World Tai Chi & Qigong Day

Join us in celebrating World Tai Chi & Qigong Day with a special series of Tai Chi classes showcasing a variety of traditional styles. From flowing, meditative movements to dynamic, martial-inspired forms, each session offers a unique way to cultivate balance, strength, and inner calm. Whether you’re new to Tai Chi or an experienced practitioner, come explore the richness and diversity of this ancient art in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

Each session will be held on Frantz Square Lawn. They are all free and open to the public, so drop in to any sessions you’re interested in!

• 10 – 10:15 a.m.: Opening Intentions & Meditation
  Alex Wall — East Cloud Kungfu
  A guided opening to ground the body and mind, establish shared intention, and create a focused, welcoming container for the day’s practices.
• 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.: Old Style Yang Taiji (Form & Structural Principles)
  Gabrael St. Clair — Double Dragon Alliance of Durham
  An exploration of Old Style Yang Taiji emphasizing classical structure, continuity, and body mechanics. This session focuses on solo form principles that support martial application, partner work, and long-term internal development.
• 10:45 – 10:50 a.m.: Short Playlet of the Dong Bin Form
  Old Yang Style Taiji — a comprehensive long form that stays true to the martial applications of Taiji.
• 10:50 – 11:20 a.m.: Wudang Tiger Qigong
  Keely — Snake and Turtle Martial Arts
  An introduction to the Tiger form from the Wudang Five Animal Qigong system. This practice strengthens the body and organs, builds rooted power, and cultivates calm focus. Suitable for all ages and abilities; children under 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
• 11:20 – 11:25 a.m.: Taiji Fan Demonstration
• 11:25 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.: Yangsheng Zhang (Qigong Staff)
  Gabrael St. Clair — Double Dragon Alliance of Durham
  A Tai Chi–inspired staff practice formally introduced by the Chinese Health Qigong Association in 2010. This set emphasizes nourishing life (Yangsheng), balancing Yin and Yang, and integrating coordinated whole-body movement with breath and intention.
• 11:55 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Reading from a Taoist Text
• 12 – 12:30 p.m.: Wuji & Primordial Qigong (Hun Yuan)
  Arthur Freeman — East Cloud Kungfu
  Join us for a journey into Primordial Qigong (Hun Yuan), an ancient Taoist practice designed to harmonize body-mind-spirit with the natural rhythms of the universe. Through fluid, circular movements and an emphasis on the Yin Qi, we will “return to the source,” dissolving stress and gathering internal energy. We will conclude a shortened version of the set with the profound stillness of Wuji, a standing meditation to allow our minds to settle into deep peace.
• 12:30 – 12:35 p.m.: Taiji Spear Demonstration
• 12:35 – 1:15 p.m.: Shaolin Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade)
  Imari — East Cloud Kungfu
  A classical Shaolin Qigong set designed to cultivate whole-body health, vitality, and internal strength. Ba Duan Jin systematically opens the joints, stretches the sinews, regulates the breath, and supports healthy organ function while calming the nervous system. In this extended session, participants will explore correct structure, coordinated movement, breath awareness, and energetic intent, gaining insight into how this foundational practice supports longevity, resilience, and balanced daily living.
• 1:15 – 1:45 p.m: Shibashi Qigong
  Tish Oakley — Earth Monkey Energies
  This is one of the Qigong sets that you will find on Wednesday nights here at Downtown Cary Park! This is a beautiful Qigong set complete with movement, breathwork, and guided imagery, perfect for beginners all the way to advanced. There are 16 movements, and each one will be repeated for the body to open and release. A perfect way to show ‘kindfulness’ to your body and mind.
• 1:45 – 1:55 p.m.: Cheng Man-ch’ing Style Yang Taiji
  Lei Guo
  An introduction to Cheng Man-ch’ing–style Yang Taiji, emphasizing relaxation, balance, efficiency of movement, and internal continuity. This approach highlights Taiji as a refined practice for health, awareness, and sensitivity.
• 1:55 – 2:00 p.m.: Taiji Sword Demonstration + Closing

Know Before You Go

• This event is open to the public.
• This event is suitable for all ages.

Inclusion Services

Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.