Tai chi activities spread Chinese culture overseas

Participants in a tai chi cultural exchange program practice the martial arts at a park in Chenjiagou, Henan province. (Photo by Xu Hongxing/for China Daily)

When 24-year-old Peter Onyango arrived in Chenjiagou village in Henan province, he encountered a 75-year-old woman who challenged him to push her with all his might.

Despite his hesitation, to his surprise the young man failed to move her. "People you see in Chenjiagou engage in exercises frequently, a sight I've never witnessed elsewhere. It truly inspired me to practice tai chi more," he said.

Onyango, from Kenya, was one of 31 participants who recently took part in on-site instruction, seminars and interactive sessions in Chenjiagou, the birthplace of tai chi. He expressed gratitude for the immersive experience in Henan.

Organized by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by Henan University of Technology, the program was designed to cater to developing countries such as Ethiopia, Burundi, Kenya and Sierra Leone from Aug 22 to Sept 11. It offered participants firsthand experience of tai chi's captivating charm.

Tai chi master Chen Bing coaches a participant at the park. (Photo by Xu Hongxing/for China Daily)

Chen Bing, president of Chenjiagou Tai Chi Boxing Association, said most participants are dedicated martial arts enthusiasts and could quickly and earnestly grasp the teachings.

"We are showcasing our culture to them. Tai chi is inclusive, emphasizing the balance between yin and yang, hardness and softness, inspiring individuals," Chen said.

"Not only can they learn martial arts and tai chi movements, but I also hope they can get traditional Chinese culture and wisdom to enrich their training," Chen added.

Iva Kufr, a 61-year-old from the Czech Republic, said it was a new and positive experience, especially since it was her first visit to Henan. "Even though I have been practicing tai chi for more than 25 years, I got innumerable new information from here," she said.

She said that her visit to the Tai Chi Museum in Chenjiagou was an "unforgettable experience and permanent source of information" for her.

"And our master is very good, he knows what is important for our improvement. He is a great inspiration for me as a teacher, and I am sure I will follow some of his teaching methods and communication in my future teaching life," she added.

Liu Kefei, dean of the School of Education and Training of Henan University of Technology, highlighted Henan's abundant cultural heritage. After returning to their own countries, many participants like to focus on establishing wushu associations and clubs to promote and spread traditional Chinese martial arts culture.

Also as director of the Henan Foreign Aid Training Center, Liu said that the center has successfully conducted 58 sessions for traditional martial arts culture-themed training. Approximately 1,700 sports officials, athletes and coaches from foreign countries have immersed themselves in and experienced traditional Chinese culture.

"We have also forged enduring friendships with individuals worldwide, expanding the circle of friends in the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative," Liu added.