Don’t Miss The Tai Chi Gala!

A gathering of internal arts friends, mavens and instructors will be taking place at The Tai Chi Gala in Albany, New York on June 7-9th. What is the Tai Chi Gala? Taijiquan Master, Jou Tsung-Hwa originally founded an event called “Zhang San Feng Festival” in honor of the legendary founder of the art of Taijiquan Grandmaster Zhang San Feng. The purpose of the festival was to unite all Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Qigong and internal arts enthusiasts in a spirit of brotherhood and sharing instead of competition or factionalism.

Wang Rengang teaching students

The weekend event was originally held at the Tai Chi Farm in Warwick New York a 150 acre site devoted to the practice and learning of all internal arts for health, martial skills and spiritual attainment. Presenters at these Festivals read like a who’s who of the elite in Chinese internal arts some of the dignitaries included, Master William C.C. Chen / Master B.P. Chan / Canada’s Sam Masich / Dr.Yang, Jwing Ming, Daoist and Buddhist monks and many, many other visitors from China.

Loretta Wollering

After Master Jou’s untimely death in a car accident Loretta Wollering one of Master Jou’s inner door students took over the challenge of keeping the festival alive. She has kept the concept of the event the same; but although the event is for all internal martial arts the name was changed to “Tai Chi Gala.” This makes it easier for all people to pronounce and remember. Whether you are completely new to the Chinese internal martial or healing arts, or if you are experienced, there’s something here for you to learn and enjoy. Come and make new friends, meet share and learn from highly skilled instructors and masters from China, Canada and the USA. With one inexpensive registration, you can take all the workshops you want for the whole weekend!

The topics this year are plentiful and rare – learn something fascinating in: Taijiquan (Tai Chi Ch’uan), Baguazhang (Pa Kua Chang), Xingyiquan (Hsing Ch’uan), Qigong (Ch’i Kung), meditation, Chinese massage and Acupressure, Push Hands from Taiji and Bagua, sword and other weapons programs and other esoteric Chinese healing and martial art topics will be presented and it is all for one price.

You can experience hands-on work in martial applications and Qi development. There’s something for everyone, guaranteed. Between workshops, enjoy our vending area where you can get hard-to-find books, clothes, metaphysical items, custom Chinese calligraphy and more. We end with a moving Daoist ceremony and friendship procession. Please do come and join us, you won’t be disappointed.

Students studying at The Tai Chi Gala

The Festival was traditionally followed by Master Jou’s close friend Baguazhang instructor Dr. John Painter’s Gathering of the Nine Dragon Baguazhang Circle, a five day intensive training in all aspects of Baguazhang from Qigong to practical applications and the way of Baguazhang weapons.

Gathering of the Circle 2013

Wind Palm Qigong and Martial Skills
Plus Chinese Chan (Zen) Sword Drawing Tactics and Wind Sword Combat

About Baguazhang Wind Palm:

As a martial art method wind is one of the most unpredictable of the palms. Known as Pi-Zhang the Wind palm appears to be a simple chopping action yet, this is deceptive. Wind energy uproots splits and divides an opponents balance and control in a way unlike any other Nine Dragon Baguazhang posture. It is highly effective for self defense as it can be used for stopping strikes and kicks by attacking vulnerable pressure points or easily breaking arm and leg bones and for creating instant knock out strikes. There is no other posture like the Pi-Zhang Wind energy forms as a method of moving rapidly through multiple opponents.

We will be instructing Wind Palm Qigong for health in the morning sessions. Wind Palm martial skills and circle walking during the afternoon and Wind Palm Sword Tactics in the evening.

The Tai Chi Gala will run from June 7-9th and The Annual Gathering of The Jiulong Baguazhang Circle is scheduled take place June 10-14 in Albany New York.

For more information and registration for the Gala or Gathering of The Circle check out the Tai Chi Gala website http://taichigala.com/

John Painter can be reached at www.thegompa.com