World Tai Chi and Qigong Day Date in the current year: April 27, 2024
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day (WTCQD, alternative spelling World T'ai Chi and Ch'i Kung Day) is an annual observance that has been held on the last Saturday in April since 1999. It focuses on promoting the related Chinese disciplines of tai chi chuan and qigong.Tai chi chuan is a Chinese martial art that focuses on spiritual aspects rather than physical. It is practiced not only for its defense training, but also for health benefits. Qigong is a traditional practice of aligning breath, body and mind for martial arts training, meditation, and health. Although tai chi and qigong originated in China, they are now practiced all over the world.
The event that inspired World Tai Chi and Qigong Day was held in Kansas City, Missouri in 1998. It was organized by the Kansas City Tai Chi Club. The event included a mass exhibition and teach-in. It was covered by CNN Headline News, which helped it quickly grow into a global event.
The annual event is now celebrated throughout the world on the last Saturday in April, beginning at 10 a.m. local time. Each tai chi and qigong school, group, and association independently decides on the format of events, although most celebrations involve mass exhibitions and free classes.
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