A complete success: fun, challenge and positive energy - BailongBall experiences at the German Gymnastics Festival in Leipzig
"Four and a half somewhat strenuous days, with lots of fun!"
Thomas, who gave instructions and answered questions on site, summarized our impressions aptly: "It was four and a half somewhat strenuous days, with lots of fun! I found it very interesting that so many people were interested and seriously tried out BailongBall. Quite a few gave up, most of them stuck with it, though, and tried to get into touch with the ball as much as possible in the shortest possible time just to try it out."
And indeed, the willingness to get involved in this unusual sport was enormous. From children and young people to senior citizens and athletes from all professions - everyone was enthusiastic about taking up the challenge.
Thomas
Little fans, great fascination
Positive discussions and valuable impulses
The many substantive discussions we were able to have were particularly valuable. "The feeling was extremely positive, both among us in the group and among the interested people" reports Thomas. "It was very interesting to talk to teachers who were eager to try BailongBall in the classroom. They even gave me a few ideas that I would like to implement during my future visits to elementary school in order to make the sport better known in my region."
Looking ahead: Munich we're coming!
The positive response in Leipzig encourages us in our plan to make BailongBall even better known. "Bottom line, I would welcome the opportunity to return to the coming gymnastics festival in Munich," says Thomas. "We've taken the first step and I'm confident that many of the people we reached in Leipzig will also be back in Munich. They'll definitely recongnize us next time."
However, there is still some room for improvement: "We should try to get a slightly larger area," concludes Thomas. "We didn't have enough space for all the sports enthusiasts who wanted to give it a try."
Team spirit and personal experiences
For us as a team, the gymnastics festival was not only a sporting challenge, but also a great opportunity to get to know many TBBF players and trainers in person. Petra describes the event as "incredibly exhausting and incredibly marvelous." Getting to know the team driving BailongBall was particularly valuable for her: "That was just great for me."
Wok with ball – BailongBall story staged
The desire to repete such an event and a challenge
The positive experience in Leipzig encourages us to participate in similar events in the future. Petra agrees with Thomas: "The interest was incredibly high, and I can imagine that it will be no less at the next event." However, she also shares the question: "How can we turn the initial interest into a long-term commitment to BailongBall?"
Certainly not easy in these colorful times, which are also marked by dramatic events that compete for our attention. So, let's get started with enthusiasm.
"The Clan..."
Petra
... not only strong in BailongBall
The joy of sport and the enthusiasm of the younger generation
Peter, who as a member of the board played a key role in TBBF's participation in the gymnastics festival, was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the young people at the festival: "... really young people who were doing sports there and weren't just messing around somewhere, but were really working on themselves and practicing their sport. I haven't felt that kind of joy in a long time."
Unique sense of community and team strength
Peter hob auch die besondere Atmosphäre auf unserem Stand hervor: „Wir haben also wirklich teilweise nur mit Blicken irgendwo gearbeitet. Kannst du hier übernehmen? Und jeder hat gewusst, um was es geht und das war … ein richtig tolles Gemeinschaftsgefühl.“ Er betonte, dass das Team trotz einiger Ausfälle auf seine Kernkompetenzen und das Zusammenspiel bauen konnte.
BailongBall: An exercise concept for all generations
Peter sees BailongBall as more than just a sport: "Without wanting to exaggerate, our sport has a unique selling point in the field of exercise. "... the fact that we can all practice this sport together in the same way shows me that the exercise concept is valid across generations." He is convinced that BailongBall has a message for the future: "We have a concept, like an exercise template, and now, of course, equipped with our new book, we also have a good basis for expanding even further." (Note: TBBF published the book "Bailongball for Teaching" and introduces it at the gymnastics festival – more on this in one of our next posts).
Peter
Starting without a racket – everyone's swinging
Good for the federation and attracting new members
Martina emphasized the family feeling at the booth: "What I remember well is feeling this sense of family that prevailed at our booth. You could really approach anyone, ask any questions, and for me as a newcomer, that was great. When I was back at training (after the festival) for the first time at home, I showed a few of the photos and some of the videos ... and I have to say, honestly, that my people suddenly came out of their shells a bit more. We may evven have gained two new members in this short time."
Martina
Let the game begin
The principle of movement as the key to success
Martina is convinced that the principle of movement is the key to success: "I agree with Peter. The principle of movement is the be-all and end-all for us. And I recently took the exam here for the C license in recreational sports. During this practical exam, the examiner said that he completely agreed with us. And now, whenever he comes across someone who would like to do sports but can't quite make up their mind, he sends them to us." She emphasizes that everyone, from young to old, needs exercise and that it is important to overcome laziness.
Looking ahead: Leipzig – déjà vu in Munich
Martina is optimistic that the success in Leipzig can be replicated at other events: "I'm confident that some of the people who were in Leipzig will also come to Munich."
An overwhelming experience: grandeur, community, and positive energy
Uwe describes the event as overwhelming: "I've never been to a festival like this before ... on such a scale. I was really blown away ... by the crowds of people in the halls. The whole experience will definitely stay with me for a long time."
The community that has formed within the TBBF is particularly noteworthy. "It all worked out so harmoniously somehow. ... please give me a hand, here or could you step in there."
The Chinese delegation as a real highlight
A particular highlight for Uwe was the presence of the Chinese delegation. "That really provided incredible power and significance. I thought it was really great that they were so committed to us, to the federation."
Comprehensive individual coaching
Uwe
Positive response and potential for long-term contacts
Uwe was impressed by the response we received at the gymnastics festival. "I was surprised by how many people were genuinely interested in our sport." He estimates that most visitors were unfamiliar with BailongBall until then, which makes the potential for future growth even greater. "People are now aware of us..."
Long-term potential and the prospect of further events
Uwe is convinced that investing in the gymnastics festival will pay off. "I think we made the right decision and we should definitely be there again in Munich, because I believe we simply have to keep going now, and maybe there will be some overlap between the people who were in Leipzig and those who will be in Munich - they'll certainly recognize us."
A positive boost for the federation and the future of BailongBall
Uwe is optimistic about the future of BailongBall: "I am very positive about the future for us, definitely." The prospect of further events and the opportunity to attract new members motivates him to continue working on the development of BailongBall.
Art Freestyle – "The Flower Girl"
And our volunteers had fun too
An unforgettable experience despite hard work
Wenjuan describes the festival as "very, very successful" and emphasizes how intense the experience was to immerse oneself deeply in the world of various sports, especially our own, for a week and get to know the people behind the sport.
Despite the strenuous work—her cell phone counted over 20,000 steps in one day!—the positive memories outweigh the negative ones. "It was hard, but now that I've had some time to recover, I'm left with fond memories," says Wenjuan. She is very grateful for the opportunity to participate and for the support she and the team received.
Wenjuan found it particularly valuable to have the opportunity to meet so many new people and make positive contacts, including with the Chinese delegation. These new connections are an important reason to look to the future with motivation and continue the work.
Wenjuan
Great Art on the big stage
Intense experience and lively discussions
"It was crazy. Very intense." That's how Philippe describes the experience at the German Gymnastics Festival. The TBBF booth was very busy, and a lively discussion about our sports developed. It wasn't just about providing information, but also about conducting negotiations and initiating new initiatives. The TBBF team was actively challenged to answer the numerous questions from visitors and get them excited about the sport.
Interest exceeds expectations
Philippe emphasizes that the great interest in BailongBall is a positive sign. Many visitors were curious to try it out and were impressed by the "beautiful movements." Even though some of the participants wouldn't go beyond a casual try, the positive experiences outweigh the negative ones. The encounters with young athletes from other disciplines were particularly promising. Philippe hopes that these encounters will lead to new members joining the TBBF clubs.
Philippe
Synergy within the team as a key experience
A particular highlight for Philippe was the positive energy and synergy within the TBBF team. "Perhaps that is the main thing I will take away from this event." The collaboration over the four to five days was intense and enriching.
More than just BailongBall: A celebration of all sports
Philippe emphasizes that the German Gymnastics Festival offers more than just a stage for our sport. It is a celebration of all sports, where you can try out a wide range of activities and gain new experiences. He sees participating in such major events as a good opportunity to showcase our sport and make new contacts.
A call for the future
Philippe concludes by expressing his desire to continue participating in such events in the future, both in Germany and in other European countries. He is convinced that this is a good way to promote the sport and attract new members.
BailongBall Teaching Manual
Team spirit instead of individualism, high demand, and the joy of exercise
Susanne reflects on the event as characterized by high demand at the BailongBall booth and the joy of exercise. For the Vice Chairman of the TBBF, the team spirit was a particularly positive experience. "We acted as a team and not as individuals," she emphasizes. The good cooperation and cohesion within the team contributed significantly to the success.
Overwhelming demand at the booth
The TBBF booth was very popular. Susanne reports that visitors came on their own initiative and wanted to take part in the exercises. "We didn't have to ask people to join in, they just did" she says. The 20 rackets were constantly in motion, and the team had their hands full looking after the many interested participants.
Susanne
Desire for greater visibility
Despite the success, Susanne would like to see even greater awareness in the future. "We should definitely start organizing more events like this to increase our visibility," she says. Her goal is that visitors to future events say, "We've seen you before," rather than a "We don't know you."
Passing on the joy of movement
Susanne would like to share the joy of movement that she and her fellow players experience. She invites anyone interested to come and learn about BailongBall and experience its positive effects on body and mind.
Das Team des TBBF Stands
Community, flexibility, and enthusiastic visitors
The 2024 German Gymnastics Festival was not just a showcase event for the TBBF, but a real turning point. Xiaofei, TBBF Chairman, reports on an event that was characterized by community spirit, flexible adaptation, and the joy of the visitors.
From lone warrior to a strong community
Xiaofei remembers the 2017 gymnastics festival, when he was as the lone warrior. In contrast, in 2025 he experienced a strong community that had formed from a group put together at short notice. This cohesion, the shared willingness to present the sport in the best possible light, and the mutual support were crucial to the success of the TBBF participation.
Flexibility as the key to success
The event did not always go according to plan, but the team demonstrated remarkable flexibility. Planned procedures had to be discarded and replaced with new ideas – often spontaneously and bilingually. This adaptability was crucial in responding to visitors' needs and providing the Chinese delegation with the best possible support.
Enthusiastic visitors and a playful approach
One highlight was the positive response from visitors. Many spent hours at the booth trying out BailongBall and getting excited about it. The team took a playful approach and avoided any pressure or coercion. "There were no stressful moments," said Xiaofei. "We wanted people to have fun and experience the sport in their own way."
In step – learning BailongBall in a group
Xiaofei
Contrast to other sports – a positive signal
Xiaofei emphasized the contrast to other sports, which focus on spectacular performances and ambition. Instead, the TBBF concentrated on the joy of the game and positive interaction with visitors. This was a positive signal and helped to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
A call to interested parties: Become part of the TBBF family!
Xiaofei concludes with an appeal to anyone interested in BailongBall: "Come to the next gymnastics festival or similar event and get to know us! You will meet the right coach and friendly members who will introduce you to Bailongball."
Art on the big stage
Surprisingly fit thanks to enthusiasm and enjoyment
I was quite surprised to find that, despite the effort and the many hours on my feet, I was still surprisingly fit in the evenings. The enjoyment and fun I had definitely helped me to stay on top.
Inspiration, new techniques for leading large groups, and the joy of sharing
I found the 2025 German Gymnastics Festival to be an inspiring experience. For example, the valuable insights when it comes to leading large groups, as demonstrated by a member of the Chinese delegation. I was equally impressed by the energy and commitment at the gymnastics festival. A real boost for the next major event for the TBBF.
Racket game with wok
Mike
The mascot was also into the game.
The joy of showing rather than pushing
The atmosphere at the stand was really pleasant the whole time. Visitors came with genuine interest and wanted to see what we do, but above all what the sport is all about. A real highlight.
Unique experience and highly positive response
I am convinced that a visit to the TBBF booth is a unique experience and that most visitors who were not yet familiar with BailongBall were pleasantly surprised and had fun. Therefore, I can only encourage everyone to try this experience for themselves and get to know BailongBall.
Recommendation of future events
So keep an eye on BailongBall and visit us at similar events in the future. BailongBall offers something unique that, if you are not yet familiar with the sport, you have never seen before and, above all, never experienced. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised — you will probably remember your visit to our booth for a long time to come.
Volunteers on the big stage
Days full of impressions that still captivate us. We have opened this door and are excited to see where the path will lead us! Stay tuned for more updates and activities!
Mike Ritz
BailongBall Instructor
Sehr schön zusammengefasst. Beim Lesen des Beitrags ist mir mein Herz ganz warm geworden. Nimmst du einmal das Racket in die Hand, dann weißt du, wie sich Begeisterung anfühlt.
This is an incredible feeling after reading this post. Events like this festival make the world a better place. Thank you! Special thanks for the great video „Wok with ball – Bailongball story staged“)))