BIOGRAPHY of TINGSEN XU, PhD

Dr Tingsen Xu, Ph.D. (1930-2012), was a Tai Chi Grand Master from Shanghai, China, renowned for teaching Tai Chi Chuan in the context of traditional Chinese culture and the 5,000-year-old Yin Yang philosophy.

Dr. Xu was an associate professor at Emory University in the Department of Physical Education and Dance, a former professor in China, President of the Tai Chi Health and Research Association, and President of Tai Chi Research Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Xu studied Tai Chi Chuan (Yang, Chen style and Push Hands) under the guidance of Grand Master Gu Liuxin, who was the Chairman of the Martial Art Association in Shanghai and the student of Grand Master Chen Fake, 18^th generation of the Chen family.

Dr. Xu had an extensive biochemistry research background and published over 100 scientific papers on topics such as Tai Chi Chuan and cholesterol. Dr. Xu increased public awareness of the importance of prevention in solving the nation’s health problems, focusing on the demonstrated benefits of Tai Chi Chuan on reducing falls in senior adults. Dr. Xu also reaches out to younger age groups to help with problems of stress, overeating, and lack of physical activity. He taught four Tai Chi Chuan classes at Emory University. His videos include Tai Chi: The Gift of Balance and 24 Forms of Tai Chi Chuan. He regularly gave workshops, demonstrations, and talks across the United States and was the subject of numerous interviews for television and print on the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan for all age groups.

Dr. Xu was honored with numerous scientific awards and four major awards in the field of martial arts.

•          Special Research Award, USA World Kung Fu Federation (USAWKF), 1999
•          Six World Chinese Cultural and Artistic Heritage Award, Taiwan, 1998
•          Excellence in Research Award, PT97: Scientific Meeting and Exposition, San Diego (also honoring Dr. Steven Wolf and others), 1997
•          Science and Progress Award, World Tai Chi Conference. Beijing, 1996

 In 1996, Dr. Xu formed the nonprofit Tai Chi Health and Research Association to promote Tai Chi Chuan culture through workshops, retreats, practice sessions and discussions about Chinese culture, including the arts, food, herbs, and history. The Association also serves to encourage research into the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan for mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Members regularly give demonstrations around the Atlanta area throughout the year. In addition, Dr. Xu maintained a demanding teaching schedule. He counted former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalyn Carter among his students.