A “Chinese Kung Fu Wave” in Newcastle

Associate Professor Li Rensong’s Tai Chi Courses Build a Warm Bridge Between China and the UK

At the start of the 2025–26 academic year, after months of joint effort by Xiamen University’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the Xiamen–Newcastle University Confucius Institute, and the non-profit educational organisation International Newcastle, the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University successfully laid the groundwork for launching a brand-new Tai Chi programme. For the first time, the courses are taught by a specialist in the field—Associate Professor Li Rensong from Xiamen University’s Department of Physical Education, seconded to Newcastle as a full-time instructor of Chinese traditional sports.

Since their launch, the courses have been met with enthusiastic public interest, quickly becoming a dynamic bridge for sharing Chinese culture and fostering UK–China friendship. The programme now spans four primary and secondary schools, one community organisation, three public libraries, and four paid evening classes at Newcastle University. Almost every class has reached capacity, with learners experiencing the beauty of traditional Chinese martial arts through the balance of yin and yang, movement and stillness.

1. A Mid-Autumn Festival Debut that Captivated the Audience

Associate Professor Li Rensong, a member of the International Health Qigong Federation’s Expert Committee and a recognised practitioner of Baduanjin, has taught, competed, and performed in more than ten countries. The Confucius Institute’s Mid-Autumn Festival Gala provided the perfect stage for his first public appearance in Newcastle.

On 10 October, at the “Full Moon Over East and West, One Heart Between Heaven and Earth” gala attended by more than 150 guests, he performed Chen-style Tai Chi and Baduanjin. His graceful blend of strength and softness mesmerised the audience, drawing waves of applause and admiration.

Many attendees immediately expressed interest in joining his Tai Chi classes. Declan Baharini, CEO of International Newcastle, and her husband both enrolled and, after their first session, shared their delight and eagerness to continue learning.

2. Courses Flourish Across the City, Learner Enthusiasm Soars

The Tai Chi programme now operates at nine teaching sites across Newcastle and neighbouring areas, including four schools, three public libraries, one charity community (adult and youth groups), and Newcastle University’s paid evening classes.

The paid evening courses proved especially popular—several time-slots were fully booked within a week of being announced. A number of Newcastle University faculty members not only joined the classes themselves but also brought their family members along.

3. Teaching that Warms the Heart: Praise from Learners and Leadership

Rensong’s classes blend physical practice with genuine care. His clear explanations of yin–yang balance, posture alignment, and coordinated movement have deeply benefited learners of all ages. Among the most touching examples is a 78-year-old lady who attends every session—even while preparing for back surgery—and participates in two Baduanjin classes each week. Learners with limited mobility or Parkinson’s disease have also reported joy and physical improvement. Many invite Li for coffee after class to share their progress and encouragement.

In schools, children eagerly volunteer to demonstrate movements, offering hugs and high-fives to celebrate their improvements, while local teachers often join the sessions and record memorable moments on their iPads.

Professor Yuxiao Su, Chinese Director of the Newcastle University Confucius Institute, accompanied Li during the programme’s first week and witnessed both the learners’ enthusiasm and his heartfelt attentiveness. She noted: “This is more than cultural sharing. It reflects the essential empathy and compassion that bind humanity across cultures. Li is not only committed to teaching excellence, but also to teaching with love and care.”

4. Tireless Effort Behind the Success: A Heart Devoted to Cultural Exchange

Behind the programme’s success lies great personal commitment. Travelling long distances between teaching sites, squeezing in quick meals between sessions, and navigating buses and metros have become daily routines for Rensong.

His work aligns with a global wave of recognition for Tai Chi. UNESCO recently established “21 March” as “International Tai Chi Day”, the first UN international day named after a martial arts discipline.

Today, Tai Chi is practised in more than 180 countries and regions and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020.

Motivated by this momentum, Rensong is determined to expand Tai Chi in Newcastle and across the UK.

5. Strengthening Collaboration and Cultural Bridges

The rapid success of the Tai Chi programme has significantly enhanced the influence of the  Confucius Institute at Newcastle University. With nearly twenty teaching sites this academic year—almost double that of the previous year—many schools and libraries remain on the waiting list.

A joyful “Chinese Kung Fu wave” is emerging across Newcastle. This ancient art of wellbeing is becoming a warm and solid bridge for cultural exchange and friendship between China and the UK.