Abstract

The principles around movement and harmony in traditional Chinese culture and medicine have long influenced the development and practice of Tai Chi both globally and within Chinese communities in the diaspora. In Canada, the growth of Tai Chi can be contextualized within Chinese immigration patterns since the 1970s. There is a growing body of literature on the importance of Tai Chi in improving physical and psychological health outcomes. However, understanding the development of Tai Chi practices and the meanings it holds for its practitioners is relatively understudied. This study adopts a qualitative methodology that includes the method of semi-structured interviews with seven Chinese-speaking immigrants to examine why and how they practice Tai Chi in Ottawa. Their personal perceptions and experiences of Tai Chi were explored against the backdrop of diaspora recreation and integration processes. Our reflexive thematic analysis revealed that Tai Chi was practiced holistically for four main reasons: physical health, mental health and mindfulness, martial techniques, and social connections and well-being, with varying levels of emphasis. The study participants utilized a variety of resources both within and outside the community to sustain and adapt their Tai Chi practices to the environment of the host society and their personal time availability.