Tai Chi in Tunisia: Bedis Zouiten takes Chinese sport to young Tunisians

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02:02

Let's follow up Chinese pastries with some traditional Chinese exercise, Tai Chi. A Tunisian man in the country's capital Tunis is known as one of the most talented Tai Chi instructors in Africa. Bedis Zouiten acquired the skills from disciples of influential Chinese masters, and is now teaching the art in his country. CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi has more.

For over 2 decades, Bedis Zouiten has been training Tai Chi adepts across Tunisia. His admiration for this Chinese sport and art is infinite.

BEDIS ZOUITEN TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR "Tai Chi is an internal martial art. It is a state of mind and a source of power and inspiration. It reflects the beauty of Chinese culture."

Dozens of professional dancers from the Tunis Opera Ballet have joined the Tai Chi Course at Tunisia's City of Culture.

BADIS HARCHICH DANCER, TUNIS OPERA BALLET "As a professional dancer, I need to improve my fitness, performance and flexibility. Now I can push the limits of my body thanks to Tai Chi."

Practitioners come from many regions and social backgrounds. Bedis believes that he's spreading peace through Tai Chi.

BEDIS ZOUITEN TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR "Any man, woman or child on earth can learn Tai Chi. This discipline gives power and self-confidence. Tai Chi adepts reject violence because they can control the feeling of anger through the dissipation of negative energy."

Many cultural and sports centers in Tunisia are now offering Tai Chi courses. Instructors here in Tunis are planning to organize a national Tai Chi convention and to invite Chinese masters to partake in the international event.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA "20 years ago, the first Tai Chi instructors arrived from China to spread the word and to share their knowledge and skill. Tai Chi is now gaining in popularity across the North African state. AC. CGTN."