In the picturesque world heritage site of Mount Fanjingshan, a group of French martial arts enthusiasts found themselves deeply immersed in the beauty of China. During their visit from April 7 to 19, 50 enthusiasts gathered in the Guizhou province to practice tai chi and qigong under the guidance of their teacher, Ke Wen, the founder of Les Temps du Corps in Paris.
Yves Perrin, 62, who has been practicing qigong for 15 years and tai chi for 10, spoke of the integral role these traditional Chinese practices play in his daily routine. He emphasized how qigong and tai chi have greatly contributed to his emotional well-being, promoting peace and tranquillity in his life. Perrin’s dedication to these practices has taken him to study under Chinese teachers and visit a rehabilitation center for qigong teaching, research, and therapy at the Beidaihe coastal resort in 2015.
Similarly, Anne-line Loygue Quellien, 39, shared her commitment to tai chi, which she inherited from her father. She has devoted nearly three decades to studying wu qin xi (five-animal boxing) and two decades to tai chi and qigong. Quellien also runs tai chi lessons at a health center in northern France, demonstrating her deep connection to and promotion of Chinese culture.
Both Perrin and Quellien express their profound connection to Chinese culture and how tai chi and qigong have not only contributed to their personal well-being but also strengthened their ties to China. These practices have enabled them to find meaning and harmony within themselves, serving as a bridge for cultural communication between the East and the West.
Their teacher, Ke Wen, has been teaching in France for the past 30 years and has been instrumental in fostering cultural exchange between China and France. Accompanied by over 12,000 French enthusiasts, Wen expressed her belief that this trip has bolstered the friendship between the people of Guizhou and the French visitors, and she’s eager to share this enriching experience with France, Europe, and the rest of the world.
In conclusion, the practice of tai chi and qigong for these enthusiasts goes beyond physical exercise; it serves as a means of cultural appreciation and connection. The UNESCO recognition of tai chi as an intangible cultural heritage emphasizes its significance in promoting cultural understanding and harmony across the globe.
The journey of French martial arts enthusiasts in Guizhou stands as a testament to the power of traditional practices in fostering cross-cultural connections, demonstrating the enduring relationship between China and France in the realm of martial arts and cultural exchange.