DROP IN TO SUPPORT BIG GIG

IT'S 5pm on a cold Thursday night and commuters are buzzing around Glasgow, weaving through the noisy rush-hour traffic as they race to catch their buses and trains.

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But the atmosphere is completely different in a corner of Rose Street as Master Gerry Wan leads his Tai Chi pupils through their exercises at Garnethill Community Centre.

A stillness has fallen over the room and everyone is moving with grace and unity, guided by Gerry and some calming music.

Scenes like this are becoming more common across Scotland, with increasing numbers of people turning to Tai Chi to boost their health and wellbeing.

When Gerry first started teaching in Glasgow nine years ago after retiring as a restaurateur, he had just one student. Now he is passing on wisdom to over 100 people, across six classes each week. Tai Chi, which began in China in the 17th century, has evolved from a combat sport into an exercise and relaxation technique, combining meditation with movement.

Four years ago, Unesco added it to their Intangible Cultural Heritage list and next month Kelvin Hall will open its doors for a celebration of Tai Chi.

It is the first time such an event has been held in Scotland and it will mark World Tai Chi Day on March 21, coinciding with spring's vernal equinox.

Gerry, at the age of 72, is putting his heart and soul into the event.