Wu Qian (front) practices Tai Chi at Jiangnan Tai Chi Culture Center on June 26. [China News Agency/Sun Quan]

Wu Qian, a 9-year-old tai chi learner from the city of Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, has passed a high-level national martial arts examination making herself the youngest person to do so across the country.

Wu earned a 3rd level qualification, issued by the Chinese Wushu Association, out of a possible nine level ranking system.

On June 26, Wu attended a local industry park with over 200 tai chi lovers from Wuxi and nearby cities, to exchange views and discuss their hobby.

"According to rules, only those above 16 have a chance to attend the exam," Zhou Xiao, an expert, said. "But Wu grasps the main points even better than adults trained several years longer than her, so we made an exception. She passed it in one attempt."

Wu attends a local primary school. Due to her special talent in tai chi, Wu has already been hired as Zhou's teaching assistant. During weekends and holidays, Wu also carries out free teaching activities in communities to promote the art.

According to Wu's father, her mother gave birth to her at an advanced maternal age, and Wu suffered from some physical difficulties early in her life. "We took her to hospital seven or eight times a year. We heard practicing tai chi helps strengthen the physique, so we sent her to a training center."

Zhou said that they will introduce tai chi to local primary schools to improve the health condition of pupils while ensuring the passing down of the tradition.

(Source: China News Agency/ Translated and edited by Women of China)

By Sun QuanEditor: Joyce Dong