Latvian's tai chi dream takes him to China

Romans Vlasenko, a 42-year-old man from Latvia, is leading his disciples in practicing tai chi in Chenjiagou, Wenxian county, Jiaozuo city, Henan province.

As the chairman of the Latvia Martial Arts Association, Vlasenko has taught more than 100 Latvians tai chi. He has been passionate about Chinese martial arts since childhood, and has come to China over 20 times to study kung fu. He has learned styles including Wing Chun, Xing Yi Quan and Shaolin boxing, but his favorite is tai chi.

This summer, he was invited by the Chinese embassy in Latvia to come to Chenjiagou, which is the cradle of tai chi in China. He and his over 20 disciples are following tai chi master Zhang Fuwang to learn Chen-style tai chi.

"I love tai chi, Chinese martial arts and Chinese culture. I want to let more people get to know Chinese martial arts culture through my efforts," Vlasenko said.