The first World Taijiquan (a kind of traditional Chinese shadow boxing) Meeting took place in Sanya, Hainan Province in March 2001. This was the biggest international taijiquan event ever held, being attended by more than 3,000 taijiquan masters from 32 Chinese provinces and municipalities, as well as from some 20 foreign countries.
Taijiquan originated from the daily productive and living activities of ancient Chinese and was later researched, examined and adapted by Chinese ancestors as a method of exercise. After lengthy periods of improvement and supplementation, it has developed into a scientific health enhancing combination of exercises.
It is an important facet of the cultural heritage of China, reflecting its emphasis on physical fitness in terms of Oriental philosophy. Since taijiquan functions in such a way as to regulate the nervous system, cure disease and maintain good health, it has been embraced by people all over the world. There are now more than 30 million taijiquan practitioners in China, and taijiquan organizations have been founded in some 100 countries.
The theme of this First World Taijiquan Meeting was scientific health promotion and support for Beijing's Bid for the 2008 Olympics. The meeting involved competitions, performances and several large-scale activities.
More than 10,000 taijiquan masters or aficionados from around the world gathered on the seashore of Sanya city. They stood in a rectangle around the meeting emblem, facing the East Sea, and started their exercises to the accompaniment of melodious, calming taijiquan music. The movements appear gentle and slow, but are imbued with great strength and vitality.
Good health has always been the pursuit of mankind. The first World Taijiquan Meeting provided an excellent opportunity to study Chinese martial arts, as well as a special channel for the outside world to learn more about China.
(Chinatoday 06/01/2001)
