Historical Background

 

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. The 10th General Assembly of National Tai Chi Chuan Association of the Republic of China and the first General Assembly  of the  World Tai Chi Chuan Federation 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.