Visualization analysis of Tai Chi teaching research in China over the past decade based on CiteSpace software

Abstract

Research Purpose: Tai Chi is a brilliant gem of Chinese traditional culture. It not only serves functions of

fitness, health preservation, and self-defense but has also been widely applied in recent years in areas like

school physical education and mass fitness. With the continuous advancement of the "Healthy China"

strategy, the demand for the scientific and standardized teaching of Tai Chi is becoming increasingly

urgent. This study focuses on the academic development trajectory of Tai Chi teaching in China,

employing the CiteSpace 6.4.R1 knowledge mapping tool for visual analysis. Through multi-dimensional

bibliometric analysis, it systematically investigates the characteristics of the core researcher groups, the

distribution patterns of major research institutions, and the evolution of high-frequency keyword themes in

this field. The aim is to reveal the internal logic of Tai Chi academic evolution, identify key nodes of

innovation within the field, and thereby provide reference points for subsequent academic exploration and

practical application.

Research Methods: By searching the China National Knowledge Infrastructure

(CNKI) database using "Tai Chi" and "Teaching" as subject terms, setting the search period from 2015 to

2024, and removing invalid literature such as conference papers and book reviews, approximately 551

articles from core academic journals (Peking University Core, CSSCI), doctoral dissertations, and master's

theses were ultimately obtained as the analysis sample for this study. Subsequently, the CiteSpace 6.4.R1

version visualization software was used to generate visual maps depicting the authors, institutions,

keyword co-occurrence, and keyword clustering of the selected literature. This was done to describe the

development trajectory, current status, research hotspots, and trends in Tai Chi teaching research.

Research Results: 1. Zhang Changnian was the author with the highest frequency of publications, with

research areas involving martial arts, traditional ethnic sports, international communication, etc., followed

by Duan Limei, Cao Maojun, Hong Shengda, Dong Yuwei, Liu Junzhan, and others.2. There were 164

contributing institutions. The top ten institutions were: Beijing Sport University, Henan University,

Shanghai Sport University, Jilin Sport University, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports,

Chengdu Sport University, Wuhan Sport University, Hebei Normal University, Zhengzhou University, and

East China Normal University.3.Keyword analysis results showed the high-frequency keywords were: Tai

Chi (123 occurrences, centrality 0.72), followed by Martial Arts (40 occurrences, centrality 0.22),

Teaching Design (25 occurrences, centrality 0.08), Confucius Institute (19 occurrences, centrality 0.07),

Current Situation (17 occurrences, centrality 0.07), Physical Education Teaching (13 occurrences,

centrality 0.03), College Students (11 occurrences, centrality 0.05), etc.4.Keyword clustering revealed

eight categories: #0 Tai Chi, #1 Martial Arts, #2 College Students, #3 Countermeasures, #4 Teaching

Design, #5 Universities/Colleges, #6 Traditional Culture, #7 Baduanjin (Eight Section Brocade).

Research Conclusion: Through the bibliometric analysis of the selected literature, research on Tai Chi in the

educational field exhibits distinct characteristics of academic concentration.1.Beijing Sport University

holds the top position in publication volume by an absolute margin, demonstrating its leading role in the

field of martial arts teaching.2.The series of studies conducted by scholars like Zhang Changnian and Cao

Maojun focusing on teaching design and current situation investigations have further promoted the deep

integration of theory and practice. This academic community, centered around universities and scholars as

nodes, provides a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Tai Chi teaching research. 3.

Keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis reveal the trend of research hotspots in Tai Chi teaching.

The prominence of high-frequency words such as "Martial Arts," "Teaching Design," and "College

Students" reflects a shift in research focus towards cultural empowerment. In summary, driven by both

policy support and methodological innovation, the Tai Chi teaching system urgently requires innovative

breakthroughs through multiple dimensions such as optimization of the theoretical system, integration of

intelligent technology, and collaborative policy innovation. This can not only facilitate its transformation

from a carrier of traditional culture into a modern educational model but also construct a multi-dimensional

development framework supporting the national fitness public service system and the global dissemination

of Chinese sports culture, thereby providing sustainable development momentum for enhancing national

soft power.