BUDAPEST, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of practitioners gathered at Heroes' Square on Saturday morning to celebrate the first International Taijiquan Day, joining a worldwide promotion of the traditional Chinese martial art and healthy lifestyles.
Under sunny, breezy spring skies, participants of all ages performed Taijiquan together in the open air. With no music, the slow, flowing movements created their own rhythm, highlighting both the physical and meditative qualities of the practice.
The event was organized by the Hungarian Traditional Kung Fu and Wushu Federation to celebrate the inaugural International Taijiquan Day.
"This event is significant because this is the first International Taijiquan Day," Ferenc Szollosi, vice president of the federation, told Xinhua. A Taijiquan coach with 25 years of experience, he said the aim was to bring people together through shared practice while showcasing the city of Budapest.
"Participants ranged widely in age, from 13 to nearly 80, reflecting the accessibility of Taijiquan across generations," Szollosi added.
For many, Taijiquan represents more than physical exercise. "It started as a leisure activity, but it became part of my everyday life," said Lajos Toth, a former musician who now works in orchestra management. He noted that beyond movement, Taijiquan offers insights into philosophy and culture, contributing to overall well-being.
"It's amazing to think that even thousands of people around the world are doing the same thing, experiencing the same practice, and moving in unison at the same time," Toth said. "Being part of that is truly wonderful, and we can share this experience with others as well."
Alexandra Rudolf, who began practicing in 2019, said the discipline supports both physical and mental development. "It helped me better understand myself and push my boundaries, not only physically but mentally as well," she said, adding that she is particularly interested in its health-preserving aspects.
Organizers hope the initiative will raise awareness of Taijiquan in Hungary, where more dynamic, external martial arts have traditionally been more popular.
"Many people practice Taijiquan for health reasons, including improving overall well-being," said Istvan Varga, head of the Hungarian Traditional Kung Fu and Wushu Federation, expressing hope that future events would attract participants from across the country.
Younger practitioners also took part in the event, including junior athletes preparing for international competitions. Konrad Vereb Illes and his coach Barnabas Balogh are set to travel to Tianjin, China, to compete in the World Junior Wushu Championship.
"My dream is to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games," said Vereb Illes, who has been training since the age of seven.
As part of the global celebrations, similar events were held around the world, with practitioners performing synchronized routines and sharing a common experience across borders. ■