Balancing Motion and Stillness in Educational Practice: Contemporary Transmission and Mind-Body Exploration of Tai Chi

Facing the pressures confronting students today, traditional Tai Chi offers a viable pathway for mind-body harmony in modern education. The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) has been actively promoting the contemporary practice of Tai Chi culture through campus curricula, picture book creation, and international exchanges:

• Campus Outreach: Starting from the 2024–25 academic year, EdUHK introduced the "New Six Arts" General Education curriculum. One of the course combinations offered by the Centre for Classical Chinese Education, coordinated by Professor Lee Kwai-sang and Dr. Lee Wing-tat, includes " Unveiling Tai Chi: The Multidimensional Realisation of the Art of Harmony" and " Tai Chi: Cultivating Mind and Body." This series features Tai Chi (Eight Methods and Five Steps) instruction led by former elite athletes Chen Suijin and Liu Xuxu, both World Wushu Championships and Asian Games medalists. Additionally, the EdUHK "Wushu Champions in Schools" program has extended its outreach to primary and secondary schools, engaging over 1,000 students in practicing Tai Chi and Baduanjin to enhance executive function and sleep quality.

• Picture Book Creation & Positive Education: Following We are from Heart Link Village, Dr. Elaine Choy, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Literature and Cultural Studies, published The Worry Leo and Tai Chi Sheep in June this year. This picture book conveys concepts of breath awareness, anxiety relief, and community support through storytelling. Integrated with pedagogical activities, it guides primary and secondary school students to experience Chinese culture and learn self-care.

• International Academic Exchange: In August this year, Dr. Elaine Choy traveled to the UK to participate in the "Deyin Tai Chi & Qigong forum for the Mind, Body & Spirit," engaging with Tai Chi practitioners from around the world. Through Tai Chi, participants gained a shared understanding of profound Daoist philosophies, including Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and Jing-Qi-Shen (essence, energy, and spirit). The international applications of Tai Chi span early childhood stress reduction, public healthcare, and corporate leadership wisdom.

From EdUHK curricula and children's picture books to international exchanges, Tai Chi serves as a spiritual oasis for people seeking balance in a fast-paced modern world.

Local schools are warmly invited to contact Dr. Elaine Choy (ylchoy@eduhk.hk) from the Department of Literature and Cultural Studies at EdUHK to jointly promote educational practices that integrate Chinese culture with holistic well-being.

Report by The Hong Kong Economic Journal: https://edu.hkej.com/php/article.detail.php?aid=64701

Launching Ceremony for 'Wushu World Champions in Schools: The Education University of Hong Kong Wushu Education Promotion Scheme'

Book Signing Session for The Worry Leo and Tai Chi Sheep at the 36th Hong Kong Book Fair

Interviewee at the Deyin Taiji Institute International Forum in the UK