World Tai Chi Day celebrated

THIS year’s World Tai Chi Day made history by having a live worldwide stream starting off in New Zealand at 10:00 (their time) and went across the globe, ending in Hawaii.

An expected 100 nations took part with hundreds of cities and thousands of people taking part in this annual event, and the local celebrations were held at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton.

“World Tai Chi Day is not just about health and exercise. It is about uniting people across the globe, irrespective of colour, creed or religion. It is about uniting the world with two common goals, bringing peace and health to everyone so we can live in harmony with each other,” says Craig Boden, from the Tai Chi Chuan Institute in Alberton.

Tai Chi Chuan Institute, along with the South African tai chi members and guests started at 09:00, teaching and demonstrating to the public the positive effects that qigong offers. The oldest student taking part was 87 years old.

Two schools also took part in an Art in the Park workshop, where children were encouraged to do artwork representing the five elements that make up our planet.

“Tai chi is probably still the fastest growing martial art, as more and more people are turning to it for its health benefits, as the tai chi movements are very low impact, allowing everyone to be able to do it. By practising tai chi, we stimulate our vital organs and increase our blood and oxygen levels in the body. Tai chi strengthens the muscles, increases flexibility in the tendons, increases bone density and nourishes the bone marrow and much more. People with cancer, sugar diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis and other lifestyle sicknesses all benefit from practising tai chi,”