An ancient Chinese discipline that is associated both with exercise and serenity will be demonstrated in a special one-day presentation on the MTSU campus.

The Confucius Institute of MTSU, the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and Bret Hawkins Tai Chi Chuan will present a celebration of World Tai Chi Day at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, in Walnut Grove outside of MTSU’s Peck Hall.

Tai Chi is a slowly practiced, specialized movement system that requires concentration and deep breathing to be most effective. It requires no special equipment and can be performed in a variety of places.

MTSU students practicing tai chi in the fall 2017 semester. (Photo submitted)

The Mayo Clinic says tai chi is “low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is a low impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you’re an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.”

One instructor scheduled for the event, Allison Davidson, said tai chi gives one great self-awareness and control of the body.

“You move very purposefully in tai chi, being very mindful of where your feet are and where your weight is in relationship to that,” Davidson said. “It helps people to be conscious of their movements and has been shown to improve balance and reduce falls.”

Instructor Bret Hawkins of Bret Hawkins Tai Chi Chuan in Murfreesboro hails its other benefits, as well.

“It is also a unique and highly effective martial art for use in self-defense that can be practiced, without change or modification, deep into old age,” Hawkins said. “And it is a form of meditation and (is) often referred to as ‘Meditation in Motion.’”

This event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available at Old Main Circle. For more information, contact the Confucius Institute at 615-494-8696 or cimtsu@mtsu.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)