"This record has been achieved by only about 10 people worldwide, including adults," he added.
Zhang's distinctive blend of martial arts proficiency, dance skills, and unwavering commitment has set her apart as a rising star. Her mastery of complex techniques, especially her unique skill, "Spiral 12-Consecutive Throws", is a testament to her exceptional talent and agility.
Despite encountering setbacks and enduring injuries during practice, Zhang's resilience and passion for traditional martial arts have remained steadfast. "Martial arts have taught me not only skills but also unwavering determination," she said.
To raise awareness and appreciation for ancient art, Zhang and her father have leveraged social media platforms to share her training videos with a global audience, and they have received more than 130,000 fans.
Seeing her videos gain international attention and receive praise from foreign viewers, Zhang experiences a profound sense of accomplishment and motivation.
During an international competition last year, the renowned Russian champion Sergey Fedosenko approached Zhang with excitement, saying that she is a star in Russia and everyone admires her skillful knife-throwing.
Embracing the accolades and spotlight, Zhang remains committed to her practice. "I aspire to compete abroad, showcasing the charm of Chinese martial arts to the world and fostering a deeper appreciation for our rich martial arts heritage," she said.
"Knife throwing is a lesser-known traditional martial arts because of misconceptions about its safety and practicality," Zhang's father explained.
He highlighted the benefits of practicing knife throwing, like improving coordination, strength, focus, and patience. "It also helps preserve martial arts traditions and promote Chinese kungfu."
"Knife throwing is seen as a competitive sport abroad, but I envision it as an art. I hope my daughter not only shines in international competitions but also showcases Chinese knife throwing to global enthusiasts and impresses them with its beauty," he added.
