Martial arts conjure images of fierce physical confrontation, a legacy perhaps of a generation raised on Bruce Lee films and their ilk. Karate, aikido, kung fu are popular forms in Ireland while judo, in an Irish context, is regarded as a sport. Arguably the least-known martial art in Ireland is tai chi chuan.

Literally translated, tai chi chuan means "grand ultimate boxing" and is a soft style of Chinese Wushu (martial art). The Yang style of tai chi chuan is the better known and promotes healthy exercise, manifest in relaxation, healing, meditation and self-defence techniques.

The Chinese Tai Chi Healing Institute (Ireland) has taken a stand at the Mars Sports Show next weekend and its founder Master Deng Er Li, the only Chinese Master teaching in Ireland and Britain, will be present. A native of Shanghai, he has been practising tai chi for over 40 years and has been teaching in Ireland since 1982.

Master Deng Er Li also studied traditional Chinese acupuncture. He is also an authority on tui na (acupressure point massage). Master Deng, with his sister, left China for London during the Mao era with just u £120. From there they were brought to Ireland where he has lived for the last 18 years.

Tai chi chuan is essentially a series of continuous, slow graceful moves executed with suppleness. It is far less attritional than many of its counterparts. Master Deng is keen to promote the healing aspect of tai chi from simply improving posture, co-ordination and balance to providing methods of breathing, relaxation and meditation. For a limited number of those who go to the stand at the show Master Deng will attend to whatever complaints they might have: there will also be a demonstration of tai chi.