Meet Martin A. Haase: a Victoria-born Canadian who swapped maple syrup for acupuncture needles in Changsha 17 years ago 🍁➡️🏮. What started as a high school fascination with Chinese martial arts led him on a lifelong journey into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and cross-cultural diplomacy.
⚡ The Spark: In his teens, Martin found philosophy in martial arts moves. A teacher’s nudge brought him to Hunan Province to study TCM, where he fell in love with China’s heritage: "The wisdom in these practices isn’t just about healing—it’s about harmony," he says.
🤝 Building Bridges: Today, Martin designs student exchanges between Changsha universities and British Columbia, blending modern education with ancient practices. "When Canadian students experience tea ceremonies or tai chi, it clicks—culture isn’t a wall, it’s a doorway," he explains.
📢 His Invitation: Martin urges global youth to visit China: "Wander beyond the Great Wall photos. Taste street food, learn a qigong stance, debate Confucius over milk tea!" His passion project? Creating more "culture ambassadors" like him 🌐✨.
