"Fit For Life, Go for Taiji": Celebrating the First International Tai Chi Day at UNESCO

Just days before the very first International Tai Chi Chuan Day, UNESCO hosted the "Fit For Life: Go For Taiji" ceremony on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to mark this historic day, bringing together institutions, experts, and key players in the field. This event, at which CIJFADAM was present as a guest of honor within the framework of the Fit For Life Alliance , marks the beginning of global recognition for this martial art and its benefits for a more united world.

Celebration of the First International Tai Chi Day at UNESCO headquarters.

Global recognition supported by UNESCO

On November 5th, during its General Conference, UNESCO officially proclaimed March 21st as International Tai Chi Chuan Day . This decision marks a major step forward in the recognition of traditional martial arts as vehicles for health, peace, and intercultural dialogue .

Read our article on the designation of March 21 as "International Tai Chi Chuan Day" by UNESCO .

The celebration on March 18, organized at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, was the first official manifestation of this initiative on a global scale.

Institutional speeches in favor of Tai Chi (Her Excellency Ms. Xinyu Yang, Ms. Lidia Arthur Brito, Ms. Zhang Yuping)

A high-level institutional ceremony

The event was marked by speeches from leading international figures:

• Her Excellency Ms. Xinyu Yang , Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the People's Republic of China to UNESCO, praised the role of Tai Chi in bringing cultures closer together.

• Ms. Lidia Arthur Brito , UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, emphasized the physical and mental benefits.

• Ms. Zhang Yuping , Secretary General of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), emphasized the international dimension of this art.

These speeches highlighted the importance of TaiChi as a living cultural heritage , but also as a concrete tool for well-being, education and social cohesion .

Tai Chi in motion: between tradition and modernity

Beyond the speeches, the ceremony gave full rein to practical application:

• Tai Chi demonstrations by Chinese and French experts.

• Highlighting the technical and artistic richness of this discipline.

• An illustration of its accessibility to all audiences.

These performances embodied the fundamental values of TaiChi: harmony, balance, and self-control .

Tai Chi demonstration at UNESCO headquarters in Paris

CIJFADAM, an active participant at the heart of international dynamics

As the guest of honor at this celebration, CIJFADAM (represented by the Founding President and members of his Cabinet) fully participated in the institutional meetings.

This event thus made it possible to:

• Strengthening ties with international players in sport and culture.

• Affirming the FADAM vision: to use martial arts as a lever for peace, unity and brotherhood between peoples.

• Strengthen synergies with UNESCO initiatives, particularly within the framework of the Fit for Life program.

The day concluded with an interview of the President of CIJFADAM by CCTV , demonstrating the growing international visibility of the movement.

Heading towards March 21st: a global mobilization underway

This first celebration paves the way for a global dynamic.

In this context, CIJFADAM is co-organizing an official celebration of International TaiChi Day in Paris on March 21 , bringing together experts, institutions and the general public.

A unique opportunity to:

• Discover Tai Chi.

• Participate in demonstrations.

• To become part of a rapidly expanding international movement.

Conclusion

The celebration of March 18th at UNESCO marks the beginning of a new era for Tai Chi Chuan and, more broadly, for traditional martial arts. Through its commitment, CIJFADAM confirms its role as a key player in promoting a meaningful sport that serves humanity and community.

👉 To learn more about UNESCO's official recognition of Tai Chi, check out our dedicated article: "UNESCO proclaims International Taijiquan Day".

👉 Participate in the March 21st celebration in Paris by registering now: Reserve your place and join this historic moment!