World Tai Chi and Qigong Day Event on Saturday

This Saturday, Cane Creek Recreation Center is hosting a free event in celebration of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day.

The day is used to promote health, peace, healing, and Chinese arts across the world. Tai Chi assists with balance, flexibility, coordination, and strength. Instructor Nikki Desch, a sifu of Tai Chi, said all members of the community should come and experience the many benefits of the martial art.

“It will improve the balance, improve your coordination, and overall health to yourself. The awareness of your body–you will become aware of what’s going with your body.”

Desch has over 40 years of experience in the art of Tai Chi, and this year marks the 12th celebration held in Cookeville.

While Tai Chi is considered both an art form and a form of exercise, Desch said that another important aspect is that of unity–it’s a thing that can bring a community together from all different backgrounds.

“It is about peace and health. That’s part of what Tai Chi is. We practice because we want to be healthy, we practice because we want to have friends, to make friends, to be friends–it doesn’t matter what color your skin will be–we’re there to be friends, and to have peace.”

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Cane Creek Recreation Center. Desch also instructs three six-week programs: Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Thursdays at 11:30 a.m., and Fridays at 10  a.m.