In 2028, the International Chinese Martial Arts Association (ICMAA), under the leadership of Kung Fu Master and ICMAA President Jau Chi Hang Sifu Dominik Spies, will organize and host a major international event of the highest caliber—the 2028 Kung Fu World Championships—in Salzburg.
Hertha Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria and Princess of Tuscany, as well as President and Founder of the international association Flame of Peace “which was founded to promote and honor peace-building initiatives and individuals who have rendered outstanding service to world peace,” will serve as the patron of this martial arts festival.
Martial arts and peacebuilding—how do they go together?
At first glance, traditional martial arts seem to contradict the idea of peace. They teach techniques of defense, control, and combat—and yet, for centuries, their true essence has not lain in violence, but in overcoming it. In many cultures, martial arts emerged not only as a means of protecting the body, but as a way to discipline the mind and develop a conscious, responsible person. It is precisely in this that their social significance lies.
Whether in Japanese budō, Chinese kung fu, Korean taekwondo, or other traditional martial arts: true mastery is not measured by the ability to defeat an opponent, but by the ability to prevent conflicts from escalating in the first place. The practitioner learns to control impulses, manage emotions, and remain calm under pressure. These skills create inner stability—a foundation for peaceful thinking and action.
Traditional martial arts promote values that are often lost in modern societies: respect, patience, personal responsibility, and mindfulness. Those who train regularly come to understand the importance of discipline not as a constraint, but as a conscious form of self-management. The body is strengthened, yet at the same time, there grows an understanding that true strength never lies in aggression. A person who knows their own strength does not need to constantly prove it.
The effect on consciousness is particularly significant. In many martial arts, meditation, breath control, and mental concentration are an integral part of training. This fosters a deeper understanding of oneself and others. The practitioner comes to realize that fear, anger, and violence often stem from insecurity. As inner clarity grows, compassion develops—not out of weakness, but out of strength. Peace thus becomes not an abstract idea, but a practical attitude in everyday life.
Traditional martial arts can also play an important role in society. They bring together people from different backgrounds, generations, and social classes through shared values and mutual respect. In the dojo or training room, it is not social status that counts, but attitude. Children learn responsibility and self-confidence, teenagers find direction, and adults find balance in an increasingly hectic world. Where people learn to resolve conflicts in a controlled and respectful manner, a culture of dialogue emerges instead of escalation.
At a time when many social debates are marked by polarization, aggression, and a fast-paced culture, traditional martial arts remind us of a fundamental truth: peace begins within each person. A peaceful society is not created solely by laws or political systems, but by individuals who have learned to consciously manage power, emotions, and conflicts.
Traditional martial arts are therefore far more than just a physical activity or cultural heritage. They are schools of character and paths to personal growth. They teach that true strength is demonstrated through self-control, that true confidence stems from inner peace, and that genuine peace begins when a person learns to overcome themselves.
The planned 2028 Kung Fu World Championships in Salzburg represent far more than just a sporting competition. They offer an opportunity to send an international message of peace, cultural dialogue, and human values. This is precisely where the natural connection lies between the International Chinese Martial Arts Association, based in Salzburg, and the Flame of Peace Association, led by Hertha Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen.
For centuries, traditional martial arts have instilled values such as respect, self-control, mindfulness, and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. Their true spirit lies not in aggression, but in the development of a conscious and responsible individual. In this way, they make a significant contribution to fostering a peaceful mindset and respectful social interaction.
The International Chinese Martial Arts Association embodies this very philosophy. As an internationally oriented organization, it combines athletic excellence with cultural understanding and ethical values. Through its work, it fosters connections between people from diverse nations, cultures, and generations—based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to personal growth.
The Flame of Peace Association upholds the same core principles on both a social and humanitarian level: peace is fostered through awareness, dialogue, and the connection of people across cultural boundaries. Hertha Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen’s assumption of the patronage therefore lends the World Championship a special symbolic significance. It combines the universal values of traditional martial arts with an international message of peace.
As the cultural heart of Europe, Salzburg offers the ideal setting for this. The city has always been a symbol of encounter, cultural exchange, and international openness. The 2028 Kung Fu World Championships can thus become a unique event that brings together sports, culture, and peacebuilding in an inspiring way.
This is precisely why the partnership between the International Chinese Martial Arts Association and Flame of Peace is not only fitting but also a natural fit: both organizations share the belief that true strength lies in respect, self-control, and peaceful coexistence. Together, they can send a message to the world that extends far beyond the realm of sports.