CHANGSHA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Following in her father's footsteps, she first began to practice martial arts at the age of six. After studying under one of the "top 10 Chinese martial artists" at the age of 15, she became the 12th-generation heir of Chen's Tai Chi.
When first meeting Liu Tianzi, it's difficult to associate her with the above description. It isn't until her feet drew a gentle but powerful arc on the ground that we were sure she is the "female Tai Chi master."
47-year-old Liu is in high spirits during her preparations for the upcoming Tai Chi exhibition in the city of Liling, located in central China's Hunan province.
"I'm not just a female coach, I also want to be the inheritor of Chinese martial arts," said Liu, who speaks quickly and talks about her dreams with great enthusiasm.
"Although there are many traditional Tai Chi schools, I welcome anyone who likes martial arts and traditional culture to join us, regardless of factions," she explained.
As a result, Liu has been teaching Tai Chi for public welfare in elementary and junior high schools. "Many people think that Tai Chi is slow and only practiced by the elderly. Actually, martial arts practice should start from childhood," Liu added.
In order to make children interested in Tai Chi, she added more powerful movements to her regimen and told them: "Tai Chi contains the essence of Chinese Kung Fu, and our Chinese Kung Fu is very powerful".
Now, the most important goal in her life is to continue to promote Tai Chi culture. "As a martial artist, it is my duty to promote Chinese martial arts and Chinese culture."
At the beginning of this year, the COVID-19 pandemic trapped many people at home, but Liu saw it as an opportunity to promote Tai Chi. She created a set of "Six Minimalist Tai Chi Styles," which simplifies half a dozen complex moves.
"In less than three minutes, you can complete a set of minimalist Tai Chi to help you meditate and reduce stress at home."
Liu's demonstration video spread to local TV stations and outdoor screens, which brought her incredible joy.
"Tai Chi has many benefits to the body," Liu said as she talked about her desire to use Tai Chi to help more people. In 2019, she began to teach children with cerebral palsy.
"I am not a doctor and cannot treat them, but maybe Tai Chi can help them improve rehabilitation."
Now, every Wednesday afternoon, Liu goes to the local special education school to teach children with cerebral palsy.
"More than a year has passed. Through Tai Chi practice, the children have significantly improved their physical coordination and flexibility," said Zhu Yanqing, the principal of the Liling Special Education School.
"Liu enjoys teaching Tai Chi very much," Liu's assistant, Wu Yabing, explained.
"Although she is thin and small, she does a great job. If you ask me where Liu is, I'll tell you she's either in class or on the way to class," Wu added. Enditem
