It is challenging to run an annual training program for more than 5 years without repeating itself. How about more than ten years? It takes a special talent and hardworking discipline to pull it together year after year. Sifu Loretta Wollering of Internal Gardens (Boonton, NJ) is exact that type of person with a strong passion to promote the Chinese Internal Art relentlessly and she is now presenting the 2019 Tai Chi Gala with a new exciting program.
Funded in 1977 by late Grandmaster Jou, Tsung-Hwa as “Zhang San Feng Festival”, it was once the largest Chinese internal martial art event in the U.S. It accommodated all internal arts of Wudang, Tai Chi (Taiji), Qigong, Xingyi, Bagua, Xin Yi, and some rare internal martial art styles to honor the Daoist Monk Zhang San Feng. Sifu Loretta Wollering, Jou’s only disciple, took over the stewardship of hosting the event after Jou’s untimely fatal car accident in 1998 and renamed the event the Tai Chi Gala to carry on the tradition. In 2017 Sifu Wollering reverted the Tai Chi Gala to its original concept and selected the rustic yet beautiful Camp Lindenmere (see the slideshow above) in Poconos Mountains, PA to host the event and to be with nature. The Tai Chi Gala has enjoyed its success since. Last year, the Tai Chi Gala grew bigger and attracted young practitioners in their 20’s and 30’s. This year the Tai Chi Gala will be held again at Camp Lindenmere on May 31 – June 2.
Unlike other type of workshops only focuses on one topic, the Tai Chi Gala offers 30 workshops during the weekend to practitioners of all skill and knowledge level. These courses are suitable for people of all ages. In general, there are four or five workshops taking place simultaneously. This year 16 seasoned instructors and Sigongs from all over the U.S. and Costa Rica are invited to teach a diversity of courses. You can review the credentials of all instructors here.
With its creative design, each workshop session dedicates to a specific topic but many of the lessons can be pertinent to all regardless which styles or forms a practitioner has been studying, for example this year Sifu Ken Lo’s “3 Energy Points of the Head”, Sigong Dr. Painter’s “Yi Chen Gong about Intention Rooting”, Sifu Harry Legg’s “The whole body Breathing”, and Sigong Richard Clear’s “Listening (Ting Jin)”.
Many Tai Chi Gala attendees are long-time practitioners and they participated the events frequently. They appreciate the richness and profundity of the art and are eager to explore more. The Tai Chi Gals satisfies their needs well. There are workshops that teach specific forms, like Sifu ZhongHua Lu’s “Yin Yang Medical Qigong”, Sifu Alan Marshall’s “Introduction to Li Family Tibetan Blue Heron Boxing”, Sifu Violet Li’s “Chen Style Broad Sword”, and Sifu David Ritchie’s “Yang Tai Chi Saber”. Sifu Erik Oliva will teach “Gui Zhen Nei Gong for Strength of Qi and Body”. New to the Tai Chi Gala, Sifu Dr. Bob Bacher will teach the multiple applications of Chen Style Tai Chi’s “Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar Post” used in self-defense. Sifu Paul Ramos will teach an interesting subject of “Push Sword” based on the same principles of Push Hands. Fascinatingly many of the classes are suitable for both the advanced practitioners as well as the beginners. Many instructors come to the Tai Chi Gala to enrich their knowledge and skills so they can share with the students back home.
Meditations can be learned as a still form of Zhang Zhuang (or standing Post) taught by Sigong Ren Gang Wang or in movement in “Form and Push Hands” taught by Sifu William Phillips; Sifu Stephen Watson will invite people to discover “movement within stillness and stillness in movement”. It is great to see that Sifu Loretta will return to teaching this year and share rare techniques from Grandmaster Jou Tsung-Hwa on how to “hack” your Qigong to higher levels.
Each workshop has its unique take on the art. You may want to browse its website to gain a full picture of what are presented and decide which workshops to select.
The new training program for sure will renew the enthusiasm among the attendees. But the tradition that people treasured most will remain and be enhanced. The spiritual Incense Ceremony, which is suitable for all faiths, will take place Friday night. This year both Sifu Feng Xiao Liu and Ken Lo are presenting several special tea ceremonies. Musician’s Jam Time, Master demonstration, Saturday Night Bonfire, and Drumming Circle have been the favorites of many in the past. The endless Push Hands in the hallway, under the tree canopy, or on the meadow will rekindle people’s friendship and sharpen their skills. If you seek sincere and open discourse of the principles and techniques of the internal arts, you will find the Tai Chi Gala is the home for it. For more information, please check its website (https://taichigala.com/).
Sigong Dr. Painter continues his effort to teach the Li Family Bagua Zhang by hosting the “Gathering the Circle” after the Tai Chi Gala at Camp Lindenmere on June 2- June 5. The curriculum includes seven advanced Bagua palms (Dragon Reaches to Heaven, Dragon Soars to the Earth, Dragon Defends the Pearl Taiji, Dragon Defends the Qi Gate, Dragon Upholds the Moon, Dragon Pressing Sky and Ground, and Dragon Holding the Moon). Dr. Painter stated that even though the name says “advanced,” this program is open to everyone from beginner through high level practitioners!
Disclaimer: I am invited to teach at the 2019 Tai Chi Gala.
Please visit www.VioletLiTaiChi.com for more articles on Tai Chi, Qigong, and healing arts. Share the article on your social media to raise the awareness of the art. Thanks!