A participant competes in the 9th New England International Chinese Martial Arts Championships in South Windsor, Connecticut, the United States, Nov. 2, 2019. More than 220 kungfu enthusiasts from across the country participated in a competition in U.S. state of Connecticut on Saturday to demonstrate the unique charm of Chinese martial arts. (Xinhua/Zhang Mocheng)

SOUTH WINDSOR, the United States, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 220 kungfu enthusiasts from across the country participated in a competition in U.S. state of Connecticut on Saturday to demonstrate the unique charm of Chinese martial arts.

The 9th New England International Chinese Martial Arts Championships is an open tournament with contestants from eight age groups to compete in hundreds of events in internal and external styles including barehand and weapons forms as well as sparring.

Justin LaBella, a 12-year-old kungfu learner from Connecticut, told Xinhua that he has practiced kungfu for nine years and enjoyed learning martial arts, which also helped him understand Chinese culture.

The young contestant has already obtained two gold medals and one bronze.

Ten-year-old Jon Harwood is a four-year Chinese kungfu learner. He said he has become more courageous since practicing martial arts and would love to continue with it.

Martial arts, an important part of Chinese culture, have reflected many spirits in Chinese philosophy, Henry C. Lee, a world-renowned forensic scientist and martial arts lover, said at the opening ceremony of the event.

It was also a good way to keep fit by practicing kungfu, he said.

"I think it's important to promote martial arts across the world, as it is the treasure of Chinese culture and a treasure of the world as well," Malee Khow, organizer of the event, told Xinhua.

Launched in 1999, the competition has taken place annually since 2016. By far, about 2,500 martial arts enthusiasts from the United States have participated in the championships.