From CCTV
Tai Chi, whose deceptively slow movements can confound the physical force of an opponent are among the most popular ways to keep fit and improve health among Chinese people. Foreign diplomats in China brought along their spouses as they completed their introduction to the mystic art, at a Tai Chi competition in Beijing.
When one takes a stance and wields his arms like this, he feels what Tai Chi is about. The ancient Chinese sport has won new disciples among foreign diplomatic and their spouses. The forty some contestants are from embassies in Beijing. It's an opportunity for close contact with a Chinese sport that has endured for centuries.
Although the officials have trained for less than a month, all have definite ideas about Tai Chi and find the practice rewarding.
Federico Perez, minister counselor of Colombia, said, "We have enjoyed the training, and the competition of this afternoon has been very rich. We've learned it's a very complete martial art. Not only has it trained you body, but the mind. When you practice at home, when you practice in the park, it keeps you in peace. So for mind and for body, it's very good martial art."
Carolina Villegas, wife of Federico Perez, said, "I think its very interesting. We've learned a couple of movements. I think it developed Chinese culture."
These senior officials from embassies were tutored by a couple of veteran Tai Chi practitioners who come from Han Dan. That's the home of the Yang School of Tai Chi.
Seven awards were given out to winning contestants, based on performance, infectious appeal, and diligence in their training. The highest award went to Munshi Faizahmad, the Bangladesh Ambassador to China. He describes Tai Chi as a wonderful way to learn Chinese culture.
Munshi Faiz Ahmad from Bangladesh Amb. said, "We've just been trained for four or five days, every time two hours, over the last one month. But I thinks it's a good fun. So many friends coming together, participating in this work. At one hand its fun, on the other hand it gives us a good idea about Chinese culture. And it also allow us to make many Chinese new friends."
The diplomats head for Han Dan, next week. A national Tai Chi competition is scheduled in the home of Yang style Tai Chi. The competition is sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Series of activities collectively called, "know about China" are held for foreign diplomats and their spouses annually. There also are competitions in serving tea, food preparation, traditional costume shows and local operas.