During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong practitioners across Western Europe began forming national organisations. These included the Netzwerk in Germany, the French Federation of Traditional Tai Chi Chuan, the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain, the Stichting in Holland, and the Swiss Federation. This expansion continued into countries like Israel, Denmark, Russia, Slovenia, Belgium, and others.
In Britain, we initiated the British Open Tai Chi Championships from 1989, with similar competitions later starting in Switzerland, Holland, France, Russia, and Denmark.
In 1991, Serge Dreyer from France convened a meeting at the Rencontres Jasnieres Tai Chi Camp—the only multi-style internal arts event in Europe at the time. We agreed to collaborate, but without structure, our efforts failed to materialize.
In 1996, the French Federation of Traditional Tai Chi Chuan hosted the 1st European Tai Chi Congress in Strasbourg. It included workshops, demonstrations, and discussions on forming a European federation. Prominent voices included Antoine Li, Marianne Plouvier, Yves Blanc, and others. A Belgian delegate proposed combining the next Congress with the upcoming Forum in Hungary, which was accepted.
Following the Forum, meetings were held to draft acceptable statutes. These meetings involved delegates from France, Holland, and Germany. At the 1997 Congress Forum in Hungary, the statutes were passed with minor amendments. It was decided that while multiple organisations from one country could join, each country would have one vote. The next Congress Forum was scheduled in Hungary for 1999.
A website was planned to list events and resources. The TCFE was registered under Dutch law with its official address in Holland.
The 3rd Forum (1999) continued the tradition of workshops, lectures, and discussions. The Congress amended statutes in line with Dutch law and elected a new Executive Committee:
It was also agreed that there would be an annual Congress.
From 17–19 November 2000, STN hosted the 1st TCFE internal arts competition and exhibition in Utrecht. The event included seminars, demonstrations, and a Congress. Though there were challenges, the Technical College helped manage conflicts. The competition attracted new members and showcased diverse styles with high standards.
Special thanks to Epi van de Pol, Rob and Eric Volke, Ellen Schoemaker, and Pierre De Cat for their immense contributions.
The 4th Forum was held in Prague, organized by Vit Vojta and Pavel Smola. New teachers from Poland, Russia, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic participated. The Czech team also arranged excursions and hospitality. A Congress was held with changes to the Executive Committee.
Denmark, via Torben Rif, proposed hosting the next TCFE competition in October 2002 in Vejle. This was accepted.
The TCFE has not worked as quickly or as smoothly as hoped, but now has both structure and goodwill. It exists to support all internal arts practitioners in Europe—not just teachers. Feedback, criticism, and especially active participation at TCFE events, such as the upcoming VIII European Championship, are essential for its continued growth.
– Dan Docherty, United Kingdom