Historical Background of the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation
The World Tai Chi Federation (formerly The Int'l Tai-Chi Chuan Federation), was established during 1980 in Taiwan, Republic of China. Shih Jwei acted as the first Chairman, and Hwang Shin-Shih, Ho Wei-zou, Siou Zu-ming, Wang Yen-nien took on the duties of Vice Chairmen.
To promote Tai Chi Chuan activities around the world, the Federation held an International Tai Chi Chuan Competition Exhibition during the October 17 and 18th weekend in 1981 at the Gymnasium of National Taiwan Sport University. Participants were invited from the United States, the Great Britain, France, Holland, Australia, Sweden, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong; totaling 9 countries and 11 teams. Including the hosting team, there were 1957 participants joining this event. After the competition, a Membership Convention of The Tai-Chi International Federation was held in Communication Hotel, Pei Tao, Taipei. Mr.Long Qing Gang from Japan was voted as the Vice Chairman and Mr.Wang Yen-nien was voted as the Acting Chairman.
中華民國太極拳總會第十屆會員大會
世界太極拳聯盟第一次會員大會
未來展望
在21世紀，太極拳肩負兩項最重要的角色：
- 協助世界衛生組織推動運動習慣的建立，將健康與福祉帶入每一個家庭。
- 爭取國際奧林匹克委員會認可世界太極拳聯盟為太極拳之官方代表組織，促使太極拳成為世界級運動項目。
雖然太極拳源於東方文化，但其養生功效與武術理論，與西方體系並無本質差異。近年來，西方人士逐漸掌握太極拳之精髓，使其在全球日益普及。隨著各國會員持續增加，本聯盟將更加致力於推動太極拳專業化與國際化，使其早日被認可為正式運動項目。
結語
國際社會的進步，源於專業化的發展，而個別運動項目的成長亦為世界體育的主流趨勢。太極拳透過世界太極拳聯盟會員之間的交流、分享與互動，具備成為全球性運動的潛力。同時亦能配合世界衛生組織的目標，促進個人健康與家庭福祉之提升，貢獻於全人類之健康發展。
Future Expectations
There are two most important roles of Tai Chi Chuan in the 21st century. 1. Assist the World Health Organization in promoting the habit of exercise. Help to bring personal health and welfare into each family. 2. Persuade the International Olympic Committee to recognize The World Tai Chi Chuan Federation as the official association of Tai Chi Chuan to help Tai Chi Chuan become a world-class sport.
Although Tai Chi Chuan is derived from the eastern culture, the aspects of health effects and theory on martial art in Tai Chi Chuan shows no difference with that of the western world. In recent years westerners have gradually picked up the essence of Tai Chi Chuan thus Tai Chi Chuan has become more popular around the world. As members around the country increase, we are to put more efforts on promoting Tai Chi Chuan as a professional sport in the world arena, then Tai Chi Chuan will soon be recognized as an official sport.
Conclusion
International social progress is generated from professionalization and the development of individual sports is the main stream of the world sports. Tai Chi Chuan is able to become a world-wide sport through the sharing, exchanging and interacting with members of the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation. It will also contribue to the WHO by achieving the goal of improving individual health and family welfare.
There are two most important roles of Tai Chi Chuan in the 21st century. 1. Assist the World Health Organization in promoting the habit of exercise. Help to bring personal health and welfare into each family. 2. Persuade the International Olympic Committee to recognize The World Tai Chi Chuan Federation as the official association of Tai Chi Chuan to help Tai Chi Chuan become a world-class sport.
Although Tai Chi Chuan is derived from the eastern culture, the aspects of health effects and theory on martial art in Tai Chi Chuan shows no difference with that of the western world. In recent years westerners have gradually picked up the essence of Tai Chi Chuan thus Tai Chi Chuan has become more popular around the world. As members around the country increase, we are to put more efforts on promoting Tai Chi Chuan as a professional sport in the world arena, then Tai Chi Chuan will soon be recognized as an official sport.
Conclusion
International social progress is generated from professionalization and the development of individual sports is the main stream of the world sports. Tai Chi Chuan is able to become a world-wide sport through the sharing, exchanging and interacting with members of the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation. It will also contribue to the WHO by achieving the goal of improving individual health and family welfare.
