Some people choose to relax by taking a bath, reading a book orwatching a game on television. Others, however, relax by practicingthe ancient Chinese exercises of health, spiritual growth andself-defense, T'ai Chi and Qigong.
"People of all ages and levels of ability can enjoy the benefitsof T'ai Chi," said Shelia Rae, a T'ai Chi instructor at The U of Mand the only instructor in Tennessee certified to teach T'ai Chifor Arthritis.
Rhodes College invites patrons to join in celebrating World T'aiChi and Qigong Day Saturday, April 12, at 9:30 a.m. The event willbe held at Oak Alley and is scheduled to end around noon.
In light of the war with Iraq, organizers of the celebrationencourage everyone to join in the worldwide event with the hopes ofusing a combination of martial arts and meditation to relax andsooth.
The event will be celebrated in hundreds of cities in the UnitedStates and around the world and will begin in every time zone at 10a.m., starting in the world's earliest time zone. Patrons of themartial arts join together with the intention of "creating ahealing wave of energy that circles the globe," Rae said.
Following a brief warm-up, all participants will separateaccording to their martial arts school or discipline to performtheir skill. After the exhibition, those in attendance will beoffered a forum to discuss their discipline.
The free event is meant to educate the world on T'ai Chi andQigong and focus on personal, social and world health through thesynchronized practicing of the martial arts.
Even though T'ai Chi classes have been offered through thecontinuing education department at The U of M since 1983, this yearis only the third that World T'ai Chi and Qigong Day has beencelebrated in Memphis.
Rhodes College will be home to the celebration this year, but itis believed that The University of Memphis will be hosting theevent in 2004.
Despite being new to the area, the turnout at the event in thepast two years has been impressive.
"Last year the event was a raving success," Rae said.
T'ai Chi is a 3,000-year-old Chinese art of moving energythrough the body to develop "perfect health." The martial art isbased on Chinese acupuncture and designed to allow practitioners tobalance the energy within the body, cure disease and live longerhealthier lives through stretching and correct breathing.
Both T'ai Chi and Qigong are believed to be self-therapy for themind and body and are still prescribed as remedies in Chinesemedicine.
Although many remain skeptical about Eastern medicine, somebelieve the martial arts can aid in relieving ailments such asArthritis, muscle stiffness, low energy and a weakened immunesystem by improving flexibility, balance and circulation.
Although T'ai Chi and Qigong may not be as widely know as Karateor Yoga, this growing discipline of martial arts will make avisible presence at The U of M next spring with the possibility ofthe World T'ai Chi Day on campus.
