Cape Town Tai Chi event moves the world

Dr Michael Lan leading a Tai Chi class.

For the past 10 years Jing-an Wellness Sanctuary Win Cape Town has been raising awareness and promoting the healing power and health benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong in South Africa through the global event, World Tai Chi and Qi Gong day, contributing to the promotion of Chinese heritage and culture.

This event occurs on the last Saturday in April every year.

It has grown to include hundreds of cities, over 80 nations and spans six continents. Founder member, Bill Douglas, and his wife, Angela, are based in America.

The aim is to create a healing wave of Chi which sweeps around the planet, as each city, country and group joins together at 10am on the day, to focus on world health and healing.

Dr Michael Lan, owner of Jing-an in Oranjezicht, and South African representative of World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day, is hosting this year’s event at the Amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront.

Dr Lan is hoping to reach a broader and wider audience, as well as demonstrating the high standards of Tai Chi and Qi Gong here in South Africa to all South Africans and the rest of the world.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong have an ancient history. On the day, different Tai Chi and Qi Gong forms and styles will be showcased by schools from the Western Cape.

Each has their own signature. Students from Somerset West will be a part of the demonstrations.

There are four main Tai Chi styles: namely Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. Although they may look different in their external form and technique, the internal principle of focusing the Chi energy in the body’s focal point – called the Tan Tien – is the basis of all Tai Chi styles.

Moving Chi energy as a continuous flow in the body benefits the whole system, which improves health, vitality and quality of life.

World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day takes place from 10am to 1pm on Saturday April 28.

There will be dragon dancing and traditional drumming to look forward to. The guest list includes Kang Yong, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China and includes dignitaries from China, local government and the health industry. Kang Yong will be the opening speaker on the day. It is a non-profit event and all are welcome.

* For more information, call Clement Lan on 021 422 5608 or info@jing-an.co.za, or visit www.jing-an.co.za