On Why Fitness is Becoming the New Beauty With Tai Chi Master Bo-Yee Poon

To the casual observer, the idea of upheaval and change within the tai chi community might seem a bit odd. After all, what could there possibly be left to tweak in a practice that has existed for so long? A lot, according to Bo-Yee Poon. The American-born Chinese tai chi master, mother, and CGTN weather anchor has been practicing tai chi for more than 15 years, and has witnessed many changes within the martial arts community in recent times. Ahead of her first appearance in an international wushu tournament this weekend in Daxing, she talks us through some of them.

What were some of the changes or developments that you noticed in tai chi community recently?
I noticed more unity in the tai chi and martial arts community than ever before. I noticed more people getting back to the roots of martial application as there was an uproar with a hoax of fights challenging tai chi martial arts masters across the nation … [in which] external martial artists struck up with traditional martial artists seemingly out of nowhere.

Many say it’s been a long time coming. Many martial artists these days don’t fight anymore and if they don’t fight it is hard to have the skills to fight. Some people obviously got tired of hearing hype about big-name traditional martial artists whom they knew were standing on empty ground. So, a new humbleness has been gained in the tai chi community this year.

At the same time, I’ve noticed that more middle-aged and even younger people are getting involved in tai chi and that it is really becoming a fashionable choice of exercise and lifestyle, similar to what yoga has become in many developed countries.

Events were opened to more people as president Xi Jinping and the General Administration of Sport of China made traditional martial arts competitions, including tai chi tournaments, free of charge to enter. This has had a huge impact on the community. This new set of event regulations has made it fairer than ever before for people of all social classes to be able to participate. As a result, I have noticed more enthusiasm towards traditional martial arts and culture this year, which has also resulted in a greater sense of unity and equality in the community. People of all different social and economic statuses are joining together for daily training and special events.

Another great improvement has been prohibiting smoking in public buildings and public parks. Many people exercise in the park, and having cleaner air to breathe is a great improvement. I hope to see the regulations prohibit electronic cigarettes in public places too.

Have you noticed changes in the way in which different communities and people engage in and access martial arts and sports generally?
I have noticed a shift in the sense of beauty here in Beijing. For as long as I can remember, having lived in China on and off since 1992 and nearly full-time in Beijing for the past 15 years, from my perspective, beauty has been about looking dainty and pale, to the point of appearing frail. But over the past few years and even more noticeably this year, fitness is becoming the new beauty. Having a sculpted body, practicing yoga, going to the gym, and getting back to tradition has become trendy. With this apparent new form of healthy and fit beauty, greater diversity and acceptance has resulted. It’s really a huge shift in the collective consciousness – a great shift! Older people are dancing to hip-hop and young adults and even kids are getting into the zen. So overall, a greater sense of balance has emerged this year.

Are there any changes or improvements that could be made for the community?
One thing I would like to see changed would be the regulations on taking the subway. One thing limiting the martial arts community right now is not being able to carry traditional training equipment. Even though the swords, sabers, spears, crests, and such often have rounded edges much duller than a fruit knife, scissors, or ski edges, yet they cannot be carried on the public subway. So, getting to competitions or to class is a challenge. With the traffic situation in the capital, the subway is often the best and most reliable form of transportation.

What are some ways that people who may be interested in tai chi, or sport in general, could get involved?
Finding a teacher or a class is very easy these days, through the internet and networking platforms. There is sure to be a class of the sport you are interested in here in Beijing, and possibly nearby in your district. If not, you could always create a club of your own by posting on the Beijinger and on WeChat.

You can catch Bo-Yee this weekend at the 12th Beijing International Wushu Invitational Competition at the Daxing New Town Stadium (near North Gaomidian station on Line 4). She'll be competing in both the Female Traditional Bagua Quan and the Female Traditional Long Weapon Spear Play between 8am-midday on Sunday. For more details, check out the event website here (in Chinese).

Feeling frisky? See all of this weekend's sports-related event right here.

Photos courtesy of Bo-Yee Poon