Precision and Passion: The Life of a Competitive Wushu Student

Meet Ong Zi Meng, a 25-year-old national Wushu athlete whose journey from a hesitant Primary 4 student to representing Singapore on the world stage embodies dedication and resilience. 

In this interview, Zi Meng shares with RexArts Wushu how an unexpected school programme sparked a lifelong passion, the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level, and the values that make Wushu more than just a sport. His story offers insight into the discipline and mindset that define elite athletes.

To kick things off, could you share a little about yourself?

My name is Ong Zi Meng, I am 25 this year. I am a National Wushu athlete who has recently just graduated from NTU SSM in July this year.

When you think about your childhood, what moments first hinted that you might love martial arts?

I used to enjoy watching martial arts films and shows, but it never really made me want to learn any martial art myself. I was more focused on my studies. That changed in Primary 4, when our school introduced a programme where everyone had to learn Wushu. To my surprise, I picked it up more quickly than most of my classmates, and it was obvious enough that the Wushu teacher invited me to join the class. At first, I didn’t want to, but since the teacher was expecting me at the first session, I had no choice but to go. After that training, something clicked—I realised Wushu was not only fun but also fascinating. It truly felt like a “love at first try” moment.

How did you discover Wushu specifically?

I don’t think I truly understood what Wushu was until I was 15, when I met my current coach. He’s the one who taught me everything I know about Wushu today and the reason I’m able to compete at such a high level.

What does Wushu mean to you beyond being a sport?

Wushu is beyond a sport. It is far more than a sport to me, it represents values such as respect, discipline, perseverance, resilience, and sacrifice. Along the way, it has also given me meaningful friendships that I will always cherish. The hours of training, the moments of fatigue, and the personal time I’ve had to give up are sacrifices that have shaped my character just as much as the skills I’ve learnt. Through these experiences, Wushu has become a way of life, guiding not only how I train and compete, but also how I live each day.

Can you describe your very first Wushu class and how you felt afterwards?

Honestly, my first Wushu class was an amazing experience. I was performing well compared to the other juniors, which gave me a real sense of accomplishment. It pushed my physical limits while still being enjoyable, and that challenge sparked my love for Wushu. That very first experience became the reason I decided to continue learning and growing in the sport. 

What were the biggest challenges you faced as a beginner?

The biggest challenge was flexibility haha. I remember never being able to do a split until I was 15, after I practiced my splits between 2 chairs until I was able to do it.

How did your family and friends react when you decided to commit to Wushu?

They were very supportive of me, my parents weren’t very concerned since it wasn’t a bad thing. They just thought that as long as I can cope with both my studies and Wushu, it was fine.

How has your approach to training evolved since those early days?

Things have really changed since the beginning. Back then, I used to train by pushing myself through countless repetitions and sheer hard work. But now that I’m older and have more commitments, my approach has shifted, it’s about training smart. I focus on making the most of every minute I set aside for practice and maximising the time I have on the carpet. It’s no longer just about quantity, but about quality—ensuring each repetition is purposeful and effective. This shift has not only made my training more efficient, but has also helped me grow into a more mature and well-rounded athlete.

What does a typical training day look like for you?

Our training usually begins like most other sports, with a warm-up and stretching. After that, we move on to practicing the basics, such as kicks and stances, before working on our jumps. The main focus is always on refining our routines, and we typically end the session with strength training to build strength and endurance.

What’s the hardest part of balancing school, work, or social life with Wushu?

The hardest part is definitely the sacrifice. As athletes, we divide our time between four main areas: school, rest, social life, and Wushu. Most of the time, it’s rest and social life that we end up giving up, and that’s probably the toughest part. Compared to others, we always have much less free time. Whenever we commit to practice, it naturally leaves us with far less time for everything else. It’s a trade-off we learn to live with and endure for years as student-athletes.

What aspects of Wushu technique do you find most rewarding to perfect?

The most rewarding aspect of practicing Wushu is either when you perfect a difficult jump, or when you execute a flawless and good routine.

Do you have any personal rituals before an intense practice or event?

I like to drink coffee before my training and competitions. It just makes me feel more awake and less fatigued.

What emotions do you remember from stepping into your very first competition?

My first overseas competition was at the ASEAN University Games in Thailand in 2022. I remember feeling incredibly excited, it was my first time competing abroad, and the whole experience felt surreal. Of course, there were some nerves, but more than anything, I was running on pure adrenaline every time I stepped onto the carpet.

Tell us about the moment you’re most proud of so far.

My proudest moment so far is simply being part of the national team and having the opportunity to represent my country in competition. What many people may not realise is just how difficult it is to earn that spot. Each time there’s a competition, we go through months of rigorous trials and tests, with every teammate pushing hard for the limited places available. To be selected is not just an honour, it’s proof of the countless hours of effort, sacrifice, and perseverance behind the scenes.

Has there ever been a loss that ended up teaching you more than a win?

In 2024, I competed in another ASEAN University Games, and this time I had a strong chance of winning the gold medal. Compared to the world stage, where I was already competing, the level of competition wasn’t as intense, so the odds were very much in my favour. However, I became too fixated on winning, and the pressure got to me. I ended up making mistakes in my routine, which cost me a medal. From that experience, I realised that as athletes, our focus shouldn’t be on winning, but on performing at our best, that’s the only thing we can truly control. The outcome, whether win or lose, is never guaranteed. Ever since then, I’ve been able to perform better, and I’m genuinely grateful for the experience and the lesson it taught me. 

How has Wushu changed the way you see yourself?

Wushu has been a mirror that revealed qualities in me I never fully noticed before, discipline, resilience, and perseverance. Through the countless sacrifices I’ve made to train, I came to understand that true progress isn’t about shortcuts, but about the patience and determination to show up every single day, even when the training is repetitive, exhausting, or frustrating. It takes a special kind of commitment to keep pushing forward when it feels easier to stop, and Wushu has instilled that in me.

This journey has given me confidence not only as an athlete, but also as a person. I now know that I am someone who doesn’t give up easily, someone who is willing to endure challenges and keep moving forward no matter how tough the path gets. It has shaped the way I approach both sport and life, teaching me that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to grow stronger. With this mindset, I am never afraid to take on new challenges, because I trust in my resilience and discipline to see me through.

When you think about precision and passion, which one drives you more in Wushu, and why?

To me, both passion and precision are equally important, you can’t truly excel in Wushu without either. Passion is what fuels us; it’s the resistance to give up, the courage to face failure, and the strength to rise again when things don’t go as planned. Without passion, even the most talented athlete will eventually burn out. Precision, on the other hand, is what transforms passion into excellence. In Wushu, every stance, every kick, and every movement must be executed with accuracy and intention in order to achieve perfection. It’s not enough to simply move, we must move with purpose.

But precision goes beyond our routines. It is reflected in the way we plan our training, manage our time, and balance our commitments. Similarly, passion goes beyond sport, it is what gives meaning to the sacrifices we make and the perseverance we show in life. Together, passion and precision form a balance: passion drives us forward, while precision keeps us grounded and focused. This balance has not only shaped me as an athlete but also as a person, reminding me that success in any area of life requires both heart and discipline. 

Is there anybody in your life who has shaped your Wushu journey significantly? What would you like to say to them?

Of course, the person who has made the greatest impact on my journey is my mentor, the one who first introduced me to Wushu and guided me into the national team, which set everything in motion. But as I’ve grown as an athlete, I’ve come to realise that my progress isn’t shaped by one person alone. Everyone around me plays an important role: the national team coaches who refine my skills, the friends who stand by me through the highs and lows, and the physiotherapists and sports psychologists who keep us strong both physically and mentally. Each of them contributes in their own way, and together they form the support system that continues to shape my Wushu journey as a national athlete. I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart, because without their guidance, support, and belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Every step of my journey has been made possible by the people around me, and I carry their contributions with me each time I step onto the carpet.

What tips would you give to other Wushu practitioners to maintain focus and motivation during tough sessions or periods?

1. Set small goals. Progress doesn’t always come in big leaps, it often comes in small, steady steps. Even a tiny improvement each day adds up to a lot after a year. So when training feels tough, focus on improving just one thing, your stance, your jump, your moves, because every bit of progress builds your performance in the long run.

2. Focus on quality, not just quantity. Time is limited, and as student-athletes we often train less compared to others. That makes it even more important to make full use of every session. Approach each repetition with purpose and precision, because quality work will always bring more results than mindless volume.

3. Lean on your support system. The journey is tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Your teammates are facing the same struggles and can push you forward, work hard together and push one another to improve. Your family and friends can encourage you and cheer you on when things feel heavy. Having people to share the highs and lows with makes the toughest moments easier to overcome.

At the end of the day, focus on consistent effort, purposeful training, and the people who lift you up, because with these, you’ll always find the strength to keep moving forward.

To wrap up, could you share with us the goals or dreams you have for your Wushu journey?

My goal for my Wushu journey is to leave a lasting impression in the Wushu world. Whether or not I win a gold medal at the World Championships, what matters most to me is that people remember my name and my time as a competitor. To me, not all winners are defined by medals, I want to leave behind a legacy.

Beyond competing, I also aspire to continue as a coach, so that I can inspire the next generation of Wushu practitioners. I hope to not only pass down skills and knowledge, but also instill values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance. More than producing strong athletes, I want to help nurture good people, individuals who carry the spirit of Wushu into every part of their lives.

Passing the Torch 

Zi Meng’s journey reminds us that excellence is built through consistent effort, quality training, and strong support systems. His commitment to shaping the next generation reflects the true spirit of Wushu—passing forward not just technique, but character. 

If you’re inspired to begin your own Wushu journey or want your child to experience the discipline and passion Zi Meng describes, contact RexArts Wushu today to learn more about our programmes. Take the first step towards your own story, and become part of something greater with us.