
UC Foundation Professor of Medical Anthropology Zibin Guo began the Wheelchair/Adaptive Tai Chi program in 2016 to train health care workers to teach the smooth, fluid movements of the martial art to veterans with disabilities. Photo by Angela Foster.
Dr. Zibin Guo, UC Foundation professor of medical anthropology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, recently represented UTC on the world stage as a speaker at the 2024 Global Martial Arts Forum in Chungju, Republic of Korea.
The conference was hosted by the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement under the auspices of UNESCO (ICM).
Guo’s presentation highlighted his innovative work in developing and implementing wheelchair and inclusive Tai Chi Chuan programs for vulnerable populations across the continent.
He said his presentation aimed “to showcase the enduring wisdom of Tai Chi Chuan—a form of martial arts—in fostering self-confidence, ability, unity, grace, well-being and the desire for flowing nature for vulnerable populations.”
“In doing so, this paper also demonstrated that martial arts of all forms, including Taijiquan, are not only born from human values but also embody and practice them,” said Guo—a member of the UTC faculty since 1998. “It was a great honor to be able to represent UTC and speak on this world stage.”
During the UNESCO forum, held under the theme “Martial Arts as Living Heritage: Its Past, Present, and Future,” Guo joined global leaders to discuss how martial arts can address contemporary challenges and foster sustainable development. His work aligns with UNESCO’s mission to use cultural practices to promote well-being and advance the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Kim Gyujig, secretary-general of UNESCO-ICM, praised Guo’s contributions in a thank-you letter following the forum.
“The diverse perspectives and insights shared during the forum will serve as an essential foundation for promoting the value of martial arts as an intangible cultural heritage,” Kim wrote. “We truly appreciate your dedication and look forward to your continued support and engagement in future initiatives.”
Guo’s work has long focused on using Tai Chi as a tool for empowerment and healing.
His Wheelchair/Adaptive Tai Chi program, which ran from 2016 to 2023, trained health care providers nationwide to teach martial arts to veterans with disabilities. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, reached nearly 1,500 health care professionals and partnered with 80 VA medical centers across 46 states.
Guo, in a 2023 interview, said the VA liked his tai chi program because “it is really transforming the sense of perception of disability into ability.”
Those with disabilities often feel powerless, he said, “and when you feel powerless, you become defeated. Power is something measurable, something muscular, some physical ability, but from an anthropological point of view, that perception is wrong because power is socially, culturally constructed.”
Tai chi, he continued, isn’t about physical power; it’s about taking the weakness in your body and turning it into something that makes you feel powerful.
“Tai chi is really about gentleness,” he said.
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Dr. Zibin Guo was a featured speaker at the recent 2024 Global Martial Arts Forum (photo courtesy of Dr. Zibin Guo).