For centuries, the game of Go—known as Weiqi in Chinese and Baduk in Korean—has been celebrated as both a strategic pursuit and a refined art form. The game’s black and white stones, carefully placed on a 19x19 grid, represent an intricate balance of logic, intuition, and patience. Today, Go is experiencing a new chapter in its evolution, one where artificial intelligence enhances the way players study, refine strategies, and approach the game. At the heart of this transformation is Haifong Weiqi Academy, an institution that serves as both a guardian of tradition and a pioneer in AI-assisted Go education.
Located in Taiwan, Haifong Weiqi Academy is more than just a school; it is the governing body for all professional Weiqi players in the country, overseeing official tournaments and training aspiring professionals. The academy has cultivated some of Taiwan’s most accomplished Go players, many of whom have achieved success in international competitions. By combining classical teaching methods with modern AI-driven analysis, Haifong Weiqi Academy provides a unique educational environment where students learn not only the fundamentals of Go but also how to integrate advanced technology into their training.
Walking into Haifong Weiqi Academy, one immediately senses the coexistence of past and future. Traditional calligraphy scrolls displaying classic Go maxims line the walls, while digital displays analyze game patterns in real time. The academy's curriculum is rooted in history, ensuring that students understand the cultural significance of Go. Instructors, many of whom are professional players themselves, pass down the rich philosophical teachings embedded within the game. At the same time, students are encouraged to explore AI-powered Go software that can analyze board positions with remarkable depth.
One of the academy’s most distinctive aspects is its role as an incubator for professional talent. Haifong Weiqi Academy nurtures young players who aspire to enter the ranks of professional Go, offering rigorous training programs designed to sharpen their skills. From early childhood to adulthood, students immerse themselves in the game, practicing hours each day under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Many graduates of the academy have gone on to compete on the world stage, bringing recognition to Taiwan’s growing Go community.
The integration of artificial intelligence into Go training has transformed the way players study the game. AI-powered software can evaluate millions of potential moves, providing insights that were previously unimaginable. While traditional Go study often involved reviewing historical matches and memorizing patterns, today’s students can supplement their learning with AI-generated suggestions that highlight unconventional but effective strategies. At Haifong Weiqi Academy, instructors emphasize that AI is not a replacement for human intuition but rather a tool that enhances strategic thinking. Players are encouraged to engage with AI critically, using it to refine their approach while still valuing the creativity and unpredictability that define human play.
This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation extends beyond the classroom. Haifong Weiqi Academy has embraced digital media to bring the excitement of Go to a broader audience. Through live-streamed matches, interactive commentary, and online analysis, the academy makes the game more accessible to spectators worldwide. AI-assisted breakdowns of high-level matches allow even casual viewers to appreciate the depth of strategy involved, transforming Go from an abstract puzzle into a captivating narrative of competition and intellect.
Director Toshihiro Lin underscores the academy’s commitment to preserving Go’s artistic and cultural heritage while embracing modern advancements. “In addition to hosting professional Go tournaments, Haifong Weiqi Academy plays a vital role in nurturing children who aspire to become professional players and providing a training ground for current pros,” Lin explains. “Even now, many top professionals—including past world champions—come to Haifong every day to hone their skills, incorporating AI-based training into their practice. We hope that their experience and knowledge will be passed on to the next generation of players, further advancing a positive coexistence with AI.”
As technology continues to reshape countless aspects of society, Haifong Weiqi Academy offers a compelling example of how tradition and innovation can thrive together. The institution stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Go, demonstrating that even in an age of artificial intelligence, human creativity, discipline, and intuition remain at the heart of the game.
For more information about Haifong Weiqi Academy and its programs, visit Haifong Weiqi Academy or follow them on YouTube and Facebook.