On 8 August 2020, USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) did a soft re-launch of the Tai Chi sessions at Green Dragon Square in the city center of Leicester — a famous on-going program for more than four years. A dozen of regulars were invited to the event with the Tai Chi teachers.

Pic 1 - Soft-Launch of the CI's Regular Tai Chi Sessions

With the familiar soothing music, the Tai Chi lovers began with the traditional Chinese salute — right fist behind left palm — to show respect and honour to each other after the long Covid-related isolation. They started the warm-up exercises with easy motions for better coordination. It did not take them long to recall the moves they had been practicing. They enjoyed doing Tai Chi again as a group especially after the four-month lockdown.

Thousands of local people have benefited from the CI’s Tai Chi sessions at the Square from April to October for four years. The pandemic prevented the CI from resuming the Tai Chi sessions in April as planned. With the support of the City Council, International Taijiquan & Shaolin Wushu Association and Leicester Market, the CI was able to soft launch Tai Chi again last Saturday shortly after the lockdown was lifted in Leicester. Participants were delighted to meet old friends and practice Tai Chi together. During the break, they greeted each other and shared how Tai Chi friends had been supporting each other virtually during the lockdown days. They promised to meet for Tai Chi more regularly since it is a perfect way to stay safe and strong against possible infection of diseases.

Pic 2 - A Corner of Green Dragon Square after 4 Months of Lockdown

Jenny, a local Tai Chi lover, told CI teachers that she was very glad to be able to practice Tai Chi again with her friends at the Green Dragon Square. To her it marked the beginning of getting back to normal. Everyone came to the realization that practicing Tai Chi is also a convenient way to contribute to UK’s national campaign against obesity.

Draft: Wei Zhiping

Revision: Yang Yingjun