New Zealand might be the first country in the world to see the sun each day. But, not on Saturday 28 April 2018, World Tai Chi & Qi Gong (WTCQG) day. The rain really bucketed down in Auckland.
Each year on the last Saturday of April, tens of thousands of people in many cities across the world gather to do tai chi together at 10am. It is a global wave of goodwill – one human family, breathing together as one. The event’s motto is, “One World – One Breath”
Our small but determined Kia Ora Tai Chi group were one of the first in the world to kick-off WTCQG Day at 10am. We began with a warm up exercise: ‘awakening the qi’ and trying to bring on some sunbeams.
Sadly, those sunbeams wouldn’t come out to play. So, we headed indoors and created a sunny, happy atmosphere inside. Several Kia Ora Tai Chi students (in red shirts) came along to be part of this unique, world-wide event and we also attracted around 10 members of the public. Even those who had never done tai chi before were able to learn the first eight steps of the Sun-style form. Here we are doing those eight steps and basking in the sunshine of our own making:
WTCQG Day was founded 20 years ago by Bill Douglas and his wife, Angela Wong Douglas. From a small start in Kansas, USA, the event is now held in 100s of cities in over 80 countries.
Celebrate World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day on Saturday 28 April, 2018, in Wattle Downs, Manurewa, Auckland. FREE, fun and family-friendly. If you’ve ever wanted to give tai chi a go, then this event is for you. All welcome.
What to expect: We will begin with a sequence of easy, flowing, warm-up exercises which are low impact and gentle on your joints. Then, the tai chi instructor, Jocelyn Watkin, will guide you through a Tai Chi for Health form – a series of linked steps, which are performed in a slow, mindful manner and accompanied by deep breathing.
Tai chi is easy, fun and a really great exercise, which is good for your body and helpful at reducing stress. If you are unable to stand or stand for very long, Jocelyn is also qualified to teach seated tai chi, which you can do alongside of everyone.
When: Saturday 28 April 2018, 9.45 – 11am. The tai chi starts promptly at 10am.
Where: Manurewa, Auckland, 2103.
Tai chi in Clayton Park School hall
What to wear: Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes like sneakers or trainers.
RSVP: If you wish, just arrive before 10am on Saturday 28 April 2018. However, RSVPs would also be welcome via the Contact Form or you can text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851.
What is tai chi? Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines mindfulness with a series of linked postures and steps.
Strength and peace
What is World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day? Each year, on the last Saturday of April, tens of thousands of people come together in many cities across the world to do tai chi at 10am (their own local time). People of any age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or religion gather as one for the sole purpose of advancing personal and global health & healing. The event’s motto is “One World… One Breath”.
What is Qi Gong? (Qi is pronounced ‘chee’): Qi gong breathing is an integrated part of tai chi and is especially beneficial for health and mental relaxation. Qi can mean air (oxygen), life, energy or breath. The word ‘gong’ means ‘way of’ or ‘skill’. Qi Gong means: way of getting more air, life or energy. The concept of Qi is known in other cultures by different names. Star Wars fans know it as ‘The Force’.
Almost anyone can learn tai chi as it is suitable for nearly all adults (of any age) and children. You do not need special shoes, expensive clothing or any fancy equipment. And, you won’t get all sweaty or puffed out. However, if you have a medical condition that may be affected by tai chi please talk to your medical/health professional before taking part in World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day.
There’s an old tai chi joke and it goes like this: A new student approaches his tai chi teacher to ask, “Master, how do I live as long as possible?” The master, a woman of many decades experience, replies: “Keep breathing as long as you can“.
Breathing – we all do it automatically: approximately 18 times per minute, 1,080 times per hour and nearly 26,000 times in a 24-hour day. You would have thought we’d got it down to a fine art?
But, what if I told you that most of us could do this breathing thing a lot better? And, by better I mean having more more energy, less anxiety, better sleep, less stress, better posture (with less back ache), and that it was a way you could quickly calm your mind when it is revved up. Of course, you don’t have to do this type of breathing for all of those 26,000 breaths. Instead, you can try it for just for a minute or two and for 2-3 times per day – it could make a huge difference in your life and health.
Tai chi is an ancient, Chinese martial art and exercise that involves a series of movements performed in a mindful, focussed manner and accompanied by deep breathing.
You don’t have to know tai chi to learn tai chi breathing. I can show you how to do this so you can breathe your way to better health. You will be able do this anywhere, anytime, while seated or standing.
Note: This event has now passed.
What is Qi Gong? (Qi is pronounced ‘chee’): Qi gong breathing is an integrated part of tai chi and is especially beneficial for health and mental relaxation. Qi can mean air (oxygen), life, energy or breath. The word ‘gong’ means ‘way of’ or ‘skill’. Qi Gong means: way of getting more air, life or energy. The concept of Qi is known in other cultures by different names. Star Wars fans know it as ‘The Force’.
There’s an old tai chi joke and it goes like this: A new student approaches his tai chi teacher to ask, “Master, how do I live as long as possible?” The master, a woman of many decades experience, replies: “Keep breathing as long as you can“.