Confucius Institute of Uepa opens free registrations for Tai Chi Chuan Workshop
The number of spots is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis
In addition to being the reference center for Mandarin teaching in Pará, the Confucius Institute (IC) at the State University of Pará (Uepa) in Belém also offers a set of activities that allow for immersion in Chinese culture. One of them is the Tai Chi Chuan course, which will be offered to the public in a workshop with free registrations open on August 4, 5, and 6, through an online form, access here.
The classes will be held on Tuesdays, always from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, starting from the 12th of this month until November 25, at the IC headquarters at Uepa, located at Travessa Dom Pedro I, No. 519, Umarizal neighborhood. There will be 40 spots available, filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Uepa notes that Tai Chi Chuan is a traditional Chinese martial art considered a lifelong activity, therefore aimed at people of all ages. In the words of Professor Shang Ying, “this martial art integrates physical movement with inner cultivation. It emphasizes the principle of using the mind to guide the 'qi' (vital energy) and the 'qi' to move the body.”
Thus, through slow, gentle, and continuous movements, Tai Chi Chuan coordinates breathing and awareness, helping practitioners enter a state of harmony between body and mind. The main focuses of this practice are relaxation, concentration, and balance, allowing practitioners to find “calm in movement and movement in calm,” says the professor.
The first 40 people to register and secure a spot in the Tai Chi Chuan workshop at the Confucius Institute at Uepa will have classes with Professor Shang Ying. He is a master in Teaching Chinese as an International Language and currently works at IC Uepa as a Chinese language teacher, offering Mandarin and Chinese culture courses. He expresses great enthusiasm in promoting Tai Chi Chuan, which he has practiced and taught at various cultural events, with the aim of sharing traditional Chinese culture with people around the world.
"In fact, Tai Chi Chuan is especially beneficial for people with busy and stressful lives, as it helps individuals slow down, breathe (better), relax, and regain balance between mind and body,” stated Professor Shang Ying.
The professor added: “Practice in a quiet place, combine movements with deep breathing, and focus attention on the body. The secret is to make Tai Chi Chuan a regular habit. Over time, you will notice positive changes in your concentration and stress management capabilities.” Advice given, now it is, who knows, to turn a plan into reality.
