Guidelines and Acknowledgment for WTCCF Volunteers

Guidelines and Acknowledgment for WTCCF Volunteers

Date:2025/10/31

To All Volunteers of the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation,

Subject: Appreciation and Clarification of Volunteer Responsibilities

Dear Volunteers,

On behalf of the World Tai Chi Chuan Federation (WTCCF), I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued dedication and support. Each of you plays an important role in sustaining our Federation’s international network and promoting the spirit of Tai Chi around the world.

First of all, please rest assured that flexibility remains one of our core principles. We understand that everyone has personal and family commitments, and that circumstances may change unexpectedly. All of us here are volunteers who love to travel and share Tai Chi with others. Therefore, there is no obligation to remain bound to any fixed schedule—you may opt out or take a break whenever necessary.

The only period when we hope everyone can be more available is during the preparation phase for the World Cup Tai Chi Chuan Championship, which typically begins about two months before the event. The three weeks leading up to the competition are especially active, as we need more helping hands to contact international associations, respond to correspondence, prepare meeting documents, and organize the Tai Chi Festival performances.

Even during that period, however, there are no time restraints, since we are not engaged in paid positions. Our work is purely voluntary, which is also why I personally chose to give away the so-called salary.

Outside of the World Cup preparation period, our activities are entirely task-based and self-directed. There are no fixed working hours, quotas, or mandatory office attendance, except when receiving visiting guests. Occasionally, there may be friendly exchange events between Taiwanese and international Tai Chi practitioners, though these are infrequent.

Throughout the year, we focus mainly on maintaining relationships with overseas associations—sending greetings, keeping in contact, and encouraging participation in future World Cups. Other ongoing duties include preparing certificates, maintaining the Federation’s website, and publishing at least one Federation periodical annually.

For reference, I personally go to the Federation office every Thursday morning from 9:00 to 12:00, though attendance is not required of any volunteer. I also travel often; for example, beginning November 10, I will embark on a one-month visit to the Balkan countries. Even while abroad, I remain available by email for correspondence and coordination.

At present, there is no budget allocation for transportation or volunteer expenses. These matters will be further discussed with the new chairman, to be elected in March next year, after which the new team will formally assume office. The final decisions on all financial matters will rest with the chairman.

As many of you know, two organizations share the same office space:

• The World Tai Chi Chuan Federation, which operates without regular income and receives limited government subsidies only when hosting international events; and

• The National Tai Chi Association, which conducts domestic activities and collects fees to sustain its operations.

Despite these differences, both organizations share limited resources and rely heavily on volunteer participation. Our small administrative team includes only three paid staff members, with Ms. Xiaowei serving as the sole administrative clerk for both organizations—a demanding responsibility that underscores the importance of our shared effort.

The Federation’s mission is rooted in volunteerism and friendship. Everyone contributes according to their ability, availability, and interest. No one is compelled to take on more than they can manage. What we gain from our work is not material benefit, but the friendship, experience, and cross-cultural understanding that come from our collaboration with Tai Chi practitioners worldwide.

Looking ahead, the next chairman—an entrepreneur—has expressed an intention to increase financial support for the Federation. Should that commitment be realized, our working conditions will certainly improve. If not, I may also consider stepping down; however, I sincerely hope that you will continue to support the Federation and work with the next Secretary-General, just as I once continued after my predecessor’s departure.

Once again, I thank all of you for your willingness to serve. Your contribution—no matter how large or small—helps keep the Federation alive and connected to the global Tai Chi community. I truly believe that your participation will bring both personal fulfillment and lasting friendships.

With deepest appreciation and warm regards,

Peter Tsai

Secretary-General

World Tai Chi Chuan Federation

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The Sole腳底

The Sole腳底 

When you sink your weight to the Yongquan point (湧泉穴, K1)—the bubbling well at the sole of each foot—you allow both your body weight and internal qi to settle naturally into the ground.

It is said that:

“The qi sinks to the dantian, and the weight sinks to the Yongquan.”

“Rooted in the feet, issued through the legs, directed by the waist, and expressed in the hands.”

As you relax and sink, the Yongquan points open, and the energy (qi) spreads downward and outward, like tree roots growing deep into the earth. This rooting gives you stability, balance, and an unshakable base—so even when someone pushes you, your structure remains connected to the ground.

The more your root grows deep, the more your upper body feels light, alive, and free to move. This balance between sinking below and lifting above is a key Tai Chi principle called “上虛下實” (empty above, solid below).

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太極拳中常說：

「氣沉丹田，重心落湧泉。」

「根於腳，發於腿，主宰於腰，形於手。」

當你將身心鬆開、氣沉下去，意念導引至腳底的湧泉穴，氣與力會像樹根一樣向地面四散伸展。

這時腳掌與地面緊密相吸，身體的重量均勻分布，內氣循經脈下行，形成「氣沉丹田、根生湧泉」的穩定結構。

越能「沉得下」，上身就越「輕靈」，動作自然柔中帶剛，不浮不飄，立如山而動如水。