 p.m.

I have to admit, this martial arts tournament was way more relaxed than the previous one. This time it was less of a big deal for me. I enjoyed watching a lot of performances. Apart from kung fu, I also saw taekwondo and sanda. Taekwondo sparring was only between kids. But, in sanda, there were adults, so it was pretty intense.

I have to admit, I was a bit lazy this time to go to the tournament. I had moments when I doubted my decision, thinking why I needed to perform in front of the judges? But, I tell you this: every time, even when the event takes hours and hours, while your performance lasts just a few seconds, even when you question yourself in those moments, it is ALWAYS a good experience.

Whether you’ve done a good job or not. You go out of your comfort zone, and that’s what matters. Somehow, after going to the competition, I am always more motivated. I have many thoughts about what I should improve and what skills I should learn.