On Saturday April 12, 2003, a wave of calm and soothing energy will encircle the earth uniting people from around the globe during World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. This unusual 24-hour relay will begin at 10 a.m. in the earth’s earliest time zone and at 10 a.m. in each successive time zone. People from all walks of life will gather to conduct large and small demonstrations in public parks, community centers, colleges, or other places easily accessible to the public and media. The purpose of this global event is to draw attention to the profound yet vastly underutilized benefits of the ancient Chinese practices of tai chi and qigong (“chi kung”). “This is a world demonstration to show what people can do individually to improve their health and build peace in everyday living,” says local organizer, Cynthia Eaton.

In the East Bay, World Tai Chi & Qigong Day will be celebrated in the City of El Cerrito, at the Cerrito Vista Park, from 9:30 am to 11:30 a.m., in an area located near the Avis Street entrance, just beyond the tennis courts. All practitioners and the general public are invited to participate in this free event and experience tai chi and qigong first-hand. This is an opportunity to meet people who practice and teach Chinese health and wellness exercises from all over the Bay Area. Browse through display tables, and enjoy demonstrations of different tai chi and qigong styles. Everyone is welcome to participate in stretching and warm up exercises, simple-to-follow acupressure self-massage, and then either observe or join in the group exhibitions that will begin at 10:00 a.m. Practice sessions will be followed by tea and a 1-hour meditation for world peace at 11:30 a.m., which will be held nearby at the Wen Wu School of Martial Arts, on Central and San Pablo Avenue. The public is encouraged to attend to learn how the practices of tai chi and qigong can effectively improve overall health and well-being during turbulent times.

The Year 2003 marks the fifth year of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. More than 600 events will take place in over 50 countries, including almost every state of the United States of America. Other local events will be held in San Rafael, Marin, Sebastopol, and Grass Valley, California. For information about other worldwide events planned for this day visit www.worldtaichiday.org or contact the Wen Wu School of Martial Arts, at www.wenwuschool.com .
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Local Sponsor: Wen Wu School of Martial Arts, 10124 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Local Contact: Cynthia Eaton (510) 501-4323 or Peggy Dey (510) 233-4086
e-mail: dyqg@wenwuschool.com