| James Kon |
MEMBERS of the public and guests were treated to a dazzling Taiji Wushu performance last night at the Times Square Shopping Centre.
Led by national coach Li Hui, 17 local Wushu athletes performed martial arts feats divided into 22 segments.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and spouse Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim attended the event.
Also present were members of the Diplomatic Corps in Brunei Darussalam.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam Yang Jian in her opening remarks said, “Chinese Wushu, or martial arts, has numerous categories. Quanshu, a martial arts that you play with your empty hands, has many schools.
“Contemporary Chinese Quanshu can be divided roughly into five categories, namely Neijiaquan (which uses internal strength); Changquan (long-range, which is popular in Northern China); Nanquan (which originated in southern China); Duanquan (which is characterised by swift movements and intensified strength); and Xiangxingquan (which imitates the movements of animals).
“Taijiquan belongs to the category of Neijiaquan, which focusses on inner strength. Taijiquan itself has many schools too, with at least five famous styles and a history of several hundred years.”
The Chinese Ambassador then gave a brief description of Taijiquan, which combines ancient breathing techniques with the dialectical philosophy of Yin-Yang and traditional Chinese medical science.
“Taijiquan has become a powerful martial arts which has both inner and outer strength, characterising both toughness and suppleness. It reflects the philosophical thinking of the ancient Chinese people that focusses on the close and symbiotic relationship between man and universe, man and nature, and between man and man,” she said.
“What differentiates Taijiquan from other martial arts is that it has long been taken up by ordinary people. It is now an effective sport for many people to relax their bodies, stimulate blood circulation, keep fit and live longer.”
The Chinese Ambassador also took the opportunity to wish Brunei’s Wushu athletes success for the upcoming Asian Games in August, while paying tribute to their coaches, teachers and friends for their efforts in promoting Taiji and Wushu.
Among the Wushu performers were medalists who represented Brunei in international competitions.