Intl Health Qigong Tournament, Exchange to be held in US

The International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange will take place for the first time in America on Aug. 18-24 in New York City and New Jersey, which will be the largest event ever hosted by the International Health Qigong Federation (IHQF) with 400 participants from 30 countries and regions.

The 5th International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange will consist of various exhibitions, demonstrations as well as individual and team contests all towards a goal of increasing skills and enhancing international friendships, said Wang Lan, secretary general of the IHQF, at a press conference held Thursday.

The Tournament will feature various methods of Health Qigong: Yi Jin Jing (muscle-tendon change classic), Wu Qin Xi (five animal frolics), Liu Zi Jue (the six healing sounds), Ba Duan Jin (eight section brocade), Tai Ji Yang Sheng Zhang (healthcare Taiji Mace), Daoyin Yangsheng Gong 12 Methods, Shi Er Duan Jin (twelve section brocade), Mawangdui Daoyin Shu, and Da Wu (big dance).

Prior to the tournament, a forum will be held featuring renowned scholars, doctors and experts from China, U.S., Germany, Belgium, South Korea and Hong Kong of China who will present keynote addresses introducing the latest research findings. Experts will respond to questions from the attendees.

A Health Qigong training seminar will be held after the tournament. This year, professor from Tsinghua University, Beijing Sport University and Shanghai University of Sports will host the workshop for 150 participants to explain Qigong, Taichi Yangsheng Zhang, Daoyin Yangsheng Gong 12 Methods, and Wu Qin Xi.

According to Chang Jiangping, president of Chinese Health Qigong Association, "Qigong originated in China and now belongs to people internationally. The event scheduled for The United States will be a world-class celebration of improving health and fitness."

Qigong, meaning "life energy cultivation", is an ancient Chinese marital art that is physical as well as mental. It combines the alignment of breath, movement, and awareness for better health, fitness and personal growth.

Qigong has developed over the centuries and in 2001 Health Qigong became the 62nd official sport conducted in China. While Qigong and Health Qigong are often used interchangeably, Health Qigong refers to a revised form that better meets the requirements of modern society.