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Tai Chi and Wellness: UCC Confucius Institute Celebrates 2025 UN International Chinese Language Day
On April 26th, a special event celebrating UN International Chinese Language Day was held in Cork, organized by the UCC Confucius Institute. The event, titled “Tai Chi and Wellness – A Showcase and Experience of Traditional Chinese Health Practices”, the event was held in conjunction with “World Tai Chi and Qigong Day”, observed annually on the last Saturday of April. The event drew together scholars, practitioners, and Tai Chi enthusiasts from Ireland, China, Italy, the United States and so on, fostering a meaningful dialogue on culture, health, and philosophy.
Deepening Understanding through Academic Dialogue
The event was designed to go beyond simple demonstrations, incorporating academic discussions and expert dialogues to provide a comprehensive view of the relationship between Tai Chi and health from both Chinese and Western medical perspectives. The day began with an engaging seminar hosted on the UCC campus, featuring three internationally renowned experts:
- Robert Johnson (USA), with over 20 years of martial arts experience, presented "Tai Chi: The Lost Art – A Comparison of Modern and Traditional Tai Chi". Johnson explored the philosophical underpinnings of Tai Chi, including the concept of "Dao," Yin and Yang theory, and the use of "Qi". He emphasized the importance of unifying movement and intention and discussed the self-cultivation aspects of Tai Chi techniques.
- Roberto Carretti (Italy), President of the Italian Amateur Tai Chi Association and a gold medalist in the World Tai Chi Championships, delivered a presentation titled "Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan: A Chinese System of Fitness, Exercise, and Health Training". Carretti explained how Tai Chi promotes overall health through the flow of Qi, meridian regulation, and emotional balance, using the "metal" element of the five elements theory as a starting point. He also shared insights on the application of Tai Chi for stress management, cognitive enhancement, and rehabilitation in Western countries.
- Dr. Martin Fitzgerald (Ireland), a Ph.D. in Traditional Chinese Medicine Ethnopharmacology from the University of Westminster and a 13th-generation Chen style Tai Chi practitioner, presented "The Scientifically Verified Health Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan". Fitzgerald reviewed international research data demonstrating Tai Chi's positive effects on bone health, muscle function, cardiovascular health, immunity, mental health, sleep quality, and cognitive function. He advocated for the greater integration of Tai Chi into global healthcare systems as a low-risk, cost-effective intervention.
Bridging Cultures through Dialogue and Demonstration
Following the lectures, a lively roundtable discussion moderated by UCC Confucius Institute Director Dr. Shen Liang allowed for audience interaction. Questions ranged from the application of “Qi” in Tai Chi to differences among Tai Chi styles and practical wellness routines. Experts offered thoughtful responses and live demonstrations, which brought theory to life and deepened mutual understanding.
Experiencing Tai Chi in Nature
In the afternoon, attendees gathered at Fitzgerald Park in Cork for an immersive Tai Chi experience. Under the spring sunshine, participants practiced fundamental Tai Chi movements guided by Johnson, and enjoyed a live demonstration of Wu-style Tai Chi by Carretti and his wife. Visitors to the park joined in, creating a shared space where balance, breath, and beauty connected people across cultures.
A Celebration of Cultural Harmony
Participants described the event as deeply inspiring and called for more opportunities to engage with Chinese wellness traditions. One attendee from Tralee commented, “It was a beautiful day! I hope to continue learning Tai Chi push hands. Thank you to the UCC Confucius Institute for organising such a meaningful event—it helped me truly understand Chinese culture”.
By combining intellectual engagement, physical practice, and cultural appreciation, the “Tai Chi and Wellness” event not only showcased the richness of Chinese traditions but also served as a bridge between Chinese and Irish communities. The UCC Confucius Institute remains committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding, language learning, and sharing the timeless wisdom of Chinese culture with the world.
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