Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

On August 8, 2008, Beijing staged most the elaborate opening ceremony in Olympic history. 2008 Tai Chi performers played their form in perfect synchronicity. Enjoy these pictures and video clips from their spectacular demonstration.

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics


Wushu and Tai Chi in the Bird’s Nest Stadium

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Tai Chi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Unfortunately for its fans, neither Wushu nor Tai Chi was accepted as an Olympic sport. Medals will however be awarded for the martial arts of archery, boxing, fencing, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling.

Order the official 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremonies DVD (PAL format)

6 comments

  3. Behind the scenes of the Olympics opening ceremony:

    Martial arts student Cheng Jianghua only saw the army barracks he stayed in and the stadium where he performed at the spectacular Olympics opening ceremony. But his sacrifices were minor – other performers were injured, fainted from heatstroke or forced to wear adult diapers so the show could go on.

    Cheng and 2,200 other carefully chosen pugilist prodigies spent an average of 16 hours a day, every day, rehearsing a synchronized tai-chi routine involving high kicks, sweeping lunges and swift punches. They lived for three months in trying conditions at a restricted army camp on the outskirts of Beijing.

    [continued]

  5. Beautifully executed Tai Chi. Spectacular performance. Empowering! Thank you so much. . .

    a fellow practicioner from the other side of the Earth!

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