A promise of health and tranquility

Eight years ago, on a clear April morning, 200 people gathered on the lawn of Kansas City's Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to celebrate and educate others about the healing benefits of Tai Chi and Chi Kung.

Little did they dream that this would give birth to an international movement of health and healing, and the birth of World Tai Chi and Chi Kung Day.

On April 30 Malta will, for the first time, be joining 60 other countries to mark this day, whose activities will start at 10 a.m. in New Zealand and then spread through different time zones, finishing in Hawaii. Countries from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa will be coming together for this event.

Organised on the initiative of the Malta Tai Chi Chuan Academy, Malta will be celebrating this event at the Independence Gardens, Sliema from 10 a.m.

Academy founder and instructor Paul Cardona explained that on the day, together with the Chinese Cultural Centre and the Tai Chi Society, they would be giving demonstrations in both hand and weapon forms.

The public would be able to try Tai Chi Chuan (which means supreme ultimate fist) and instructors will be available to help beginners or anyone wishing to learn more about this discipline.

"This event will not only celebrate and promote Tai Chi but humanity and the world at large. Tai Chi is a discipline that brings people together irrespective of culture, colour or creed," he said.

For Mr Cardona, Tai Chi is the culmination of a journey which started when he was a 13-year-old boy fascinated by martial arts and the ability to combine mind, body and soul into one discipline.

Throughout the years he dabbled in spirit combat, kick -boxing and karate, among others, but a university student exchange to Australia, where he trained with two masters, confirmed that Tai Chi was what he was looking for.

He went on to focus his thesis on Tai Chi and its benefits for the elderly, an area where global research has intensified.

A lot of money is being pumped into research on the benefits of Tai Chi, with claims that it improves blood circulation, reduces stress, strengthens leg muscles, improves joint mobility, improves balance and reduces the probability of falls for the elderly. A number of hospitals have also adopted Tai Chi as post-operative exercise for patients.

Moreover, it is beneficial for those suffering from arthritis because a set of gentle Tai Chi exercises can stimulate blood flow, strengthen joints and ligaments and reduce stress and tension in the body.

Mr Cardona said that contrary to perceptions, Tai Chi was not a form of yoga but a centuries-old Chinese martial art.

Internal styles are characterised by an emphasis on breathing, mental visualisation and focus, as well as graceful and fluid movements. Execution of movements in this form is generally softer, in contrast to the external style, which tends to be harsh, he explained.

"In today's fast paced life, we all seem to yearn for that moment of tranquility and quietude. The Chinese have shared their centuries-old wisdom, giving us what is regarded as a gem of Chinese culture: Tai Chi. Come and discover it."

Those interested to know more about this event or about the academy can contact Mr Cardona on 9942 1158.

www.maltataichi.com