On the afternoon of September 18, the International Faculty Center of Peking University launched its “Forging Bonds Through Martial Arts: The Elegance of Tai Chi Sword & Fan” training series. International faculty members gathered on campus to kick off an immersive journey into traditional Chinese martial arts.
As a signature cultural program of the International Faculty Center, the series uses Tai Chi as a cultural link to help international faculty experience the art’s blend of strength and softness and unity of form and spirit, and explore the wisdom of Chinese philosophy through mindful movement. Led by Associate Professor Wang Dongmin from PKU’s Department of Physical Education and Research, the program will run through December with progressive sessions covering Tai Chi sword and fan techniques.
In the inaugural session, Prof. Wang opened with the core philosophy of Tai Chi, explaining in accessible terms concepts including the interdependence of yin and yang and the principle of overcoming hardness with softness. She started with foundational practices such as stance holding, hand forms and footwork, offering personalized corrections to each participant. International faculty listened attentively and followed her demonstrations, gradually grasping the rhythm of Tai Chi characterized by relaxation, calmness and stability, even as their beginner moves remained slightly tentative.
The session then moved to hands-on practice of the 13-movement Tai Chi sword routine. Holding Tai Chi swords, participants focused their minds and coordinated their movements, executing fluid transitions from the opening stance to the closing pose. Sunlight filtered through the trees across the square, blending with the surrounding traditional Chinese architecture and the focused figures of practitioners to create a vivid scene of dynamic balance. Though the movements posed initial challenges, participants practiced with enthusiasm, encouraging one another and fostering a warm, engaging atmosphere.
More than just a fitness program, the training series serves as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange rooted in traditional Chinese martial arts. Participants shared that learning Tai Chi sword was both fun and challenging, keeping them fully engaged. The program will continue through December, and the International Faculty Center looks forward to welcoming more international faculty to join subsequent sessions, refine their skills, and contribute to the unique Tai Chi stories unfolding on the PKU campus.
