Chongqing - Within the confines of a tai chi club, donning traditional tai chi attire, complete with a goatee beard, 76-year-old Ming Kairen embodies the role of a skilled practitioner and a proud descendant. However, when he mounts his motorcycle, an entirely different persona emerges - that of a fashion-forward grandfather adorned in a motorcycle jacket, sunglasses, jeans, and a stylish metal chain.

The 76-year-old Ming Kairen is an heir of Tai Chi and a motorcycle enthusiast. (Photo/Liu Li, Yang Fan)

Ming Kairen's journey spans five decades of devoted tai chi practice. He has resided within the club's walls for 13 years, wholly committed to elevating the status of this revered Chinese tradition. Yet, not only tai chi captivates him, his passion for motorcycling runs equally deep. With a collection of four motorcycles, he even embarked on a solitary ride to Tibet, demonstrating his unwavering ardor for adventure.

Life, as Ming exemplifies, boasts multifaceted dimensions unbounded by age restrictions. This principle holds especially true for him.

The confluence of tai chi and heritage

The Ming-tai chi narrative commenced half a century ago. At 25, a genuine interest in tai chi took root within him. "During those times, tai chi instruction was scarce, compelling me to independently learn from magazines, DVDs, and those practicing in parks," he reminisces.

Yet, this was just the start of Ming's learning journey. Determined to deepen his understanding, he journeyed to Henan four times. There, he encountered Zhang Zhijun, an internationally acclaimed tai chi master, who became his mentor. Ming was officially designated the 12th-generation heir of Chen-style Taichi Quan, unlocking the art's true essence of melding resilience with fluidity.

Ming Kairen is the 12th-generation heir of Chen-Style Tai Chi and has been practicing tai chi for 50 years. (Photo/Liu Li, Yang Fan)

Today, as he imparts the 13 fundamental tai chi postures, including "peng" (warding off), "lv" (rolling back), "ji" (pressing), and "an" (pushing), Ming remains faithful to the teachings of his master Zhang. His emphasis on the virtues of aspiring apprentices underscores his belief that ethical integrity precedes skill mastery.

Unlike conventional norms, Ming is open to female apprentices, reflecting his commitment to equality. In his haven, he's resided for over a decade, ensuring accessibility for students eager to embrace tai chi's wisdom.

Gong Jing, a 34-year-old female apprentice, is a testament to Ming's influence. Despite her relatively brief apprenticeship, the allure of tai chi's profound martial arts heritage captivated her from the outset. "Each movement envelopes me in the vast richness of traditional martial culture," she attests.

The motorcycle enthusiast

Ming's motorcycle persona starkly contrasts with his tai chi identity within the club.

"Dad, promise not to exceed 50 miles per hour in the city," insists Ming's son, Ming Yahua, after numerous negotiations. 

Over the past decades, Ming has swapped over 20 motorcycles, retaining four loyal companions. These machines have accompanied him on remarkable journeys to Tibet and western Sichuan. A tai chi banner, affixed to his bike becomes a conversation starter with those he encounters en route. His initial trip to Tibet was rooted in the desire to gauge his physical prowess after years of tai chi practice.

As a motorcycle enthusiast, Ming Kairen has ridden to Tibet and western Sichuan. (Photo/Liu Li, Yang Fan)

Yet, challenges are inevitable. Safety and accommodation concerns during his voyages. Although he fell from the bike countless times and had to come back by plane due to an arm injury, Ming embodies tenacity and breakthroughs, defying the limitations of age.

Harley gear, leather jackets, and sturdy boots belie his years, underscoring his dedication to self-improvement and unyielding passion.

In his life, constraints hold no sway.

This year, his itinerary encompasses experiencing the beauty of China by motorcycle, taking in the breathtaking Nine Bends of the Yellow River. Upon his return, his mission to propagate and expand the horizons of tai chi continues unabated.

(Liu Yujing, as an intern, also contributed to this report)