Now to Tunisia, where the first martial arts instructors training course in Tai Chi and Qi Gong is being hosted. The sport is little known in the country, but organizers are hoping that it will soon grow in popularity.
They are students, doctors, and managers. But for the past week they've left their desks and offices to take part in this workshop to become Tai Chi and Qi Gong instructors. Wassim is a company manager. He suffers health problems. But regular practice of Qigong has helped him get better.
"I have blood circulation problems, but with regular practice of Qi Gong, I feel great improvement. For Tunisians - considering the high-stress level and the problems that our country faces, this is a great way to beat the stress and to find a good balance between focus and personal goals," Wassim said.
And to give them the best start, the training is led by two masters. Professor Luc Bendza from the Beijing University, as well as an actor and action movie star, and Roger Itier, world vice-champion of Kung Fu and expert in Tai Chi and Qi Gong. They say there's a new demand for the practice in this region that comes with social and political changes.
"I've travelled to France, Europe, and North Africa to promote and explain Chinese martial arts. Tunisian candidates are great and very engaging. We feel that there is a new demand for this here, you saw the series of terrorist attacks across the globe and in France, as well as political changes, which have created a lot of anxiety, and so Tai Chi and Qi Gong will help make people less vulnerable to this kind of stress," Roger said.
Minutes before the final exam, students are making their last preparations before taking to the stage in front of their masters.
"I feel stressed now, just like in any exam, because I have to put everything that I've learned and I must be up to expectations," said Meriem Sghir, martial arts student.
This is the first class of Tai Chi and Qi Gong instructors in Tunisia. Every move and every breath matters in front of the expert eyes of their judges. After a long week of training and examinations, students meet again to receive their certificates as the organizers plan to spread the martial arts across the country.
"In the future, we would like to see more trainers and professors who will promote Tai Chi and Qi Gong. A happy person is a healthy person, so it was important for us to come to Tunisia to promote and train people, which will also improve the relationship between China and Tunisia," said Luc Bendza, professor, Beijing Sports University.
Whether for heath or relaxation purposes, these people have come to search for inner balance and peace, and they will leave with not just martial arts certificates, but also with new friends as well.
