The Wuxia and the Wulin Return.
Of course, I enjoy it when our team wins lots of medals. But that is not really the point for me. Mostly, now, I enjoy the community of schools, teachers, and students and fans that gather together at these rare events. At our local and regional tournaments, I have many friends that I see almost only at these events. That includes other teachers and judges, performers, media, celebrities, and good competitors. Most of the year we are separate and keep to ourselves, mind our own business, and hopefully practice super hard. It is when we gather that we can see what everyone else has been working on. We can see their new pieces of art on display in their forms and sparring competition. As teachers when we perform at the masters exhibition, we show what we have been busy perfecting too. Inspiration to train in preparation for an event has always been followed by more inspiration and insights after the experience of the event.
Tournaments push people to do and be their best.
When I think of tournaments, I often think of two words: “Wu Lin” or “Martial Forest” and “Wu Xia” or “Martial Heroes”. A Wulin is a meeting of experts of martial artists, the martial community. It is hanging out with the Wulin, that rarely gather, that makes a tournament so fun for me. However, I always think about the critical importance of creating Wu Xia, martial heroes and heroines, rather than merely martial experts. The Wu Xia are the heroes who fight for justice and truth that we admire for their upstanding morality and virtuous acts. In the modern world there are virtually no occasions that require or benefit from fisticuffs or wielding archaic weapons (except for our tournaments), but there are many times when we need to make moral decisions and use our confidence, clarity, and wisdom to choose well.
If you aspire to be in the Wulin, to be recognized in the community, show up. It is that simple. Just show and compete. Keep competing and doing your best and you will be noticed. In time you will win and build your reputation. Win fights build a reputation as a fighter, win forms build a reputation as a performer. Both have merit, having both is the best. The number one attribute you need is desire. If you want it, and you are willing to work for it, to grow for it, you can win these victories and build your own reputation as a martial artist, a member of our Wulin, and as a Wuxia to your friends, family, and community for what you do outside tournaments in your daily life.
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Tournaments are a fun experience for participants and spectators alike. It is really enjoyable to meet other martial arts practitioners and be exposed to different styles. Winning some medals is pretty nice, too.