Jun Konno’s legacy lives on through creative new ways of sharing Ai Chi.
A couple of years ago a young Ai Chi enthusiast half a world away in the Middle East was referred to me with questions about Ai Chi practice. It was not long before she reported that she was sharing Ai Chi with grateful ladies in several towns and was tracking lower body strength, balance, mobility and walking speed with evidence-based tests and measures. Next, I learned that she had published an article about Ai Chi and had developed a version that includes cognitive challenges which she named Braichi, as it relies upon an exercise grid based on the Braille alphabet. She learned about Ai Chi through collaboration, internet research and Jun Konno and Ruth Sova’s book, Ai Chi: Balance, Harmony and Healing. While Ai Chi certification is available through the Aquatic Therapeutic and Rehab Institute and is a great way to learn how to teach Ai Chi, certification is not a requirement. Jun wanted Ai Chi to be available to everyone to use in ways that work for them, and to allow for free growth of the practice.
I love Ai Chi Day, as Ai Chi enthusiasts and practitioners from around the world have the opportunity to share their unique ways of experiencing Ai Chi. This year Ai Chi Day will be held on July 26, 2025. The Zoom program consists of multiple mini-presentations to recognize the work of Jun Konno and Ruth Sova, and in honor of the 45th birthday of Ai Konno, Jun’s daughter who is the inspiration and love behind this life-changing practice. Watch the AEA/ATRI website for registration information as the date draws near. https://aeawave.org
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