Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Walnut Turns 24

Good Qi, Good Fortune, and Good Life

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Walnut, located in the beautiful City of Walnut, California, celebrated its 24th anniversary on September 29th. With the theme "Good Qi, Good Fortune, and Good Life," the event welcomed guests from various sectors. Numerous dignitaries, including Walnut Council Member Nancy Tragarz, attended the celebration in person, sent representatives, or shared congratulatory messages, acknowledging the academy’s remarkable contributions to promoting love and peace both in the local community and globally.

Tai Ji Men’s graceful Lantern Dance opened the event, warmly welcoming all attendees and allowing everyone to feel the warmth, joy, and positivity of the Tai Ji Men family. The dance encouraged everyone to follow their inner light, guiding them toward happiness and a bright future.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the zhang-men-ren (leader) of Tai Ji Men, delivered welcome remarks, emphasizing, “The establishment of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academies worldwide aims at promoting holistic physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, enabling people to learn the way of yin-yang balance and use wisdom in their interactions with others, fostering harmony, happiness, and fulfillment within every family.”

He encouraged everyone by saying, “Let us fully awaken the innate goodness within our hearts, follow the spirit of the Dragon, work together, overcome difficulties, and take proactive actions to cultivate virtue, bring blessings, and lead a beautiful and fulfilling life.”

For decades, Tai Ji Men’s shifu and dizi have journeyed to 109 countries at their own expense, spreading the message of love and peace through over 10,000 cultural exchanges and performances, and promoting the culture of conscience. During the event, a video presentation about Tai Ji Men’s recent trip to New York was featured, where Dr. Hong presided over ceremonies of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love. As of September 29, 2024, a total of 583 influential leaders in 150 nations have rung the Bell, including 72 heads of state and government and 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
In addition to promoting love and peace at international events, the Walnut Academy has been deeply engaged in the community, sharing life wisdom and the beauty, truth, and goodness of Tai Ji culture, winning widespread recognition.

Salamat, representing California State Senator Josh Newman, and Stephen Coronel, representing California Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon, presented certificates of commendation on their behalf. Mary Ng, representing the Chinese American Association of Walnut, also attended the event to offer her congratulations.

California Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio sent a video message, emphasizing, “I thank you for continuing to foster an environment of positive support and encouragement. Your effort to fostering peace in our neighborhoods and promote cultural heritage among our residents is admirable.”

Walnut Mayor Linda Freedman visited the Academy the day before its anniversary celebration to congratulate and thank Tai Ji Men in person. She stated, “We’re so grateful that you chose Walnut. Your messages of love, peace, and conscience really resonate with our residents.”

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre stated, “Your ongoing efforts to promote love, peace, and unity, especially during challenging times, are deeply appreciated. Encouraging individuals to act with conscientiousness and compassion is essential to creating a more harmonious world, and your work is truly commendable.”

Additionally, U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, California Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, City of South Pasadena Mayor Evelyn G. Zneimer and Council Member Jon Primuth, the mayor and council members of the City of Walnut, the mayor and council members of the City of Diamond Bar, and City of Montclair Mayor Javier John Dutrey congratulated and honored the Academy through a video message or a certificate of recognition.

At the event, children and teenagers who grew up in Tai Ji Men performed a lively drum formation, using energetic beats to express the lessons they’ve learned and the joy they’ve gained from practicing qigong at Tai Ji Men.

Several Tai Ji Men members also shared their personal experiences and the benefits of practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong. Chloe Chen shared, “Our family is incredibly fortunate—four generations have practiced qigong at Tai Ji Men, gaining countless intangible treasures from this precious tradition. The more we learn, the happier we become, and the more blessings we receive. Since joining Tai Ji Men, we’ve used unique qigong techniques to care for our health and extend our longevity. Guided by the wisdom of our shifu (grandmaster), we’ve improved our temper and maintained balance in body, mind, and spirit in all aspects of life. The wisdom of yin and yang learned at Tai Ji Men has brought us peace, health, happiness, and good fortune!”

Vicky experienced a severe psychological shock after a series of losses among her family and friends, which exacerbated her ankylosing spondylitis to the point where she could no longer walk upright, and later became unable to raise her right arm due to intense pain. Despite trying various Chinese and Western treatments, the results were disappointing, leaving her severely depressed, bipolar, and plagued by panic attacks. After less than a year of practicing qigong at Tai Ji Men, she regained the ability to run and jump freely, no longer needed medication for her ankylosing spondylitis, and overcame her depression, panic attacks, and bipolar disorder.

Sarah Ng, a pharmacist, recounted her journey: “Before practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong, I had been suffering from arm pain for over three months, and despite regular massages, there was little improvement. However, after just one month of practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong, I was amazed to suddenly be able to lift my arm! As a working mother of three, I used to constantly worry about the future, which prevented me from enjoying the present. Practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong has significantly improved my sleep and taught me to maintain balance. It has brought me a wealth of positive energy, making me healthier and happier, and my entire family has joined in the practice.”

John, an 81-year-old retired teacher, shared his experiences with Tai Ji Men Qigong after facing serious health challenges: “In 2022, I suffered a herniated disc that caused severe pain, leaving me unable to stand upright. Despite this, Tai Ji Men Qigong allowed me to continue exercising, even in a crouched position, which helped me recover quickly. In 2023, I underwent cataract surgery, and Tai Ji Men Qigong once again proved invaluable, aiding in the recovery of my vision and color sensitivity—essential for my work as an artist.”

Another Tai Ji Men member, Susan Qiu, shared how her life has improved since joining Tai Ji Men a few months ago: “I used to rely on sleeping pills to get through the night, but since practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong, my sleep has improved, and I no longer need the pills. I’ve also become more agile and flexible, and my stamina has greatly increased. Recently, after a trip with my family, I noticed that while others were tired, I still felt full of energy. People even tell me I look younger and more radiant.”

At the end of the event, Tai Ji Men presented the Tai Ji Celestial Dragon, symbolizing the Dragon joyfully roaming the world to bless the Earth. The performance featured nine Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentices), including an accountant, engineers, and a high school student, who have been practicing on weekends for the past few weeks. Their dedication embodies the Dragon’s spirit of compassion, bravery, and true wisdom, spreading happiness and positive energy to all.

On this occasion, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Walnut expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and encouragement from community leaders and people from all walks of life. The Academy remains committed to promoting the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of global citizens, while inspiring more individuals to unite in spreading the culture of conscience and creating a brighter future for all.