Ye Qiang: Sixty Years on the Tai Chi Path, Ninety Years of Life’s Emotions

(Miri, 9th) Tai Chi grandmaster Ye Qiang stated that after sixty years—a full cycle—Miri Tai Chi Association has welcomed its 60th anniversary celebration. Looking back on the journey, he expressed deep emotion and was gratified to see that the tradition of the Huang-style Tai Chi is being passed down, and there are successors to carry on.

He made these remarks last night during his speech at the “2026 Huang-style Tai Chi International Forum Training Camp, Miri Tai Chi Association 60th Anniversary Celebration, and Grandmaster Ye Qiang’s 90th Birthday Banquet” held at the Grand Palace Hotel banquet hall.

Ye Qiang recalled that in 1966, he brought his wife and two children from Kuching to Miri. At that time, he had nothing except his passion and vision for Huang-style Tai Chi.

He said that at that time, in a strange environment and with rudimentary facilities, from leading people one by one, to teaching every move and form, step by step, he established the Miri Tai Chi Association.

He said that after about 28 years of hard work, in 1994, with the passionate efforts of teachers, students, and Tai Chi friends, the association established its own clubhouse, allowing the society to develop more steadily.

He pointed out that after the Malaysian Huang-style Tai Chi Association Headquarters was established, naturally the Miri Tai Chi Association joined as well. He was honored to become the third-generation inheritor of Grandmaster Huang Xingxian and to serve as the chief instructor.

“After stepping into the center of the association’s administration, I felt a great sense of responsibility, not daring to slack off. I planned visits and inspections of various branches, patiently instructing and passing on all my knowledge.”

Ye Qiang said that while arranging and organizing new Tai Chi routines to suit modern teaching, he also considered how to lead Huang-style Tai Chi towards a bright future and ensure its timeless legacy.

He said, later he initiated and organized fellowship gatherings and promoted demonstration competitions. The ultimate goal was to use organization and systematization to encourage students to keep their motivation to improve through competitions, and through frequent interaction, deepen the bonds among students.

Ye Qiang pointed out that time waits for no one. Ten years ago, he retired, passing on this heavy responsibility to Ye Xiuwen, the fourth-generation inheritor and chief instructor.

“It is gratifying that he is now leading the team—still full of determination and moving forward—towards new heights.”

He said the 60th anniversary celebration was not only to mark the glorious past of the association but also to pass on the torch to future generations.

“Seeing so many fellow practitioners of Huang-style Tai Chi from home and abroad enthusiastically gather to celebrate, I truly feel that our association and Tai Chi have successors.”

Ye Qiang also summed up his inseparable bond with Tai Chi as: “Sixty years on the Tai Chi path, ninety years of life’s emotions.”

He said that his decades-long affinity with Tai Chi has, over the years, become part of who he is; Tai Chi and himself have become intertwined, and Tai Chi practice has become a way of life.

“It has also made me deeply realize that Tai Chi is not just about martial arts, but also about the principles of being a good person.”

Ye Qiang said that the greatest happiness in his life has been forming a connection with Tai Chi, walking this journey with everyone, and being grateful to the community and all the old friends who have worked hard together.

He said he deeply feels and appreciates the bonds between master and disciple as well as everyone's respect and dedication.

"I hope that over time, you will experience for yourselves all the benefits that Tai Chi brings.”

He expressed his gratitude and best wishes to all the leaders, Tai Chi friends from home and abroad, and guests who attended the celebration, wishing everyone health, happiness, and longevity.