Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Tai Ji Men’s Dragon of Hope Debuts in South Pasadena’s Independence Day Parade

Spreading Love and Peace for a Brighter, More Sustainable Future

On July 4, 2025, the City of South Pasadena in Southern California hosted a vibrant parade to celebrate America’s 249th birthday. Themed “Unity in Community: One Nation, One Neighborhood,” the event was attended by U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, California Assemblymember Mike Fong, South Pasadena Mayor Janet Braun, Mayor Pro Tem Sheila Rossi, Councilmembers Michael Cacciotti, Jon Primuth, and Omari Ferguson, alongside many local NGOs and enthusiastic residents.

Invited for the third time, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy brought heartfelt blessings to the United States and the world, making this year’s participation especially meaningful. Led by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Tai Ji Men’s parade team captivated the crowd with a dazzling display of traditional cultural performances.









The group’s debut of the magnificent “Sunny Dragon of Hope” was a highlight. Alongside it were graceful Blue Peacock and Purple Phoenix dances, symbolic angels, a vibrant red silk umbrella formation, spirited Energy Girls in bright orange jackets and blue jeans, a powerful drum team, and dynamic flag formations. Their colorful and uplifting performances drew enthusiastic applause and cheers, with spectators exclaiming, “So beautiful!” and “Amazing!”






Handcrafted from frame to robe by Tai Ji Men members under Dr. Hong’s guidance, the dragon symbolizes compassion, courage, and true wisdom. It represents teamwork and harmony and carried a message of joy, peace, and hope—blessing South Pasadena, the U.S., and the world with positive energy and bright aspirations for the future.













Mayor Pro Tem Sheila Rossi expressed her admiration: “I'm so excited to have this team here to celebrate with us. They did a beautiful job in the performance and reminded everybody that what the Fourth of July is really about is about our Constitution and our community, and an organization like this which brings peace, love, and joy to the community. And we want to make sure that we continue to have that.”
Councilmember Jon Primuth added: “I just want to thank the Tai Ji Men Academy for supporting our parade, for making a wonderful demonstration, for coming with all the colors, all their energy, all their beauty. Thank you so much. You enhance our community. Thank you for the love and positive energy you bring to our world.”
Spectators echoed the praise. Tally shared, “Everyone was so genuine and so authentic and festive.” Emily added, “It's just so beautiful. I love the performances. I always look forward to them.”
Anna Draniewicz and Deena Rusch commented, “They were the best in the parade. It's absolutely beautiful to show that and be proud of this culture.” They applauded the costumes and dancers and highlighted the importance of showcasing diversity and inclusion.
This year, the Tai Ji Men team included about 60 members from diverse ethnicities and professions, aged 9 to 76. Participants included a doctor, a professor, pharmacists, a CPA, a lawyer, teachers, students, engineers, executives, and retirees—showcasing the rich inclusivity of Tai Ji Men culture.
Among them was Dr. Don Kwok, a gastroenterologist from Las Vegas who recovered from a heart attack through Tai Ji Men qigong. Inspired by Dr. Hong’s teachings, he flew in on July 3 to participate, saying the experience of doing good and sharing positive energy had deeply enriched his life.
Yi-Chuan, a mechanical engineering student, started practicing qigong at age six. Formerly shy, he gained confidence and now smiles freely. He helped craft the dragon robe and was honored to perform in South Pasadena, wishing to spread energy and hope to all.
Cici, a Harvard-trained architectural designer and member of the umbrella dance formation, struggled with severe allergies as a child. Through qigong, her health and confidence improved, and she now practices with her two daughters. Together, they marched in the parade, sharing blessings as a multigenerational team.
Michelle, a high school junior and robotics team leader, joined the parade for the second time. Recently, her team won the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship Game Design Challenge Award. She shared: “I’m grateful my parents introduced me to Tai Ji Men when I was little. It’s strengthened my body and mind and given me many chances to participate in meaningful community and global events. I’ve learned how to spread love and peace, gained wisdom and confidence, and developed leadership skills that I’ll carry throughout my life.”
Tai Ji Men’s vibrant participation added cultural depth and positive energy to the parade, demonstrating how spiritual and cultural traditions can unite people across ages and backgrounds. Through artful performances, Tai Ji Men continues to promote peace, conscience, and kindness, lighting up the national celebration with love and hope.
About Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy
Tai Ji Men is an international, nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to spreading love and peace and enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Since 2000, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze has established four academies in California, with the latest in Santa Clara and Pasadena opened in 2023.
Dr. Hong has led Tai Ji Men and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) on self-funded visits to 114 countries across six continents, promoting a culture of peace with love and conscience. He is the initiator of the UN-designated International Day of Conscience and International Day of Hope. In March 2023, he received the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of over 1.2 million volunteer hours contributed by him and FOWPAL members to the nation.