She’s some 8 years older than her mother in law. She also looks after her entire family, even the grandchildren. She’s pretty sure her unremitting practice of Tai Ji is responsible. And she also happens to be 88 years old herself.
If there is a clearer case illustrating the health benefits of Tai Ji, we’ve yet to see it. With 2 hours of practice daily for the past 30 years under her belt, she is Lu Xiujin, the Tai Ji coach of Daoguan Residential Community in Quanshan District of Xuzhou.
When Lu retired at the age of 55, she was plagued by ailments such as cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation and Meniere’s syndrome. She often felt unbearable pain going to bed at night. She sought medical advice everywhere but could not find a suitable solution.
Then, in 2001, Lu’s partner contracted lymphoma and ever since, she has been responsible for the whole family’s livelihood. In the midst of such difficulties, she looked for ways to stay fit and strong.
She learned Tai Ji and became obsessed with the martial art, going on to practice it non-stop, daily, for 30 years.
Sometimes when sweeping the floor or cooking, she would inadvertently make Tai Ji movements. It was common for her vegetables to overcook, or for her pot to become burnt.
But her partner never blamed her. Instead, he said with a smile, “Honey, forgetting such is a small matter. You are the backbone of our family. Keeping fit is a blessing. I support it!”.
Since 2003, Lu has learned many different kinds of Tai Ji, during which time she felt that her physical fitness continued to improve. Speaking with the Yangtze Evening News, Lu said, “The surprise that Tai Ji brought me was not only my physical health, but that it also made me feel happier”.
But now that Lu is old, she looks to her favourite disciple, Ma Yuping, to take the baton from here on in. Today, the 88-year old sleeps well, has sufficient energy and few ailments. With deep emotion, Lu said, “I have only scratched the surface of Tai Ji and it has already brought me a lot. In my twilight years, I want to do my best to help Tai Ji, the quintessence of China, benefit more people”.
