World Tai Chi and Qigong Day (WTCQD) is an annual event held the last Saturday in April in almost 80 countries in the world. This year the event will be held on April 24, 2021. Although Tai Chi and Qigong originated in China, both are practiced all over the world for health and/or self-defense. Both disciplines are related and promote health, both physically, mentally, and spiritually.
WTCQD is celebrated at 10 am local time worldwide, starting in Samoa and ending in Hawaii, almost a full day later. Twenty Five US governors have officially proclaimed WTCQD, along with California, New York, and Puerto Rico senates. All events are local and independently organized.
In 1998, the Kansas City Tai Chi Club had a large exhibition and classes. CNN covered the event which helped it to grow. The first WTCQD was organized by Bill Douglas in 1999 and it has grown exponentially. The goals of WTCQD are:
To provide education regarding medical research on the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong.
To educate about the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in education, business, healthcare, and penal and drug rehab today.
To provide a global vision of cooperation, while embracing knowledge from all the world cultures and across geopolitical boundaries.
To thank Chinese culture for Tai Chi and Qigong.
At WorldTaiChiDay.org, Tai Chi and Qigong instructors throughout the world can keep up-to-date on medical research, free resources, videos, and articles about the benefits that Tai Chi and Qigong bring to their lives. The motto of WTCQD is “One World…One Breath”.
Throughout the last 20 years, other mind-body arts, including Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, and Sufi Dance groups and associations have participated. All healing arts are invited to bring their method of focusing on health (both global and personal) and healing.
Last year WTCQD celebrations were either cancelled, rescheduled, or significantly smaller than other years. This month, many groups, schools, and organizations are planning to celebrate. Celebrations may still be somewhat smaller than years prior to the pandemic.
10 am is a great time to go out and practice your form no matter where you are or how accomplished you are. However, if you have the opportunity, do join classes or participate in exhibitions or celebrations. You will be glad that you did!