Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Walnut Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Promoting Holistic Education, Conscience, Hope, and Peace

On September 6, 2025, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Walnut celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Walnut Senior Center. Themed "Good Fortune, Health, and Hope," the event brought together community leaders and local residents, including California State Senator Bob Archuleta; representatives of California State Assemblymembers Blanca E. Rubio and Lisa Calderon; Walnut City Councilmembers Dr. Allen Wu and Kaylee May Law; Diamond Bar Mayor Dr. Chia Yu Teng; Mt. San Antonio College President Dr. Martha Garcia; Mary Ng from the Walnut Chinese-American Association; and Victor Hung, President of the Liok-Kui Foundation, among others. They joined the celebration to recognize Tai Ji Men's 25 years of dedication in the Walnut community and beyond, spreading love, joy, and uplifting positive energy.

Allen Lin, on behalf of Tai Ji Men's leader, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, read Dr. Hong's heartfelt message of gratitude, thanking the community for its enduring friendship and support. Dr. Hong explained that Tai Ji Men, rooted in the Taoist tradition, has preserved the art of qigong and the wisdom of yin-yang balance for more than 6,000 years. He noted that with academies now established worldwide, Tai Ji Men promotes a holistic education that nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Dr. Hong further stated, "We hope that each of us will smile a little more, be a little more grateful, and spread this warmth and love to our families, friends, and the entire community. When we do this, not only do we gain happiness and hope for ourselves, but we also inject a warm and powerful energy into the community—and this energy is the key to attracting good fortune."

California State Senator Bob Archuleta presented a certificate of recognition, thanking Tai Ji Men for all it has done. He praised its remarkable achievements, commending Tai Ji Men's devotion to cultural preservation, community involvement, and sharing ancient wisdom to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. He noted that Tai Ji Men has uplifted countless families while advancing peace, conscience, and hope globally.

Walnut City Councilmembers Dr. Allen Wu and Kaylee May Law presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the City. Councilmember Wu praised Tai Ji Men's active participation in Walnut's events and expressed pride in having Tai Ji Men in the city. Councilmember Kaylee May Law thanked Tai Ji Men for its ongoing community involvement and, on behalf of Mayor Pro Tem Ritchie Cajulis, extended his congratulations and best wishes on this milestone.

Representatives Stephen Coronel (for Assemblymember Lisa Calderon) and Abel Casanova (for Assemblymember Blanca Rubio), as well as Diamond Bar Mayor Dr. Chia Yu Teng, also presented commendations recognizing Tai Ji Men's contributions.

U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez sent a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, commending Tai Ji Men's dedication to cultural preservation and spiritual enrichment. California Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, along with Montclair's Mayor Javier "John" Dutrey, on behalf of the City Council, also sent congratulatory certificates to Tai Ji Men.

Assemblymember Blanca E. Rubio, in a congratulatory video, said, "I commend Tai Ji Men Academy for their efforts in fostering peace in our communities, promoting cultural heritage, and their unwavering dedication to the well-being of our residents. I am very grateful for their presence in the San Gabriel Valley, and I look forward to the impact they will continue to make in the state of California."

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre also sent a video message, saying: "Your continued dedication to sharing, love, peace, and unity is inspiring, especially in times when our world needs it most. . . . Your efforts to inspire positive change are truly commendable."

The event featured a presentation by Las Vegas gastroenterologist Dr. Donald Kwok. He shared his family's experiences with Tai Ji Men. His wife, who suffered from ankylosing spondylitis and depression with limited results from Western and Chinese medicine, saw great improvement through Tai Ji Men Qigong. After his own heart attack, Dr. Kwok joined Tai Ji Men and found qigong sped up his recovery, improved lung capacity, and brought balance and peace of mind. Guided by Dr. Hong, he became more compassionate, actively engaged in service, and traveled worldwide with Dr. Hong to spread love, peace, conscience, and hope.

The celebration also featured inspiring cultural performances, including a joyful drum performance, a powerful dragon dance, and a heartwarming singing presentation. Making its debut, the Warm Sunshine Dragon received thunderous applause. Handmade by Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentices) under Dr. Hong's guidance, the dragon symbolizes compassion, courage, and true wisdom, carrying blessings of unity, harmony, peace, hope, and joy to Walnut, the U.S., and the world.

Tai Ji Men dizi Feng-Chuan, who led the dragon dance, said the training greatly improved his stamina and taught him the value of teamwork. He and his teammates hoped to share the warmth and positivity symbolized by the dragon with everyone.

Among the drummers was 10-year-old Quentin, who has practiced qigong since childhood and also excels at baseball. After suffering "Little League Elbow" in 2024 and sitting out two months, he bounced back with resilience and inner strength fostered by qigong. Though unable to pitch, he helped his team win through batting and defense while training with the drum team, building perseverance and time management skills.

Bonnie was among the singers performing the "Love and Peace Song." She recounted how she was hospitalized for six months due to COVID-19, facing a life-or-death crisis but miraculously surviving, though left with many lingering aftereffects. Since joining Tai Ji Men to practice qigong in February, her health has improved significantly. She also expressed how deeply moved she was by the warmth and genuine care of her Tai Ji Men brothers and sisters.

Registered nurse Louisa also shared her experience with Tai Ji Men: "My job is stressful and unpredictable. I used to feel exhausted and needed naps to get through the day. After seven months of practicing qigong, I've experienced big changes—I cope with stress better, and I no longer need naps. Now I can work through the day with energy and resilience." Other dizi also shared their improvements. Debby Ho added that qigong helps her think positively more easily and keeps her from getting stuck in negative emotions.

Diamond Bar Mayor Dr. Chia Yu Teng, himself a physician, said he was moved by Dr. Kwok's story of health improvement through qigong. He observed that many illnesses cannot be fully treated by current medicine, and qigong offers new insights into bodily functions, providing alternative ways to improve health.

Mt. San Antonio College President Dr. Martha Garcia remarked, "I enjoy coming together with the community with a commitment to share love and peace and it's beautiful. The performances are gorgeous and the energy in this space is beautiful!" Mary Ng from the Chinese American Association of Walnut said of the event, "It was so full of positivity. Everybody had such a great time!"

Over the past year, Dr. Hong, together with Tai Ji Men dizi and the Federation of World Peace and Love, has traveled to 16 countries, reaching 120 nations in total, to promote love, peace, conscience, and hope. Dr. Hong also initiated the UN-declared International Day of Conscience and International Day of Hope. In 2023, he received the U.S. President's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing 1.2 million volunteer service hours by FOWPAL in the U.S.

Recognizing the importance of conscience, hope, transparency, and integrity for individuals, communities, and the world, Tai Ji Men dizi also invited guests at the event to endorse three declarations: the Declaration of International Day of Conscience, the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, and the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity. They encouraged everyone to embrace conscience, hope, transparency, and integrity to create a better self and a better world.