The Event of Chinese Martial Arts Evening was held in the evening of February 4th, 2010 in Ra'anana, a small beautiful city in Israel. H.E. Mr. Zhao Jun, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Israel and H.E. Mr. Nahom Hofree, Mayor of the city attended the Event and delivered speeches respectively.

In his speech, Ambassador Zhao said, "Chinese Martial Arts have a long history of about 4000 years. It strongly emphasizes ethics and morality, based on Chinese culture of harmony, peace and tolerance. It has the function of physical fitness and self-defence. There are different 'families', 'sects' or 'schools' of Martial Arts, Taiji is one of them. It's probably the most widely practiced form of exercise in China. There are also more and more people in the world interested in practicing Taiji. On the occasion of celebrating the 18th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the People's Republic of China and the State of Israel, the Event held by Israel Chinese Wushu Center offered a chance to the local people to have a better idea about Chinese culture by practicing Chinese Martial Arts and promote the understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries."

Ambassador Zhao Jun delivering a speech

Mr. Hofree said, "It is very proud for our city to hold the Event of 'Chinese Martial Arts Evening, as it is a good chance for the local learners of martial arts and audience to experience the charm of Chinese Martial Arts. What we saw tonight let us know that Taiji culture is a kind of essence of the Chinese nation, which shows beauty and persistence. I am very happy to see many local residents accepting and welcome Chinese culture and I hope that the cultures between our two countries will be promoted to a great extent in the near future."

Mayor Nahom Hofree delivering a speech

Then, the local learners, from the ages of 5 to 70 years old, performed Taiji Boxing, Taiji Fan, Taiji Sword and Health-fitting Ball Exercises etc. During their performances, they concentrated their attention on each movement of their body, their hands and feet both energetically and precisely. They received warm applause from the audience after each performance.

Learners performing Taiji Boxing	Learners performing Taiji Fan

Kongfu performed by a five-year-old little learner

The Israel-Chinese Wushu Culture Center was set up by Ms. Li Ronghua, a Chinese living in Israel. Ms. Li has engaged in teaching local people Chinese Martial Arts for about a decade and has about 2000 students who are from different parts of Israel. At present, four of her students have been awarded the Certificates of Third Duan of Taiji Boxing issued by the International Martial Arts Association. Ms. Li is praised by her students as the best teacher of Taiji in Israel.

The venue of the Event of Chinese Martial Arts Evening was decorated by the red banners with the slogans of Promoting Chinese Martial Arts and Experiencing Taiji Culture. There are also three huge words of Energy, Spirit and Vitality, which are the themes of Taiji. Chinese knots and lanterns were also hung at the venue. Popular Chinese folk songs could be heard during the activity. At the end of the Event, hosts and guests took pictures for memorizing the unforgettable Chinese Martial Arts Evening.