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Western Michigan University Asian Initiatives

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Tai Chi and Meditation

with Cheng Tao

2026-01-16 11:00:00 2026-01-16 12:00:00 America/New_York Tai Chi and Meditation Learn information about Tai Chi and Meditation through the Haenicke Institute from Western Michigan University Portage District Library - *Austin/Sugarloaf/West & Long/Gourdneck Lake Rooms

Friday, January 16
11:00am - 12:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-01-16 11:00:00 2026-01-16 12:00:00 America/New_York Tai Chi and Meditation Learn information about Tai Chi and Meditation through the Haenicke Institute from Western Michigan University Portage District Library - *Austin/Sugarloaf/West & Long/Gourdneck Lake Rooms

Portage District Library

*Austin/Sugarloaf/West & Long/Gourdneck Lake Rooms

Learn information about Tai Chi and Meditation through the Haenicke Institute from Western Michigan University

Registration required

Cheng Tao will be here courtesy of the Asian Initiatives and Hainecke Institute at Western Michigan University to teach participants the basics of Tai Chi.

Presenter's Bio

Cheng Tao is a Professor of Education at Jiangsu Maritime Institute, Jiangsu, China, and a visiting professor at Haenicke Institute for Global Education, Western Michigan University, since June 2022.

Holding a master’s degree in Higher Education from Southeast University, Nanjing, China, Tao has been teaching for over 30 years, including Tai Chi. Tao has practiced Tai Chi for over 25 years and has taught different age groups. From the summer of 2022, Tao has been teaching various Tai Chi classes, including Basic Tai Chi, Intermediate Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword, and Tai Chi Fan, on WMU campuses and at local community centers, including regularly teaching a Seated Tai Chi class at the Portage Zhang’s Senior Center.  Tao also leads various cultural workshops, including Kalamazoo’s Workout Wednesday, Encounter Tai Chi at Kalamazoo Public Library, Tai Chi demonstrations at Chenery Auditorium, Miller Auditorium, and Grand Rapids’ Art Prize. Tao’s classes are well-received and liked by students of all levels.

Tao bears genuine respect and care for his students. Over time, Tao received various organizational recognition, such as “The Most Well-Received Teacher Award” by Jiangsu Maritime Institute in June 2011, “Outstanding Teacher Award” by Jiangsu Maritime Institute in February 2014, “Excellent Teacher Award” at Jiangsu Maritime Institute in 2017, “Distinguished Visiting Professor Award” by Asian Initiatives, Western Michigan University in June 2023, and “Excellence in Teaching Award” by Portage Zhang Senior Center in June 2024.

Tao’s wife is currently pursuing her Ph.D. degree at WMU, and his two boys are attending elementary school in Kalamazoo, MI.

Event Contact: Rachael Wiegmann

Location Details: Austin, Sugarloaf, and West Rooms, located on the lower level of the library.

Accommodations

All participants are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at rwiegmann@portagelibrary.info in advance of your visit.

AGE GROUP: | Adult |

EVENT TYPE: | Activity |

TAGS: | 4:Adult Dept | 3:Standard | 2:In person | 1:Adult (18+) |

Portage District Library

Phone: 269-329-4544

Hours
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Mon, Jan 12 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Jan 13 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Jan 14 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Jan 15 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Jan 16 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jan 17 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jan 18 1:00PM to 5:00PM

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Located near the intersection of S. Westnedge and Shaver Rd, Portage District Library offers ample parking, EV charging, and access to the Portage Bikeway.

Upcoming Events

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Fri, Jan 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Portage District Library - *Austin/Sugarloaf/West & Long/Gourdneck Lake Rooms
This event is full