Over 100 shadowboxing fans and athletes from overseas enjoyed the opportunity of sharing their experience in learning the art with the Chinese masters and athletes face to face during the 2nd World Taijiquan and Health Conference held in Haikou of Hainan Province from Dec.18 to 20.

Some 2,000 athletes and fans participated in the Conference, among whom more than 100 were from nine foreign countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Cuba. They have showed great passion toward the traditional Chinese martial art.

Mike Mulready, a company auditor from Connecticut, USA, who has been practicing shadowboxing for more than two years, said that it helps him relax himself.

"Shadowboxing is really a good way to keep me healthy," said Mulready.

Barbara Chan, Mulready's wife and shadowboxing coach, has been practicing the Chinese martial art for over 10 years and looked fairly young at her age of 57.

"Shadowboxing is my favorite sport. I love it because it helps me keep my shape and make Mike and I more harmonious than before," she said.

George Samuel from Virginia, USA, who took the sport six years ago, performed the Chen-Style Taijiquan in Tuesday's competition. Chen Style is considered the most difficult, and Samuel chose it because he believes it is the most original.

"Shadowboxing is a total art! Unlike other martial arts which are based on the strength of muscle, shadowboxing relies on internality, energy as well as your bones. It's a perfect combination of body and mind," Samuel said.

One Chiao Hing, an adviser from the Philippine Wushu Federation, is a coach of the Philippine team to the conference.

"Human body is just like a car, which needs maintenance from time to time. And shadowboxing in the morning is a proper mechanism to keep you energetic in the whole day's work," One said.

He thought shadowboxing is perfect for senior citizens as it does not call for much strength, without any danger when practicing.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2005)