The Shaanxi Association of Canada Shines at 2025 World Tai Chi Day in Canada, Promoting Tai Chi Culture Globally

The Shaanxi Association of Canada Shines at 2025 World Tai Chi Day in Canada, Promoting Tai Chi Culture Globally

(Toronto Shaanxi Association News) On April 26, 2025

The 27th World Tai Chi & Qigong Day was held simultaneously in over 80 countries worldwide. Markham, in Canada's Greater Toronto Area, grandly hosted the second “World Tai Chi Day” celebration.

The Huashan Tai Chi Club of the Shaanxi Association of Canada organized over 97 Tai Chi enthusiasts to actively participate in this grand Tai Chi gathering. Through their spectacular performances and vibrant enthusiasm, they infused the event with rich Shaanxi cultural characteristics, fully showcasing the profound depth of Chinese Tai Chi culture and spreading its unique charm to the world.

This event was initiated and supported by the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto and jointly organized by the Canadian Martial Arts Federation and the Ontario Martial Arts Federation. It attracted over 300 Tai Chi practitioners from more than ten local martial arts and community groups to participate in this grand gathering. The event commenced at 8:30 AM at the Sports Centre on the second floor of Wangfujing Mall in Markham (9390 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON L6C 0M5). The Huashan Tai Chi Club of the Shaanxi Association made the opening appearance, participating in both the group performance and the collective demonstration.

Under the meticulous organization and professional guidance of Yang Xi'an, Director of the Sports Department of the Shaanxi Provincial Association and President of the Huashan Tai Chi Society, along with Team Captain Guo Lin and Grandmaster Du Yunfeng, the team performed in uniform white Tai Chi attire. They showcased simplified versions of the Eight-Form Tai Chi, Thirteen-Form Tai Chi, Twenty-Four-Form Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword, and Tai Chi Broadsword. The movements flowed like clouds and water, blending strength and softness, fully embodying the philosophical essence of Tai Chi “using softness to overcome hardness, unifying the inner and outer.” The performance earned thunderous applause and unanimous praise from the audience.

In preparation for this World Tai Chi Day performance, the Huashan Tai Chi Club of the Shaanxi Association has been actively organizing since the beginning of the year. Free Tai Chi and Tai Chi Sword practice sessions are held every Saturday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the basement of the community glass house at 55 Bamburgh Cir, Toronto (Unit 1805, Building 55; Contact: Yang Xi'an 289-372-0299, Guo Lin 647-716-5168). Master Du Yunfeng specifically taught the group Tai Chi forms 8-style, 13-style, and 24-style to ensure the team was in peak condition for the event. Under Master Du's meticulous guidance, participants practiced diligently, striving for precision and uniformity in their movements. Their efforts culminated in a spectacular cultural showcase on the day of the event.

On the day of the event, Mr. Zhou Zhijun, President of the Canadian Shaanxi Association, personally attended the venue to cheer on the team and share the profound charm of Chinese culture with Tai Chi enthusiasts. Vice President Ms. Lei Jihua provided full assistance throughout the event organization, ensuring its smooth progress. The team also meticulously prepared banners and team flags, showcasing the spirit of the Shaanxi Association and highlighting the members' unity, positive outlook, and passion for traditional culture.

The event program featured an opening ceremony, a simplified group performance of the Eight-Form Tai Chi, special guest performances, and group presentations. The Shaanxi Association team demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and cultural confidence during their five-minute group performance, showcasing seamless entrances and exits while seamlessly synchronizing with their self-provided music.

President Zhou Zhijun stated: “Tai Chi is a vital treasure of Chinese culture, not only promoting physical and mental well-being but also strengthening community cohesion. The Shaanxi Association will remain committed to promoting Tai Chi and traditional Chinese culture, enabling Shaanxi culture to flourish within Canada's multicultural society and contributing to the global advancement of Tai Chi culture.”

At the event, Consul General Luo Weidong of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and other guests joined all Tai Chi practitioners in performing the traditional bowing gesture, expressing respect for Chinese culture. Since its inception in 1999, World Tai Chi Day has been celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April. Starting from New Zealand, Tai Chi enthusiasts around the globe perform in a relay across time zones, creating a “wave of energy” that spans the entire planet.

At the event, Consul General Luo Weidong of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and other guests joined all Tai Chi practitioners in performing the traditional bowing gesture, expressing respect for Chinese culture. Since its inception in 1999, World Tai Chi Day has been celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April. Beginning in New Zealand, Tai Chi enthusiasts around the globe perform in a relay across time zones, creating a “wave of energy” that spans the entire planet.