Tai Chi Conquers Illness in Hallenser's Case, With Him Now Sharing His Knowledge
In the heart of Halle, Germany, every morning at half past seven, a group gathers on Ziegelwiese for a unique and inspiring practice. Led by Volkmar Rohse, a former bookseller who discovered his "lifesaver" in Tai Chi, the group has been meeting since 2013.
Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art cultivated as a meditative movement discipline, has been Rohse's passion since 1987 when he first read about it in his bookstore. A customer's invitation to a Tai Chi course became a turning point in his life, providing him with a means to combat his illness and find a new purpose.
Rohse, now in his 80s, has been holding his Tai Chi and Qigong course every day since 2013. Qigong, a kind of Chinese gymnastics that promotes blood circulation and corrects body posture, is often practiced in conjunction with Tai Chi in Rohse's group.
The courses, which are offered for free and open to everyone, have become a beloved fixture in the local community. Rohse sees his role as a "small support" to his participants, especially those who are sick, and he aims to continue leading his group until he is 105 years old.
Researchers from California have found that mindfulness trainings, including mindfulness meditation through apps, can help women achieve a higher quality of life during menopause by reducing stress levels. Similarly, the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong has been shown to improve physical and mental health, making it an attractive option for many.
Some statutory health insurers cover the costs for Tai Chi or Qigong courses, making them accessible to a wider audience. The popularity of these practices is not limited to Halle, with the worldwide practice of yoga, including Hot Yoga, demonstrating the growing interest in mind-body connection and holistic health.
Hot Yoga, a form of yoga practiced at high temperatures, is popular in Leipzig. While not offered in Rohse's group, it shares the same goal of bringing the body, mind, and breath into harmony.
For those interested in joining Rohse's Tai Chi and Qigong group on Ziegelwiese, local community centers, parks departments, or online event calendars in Halle, Germany, may provide further details. Social media platforms or local newsletters might also contain information about these activities. Alternatively, reaching out directly to Rohse or contacting local Tai Chi and Qigong groups in Halle could provide more precise details.
As Sachsen-Anhalt Heute reported on July 23, 2025, Rohse is not one to dwell on his illness. Instead, he focuses on the positive impact that Tai Chi and Qigong have had on his life and the lives of those he teaches. His dedication to his practice and his students serves as a testament to the transformative power of these ancient disciplines.
Science has demonstrated that practices like Tai Chi and Qigong, rooted in health-and-wellness, can significantly improve both physical and mental health. In the heart of Halle, Germany, a group practicing these ancient Chinese disciplines meets on Ziegelwiese every morning, led by Volkmar Rohse, a dedicated proponent of fitness-and-exercise who turned to Tai Chi as a means to combat his illness.
