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.
Thanks for your interest in this workshop. Registrations are now closed.
Want to feel great this winter? Join in on a fun and relaxing tai chi workshop on Sunday 10 June to increase your winter wellness and boost your immunity.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines mindfulness with a series of linked postures and steps, These steps are performed in a slow, focussed manner and accompanied by deep breathing.
At this one-day workshop you will learn specially designed tai chimovements that are easy to learn and will help you to:
ward off winter’s bugs and improve your overall health.
keep warm by improving your blood circulation.
calm and clear your mind, which will help you to re-boot your immune system.
get a good night’s sleep to further boost your immunity.
ramp up your energy and strength – anytime, anywhere.
relieve stress to give yourself a fighting chance for continuing good health.
When: Sunday 10 June, 9.45am to 4pm.
Where: Te Ngakau Waiora – Mercy Spirituality Centre, 104 The Drive, Epsom, Auckland 1023. View map
Price: $95 per person (including GST). A refund is available up to 30 days before the event. Plenty of free parking on site.
Instructor:Jocelyn Watkin, who is a premier instructor with the Tai Chi for Health Institute.
Places are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Almost anyone can learn tai chi, which can be done while standing, seated or even lying down. It is a low impact exercise and is suitable for adults of any age, high school students and all fitness levels. You do not need special shoes, expensive clothing or any fancy equipment. And, you won’t get all sweaty or puffed out.
What to wear: Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes like sneakers or trainers.
Bring: a bottle of water and your lunch. If you’d like to try tai chi while lying down please bring your own yoga mat or similar.
Tea (including green tea) and coffee provided.
This tai chi workshop is for you if you:.
Want to improve your overall health and fitness.
Want to boost your immunity this winter.
Are worried whether the flu shot will be enough for all strains of that virus heading our way this year.
Want to find a better way to manage stress.
Have always wanted to try tai chi.
All welcome.
Tai chi aims to achieve harmony with nature and the balance of mental serenity and physical strength. It is the natural and peaceful way to help you to prepare for winter and sustain you over the winter months.
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’.
Thanks for your interest in this workshop. Registrations are now closed.
Almost anyone can learn tai chi, which can be done while standing, seated or even lying down. It is a low impact exercise and is suitable for adults of any age, high school students and all fitness levels. You do not need special shoes, expensive clothing or any fancy equipment. And, you won’t get all sweaty or puffed out.
