CHINA: Ten thousand people perform Tai chi to raise public awareness of health and sports

Tai chi, also known as Taiji, has long been a familiar sight in Chinese parks - particularly during the early morning. But as China embraces modernisation many fear that such ancient arts will be left by the wayside. A dazzling Tai chi performance at a quite spot in Beijing on Sunday (October 22) seems to indicate it won't be going anywhere soon. Around 10,000 people, mostly middle-aged and elderly, gathered to put their talents on display against the backdrop of an old city gate tower. The event was organized by the local sports bureau to promote public awareness of fitness and sports in a country where obesity is a growing problem. Tai chi is a soft style of the traditional Chinese Martial Arts, or Kongfu. It is based upon slow body movements - distinct from other forms of Martial Arts which usually demands quick motion and creates tension in the muscles. Modern Tai chi not only teaches hand-to-hand combat but also cultivates physical power and mental stamina through free-flowing energy. Like yoga, it consists of stationary poses linked into slow, continuous movements designed to instill flexibility, mental discipline, mind-body awareness, and strength. The legend of Tai chi dates back to the 12th century when a Taoist monk observed the battle between a snake and a crane and interpreted their battle as the never- ending struggle between yin and yang. The monk then developed a fighting style that embodied these principles. It has been exercised since the 16th century among ordinary Chinese people to keep the body in a good condition and prevent or heal diseases. The exercises have been simplified in 1956 which made this sport even more popular. Tai chi is mostly performed by older people who normally have more leisure time for practice. Medical study shows that Tai chi practice can help prevent many different age-related problems, such as balance, arthritis, strength and possibly even osteoporosis. In addition, there is some evidence that the movements enhance the mind-body connection and so might protect against Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. Sixty-five-year-old Yu Hongguang has been practising Tai chi for more than 20 years. "I feel totally refreshed. I can feel inexhaustible strength in my body. It is not tiring, in fact, I don't feel tired at all. It feels pretty good afterwards. All my joints are relaxed. It is difficult to describe my feelings in words," said Yu. Ma Xiaosu, 58, says Tai chi practice twice every day has brought more than just fun to her retired life. "After practising Tai chi for over six months, I find it the best way of exercising for middle-aged and old people. It is not intense and it is very light and graceful instead. Every part of my body is moving. Both my mental and physical fitness has improved a lot after I started practising," said Ma. Though it is a hugely popular health routine in China, Tai chi has always been considered a fringe activity in the West. But that's changing as word begins to spread about its cross-training benefits. A few top athletes are already on to it. Tiger Woods reportedly practiced qigong--the foundation of Tai chi--as a young golfer growing up in Los Angeles.

ITN Source | October 27, 2006

Tags:. .foundation. .difficult. .combat. .retired. .graceful