Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Pasadena Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

One Moon, One Heart: Celebrating Health and Happiness

On October 5, 2025, on the eve of the Moon Festival, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Pasadena held its second anniversary celebration under the theme “One Moon, One Heart: Celebrating Health and Happiness.” The event drew community leaders and many local families, filling the venue with a joyful atmosphere that reflected Tai Ji Men’s deep connection with the community.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Jimmy Wu, representing Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger; San Gabriel Mayor Denise Menchaca and Councilmember Jorge Herrera Ávila; Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem Eileen Wang; Dr. Christine Che, principal of Sun Yat Sun Chinese Institute; and other community leaders.

The celebration opened with the Tai Ji Celestial Dragon Dance. This “Dragon of Hope and Endless Sunshine,” symbolizing compassion, courage, and true wisdom, was animated by nine Tai Ji Men brothers, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Moving in harmony, the performers brought the dragon to life, conveying heartfelt blessings and positive intentions to everyone present, embodying the spirit of spreading light and hope across the world.
This majestic dragon, featuring a purple body and golden scales, was jointly created by Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentices) from the Pasadena Academy and other Tai Ji Men academies under the guidance of Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the zhang-men-ren (Grand Master) of Tai Ji Men. From the dragon’s frame to its robe, every stitch and detail carried Dr. Hong and his dizi’s dedication and heartfelt blessings, bringing this new dragon to life.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Hong expressed gratitude for the community’s support and encouragement, emphasizing, “Since its establishment in 2023, the Pasadena Academy has actively participated in community events, promoting love, peace, conscience, and hope. Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentices) of all ages are happy to share their positive transformations, hoping to bring a ray of hope to those facing life’s challenges.”

He also stated, “We believe that positive energy is contagious — a smile, a moment of gratitude, or a spark of joy can come together to create a powerful force of love, touching our hearts and warming those around us. Together, let us cultivate kind thoughts, transform the world, and contribute to the sustainable development of our planet.”

A video was shown highlighting Dr. Hong leading Tai Ji Men members to New York in September to attend a meeting at the United Nations and promote world peace. Dr. Hong is the initiator of the United Nations-designated International Day of Conscience and International Day of Hope. Dr. Hong has guided his dizi to dedicate themselves to promoting conscience, hope, transparency, and integrity—earning widespread recognition and support.

Jimmy Wu, representing Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, presented a certificate of recognition and expressed his delight in attending the celebration, noting the warm and welcoming spirit of Tai Ji Men. On the occasion of the Moon Festival, he praised Tai Ji Men’s efforts to promote peace, harmony, and health, commended its contributions to the community, and expressed hope for continued collaboration to better serve local residents. He also wished everyone a joyful and healthy Moon Festival.

Mayor Denise Menchaca and Councilmember Jorge Herrera Ávila of San Gabriel presented a certificate of congratulations to commend Tai Ji Men’s achievements, while Mayor Pro Tem Eileen Wang of Arcadia presented a certificate of commendation recognizing Tai Ji Men’s dedication to fostering community wellness, harmony, and cultural enrichment.

The celebration also featured a powerful martial arts performance, demonstrating that the highest level of martial arts lies in stopping conflict and promoting peace. Tai Ji Men youth presented the lively performance “Happiness Is Everywhere,” radiating joy and positivity. Myra, a ninth grader who participated, said, “Tai Ji Men Qigong has probably given me a strategy to self-regulate and it has improved my patience greatly.”

Tai Ji Men members also performed an uplifting song “We Can Change the World,” encouraging everyone to unite, show love and care for others, and make the world a better place. Louisa, a registered nurse and one of the singers, shared that practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong has boosted her energy, allowing her to stay strong and energetic through long, high-stress work hours without fatigue. Another singer, Miranda, said, “Health is the byproduct of happiness.” She explained that at Tai Ji Men, she was surrounded by love, joyful people, and positive energy, and was pleasantly surprised to find herself becoming more confident, happy, and hopeful. Her long-term struggles with migraines and menstrual pain also disappeared, leaving her healthier than ever.

The event also featured a health dialogue with Dr. Donald Kwok, a gastroenterologist from Las Vegas, and Gill Wang, a USC medical student. Dr. Kwok shared that after suffering a heart attack, he began practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong, which improved his lung capacity, enhanced his physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, broadening his heart and mind. He expressed his joy in following Dr. Hong to promote love and peace and help make the world a better place.

Gill Wang, a Johns Hopkins graduate now studying medicine at USC, has practiced Tai Ji Men Qigong with her parents since childhood. She shared that growing up in the loving and peaceful environment of Tai Ji Men has filled her with positive energy. Through meditation and qigong practice, she developed strong positive energy, wisdom, and resilience, helping her manage academic and life pressures with balance and strength.

Several Tai Ji Men members also shared their experiences through a video. Cheryl Gause said that after working in a high-pressure job for 30 years, she didn’t know how to wind down. “I want to thank Tai Ji Men for helping me . . . It has given me comfort and peace.” Elizabeth Maya said that she loved coming to Tai Ji Men as everyone there is always happy and welcoming. She shared the benefits of practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong: “Stress level has been reduced. I’m able to sleep better.”

Mayor Denise Menchaca of San Gabriel said in an interview that the Tai Ji Men Pasadena academy felt very warm, comforting, and peaceful. She added that the welcoming remarks, videos, and the dragon’s entrance were all so beautiful, making the entire experience very delightful. Michael, a musician and attendee, said, “The energy was just amazing. It feels like a family. It feels so warm, welcoming. I felt so happy.”

Tai Ji Men welcomes everyone to visit often and seize the opportunity to transform their lives and destiny, becoming ever happier and more blessed!

Introduction to Tai Ji Men
Tai Ji Men is an ancient menpai (school) of qigong, martial arts, and self-cultivation that inherits the essence of the Taoist tradition. It is dedicated to preserving culture and promoting the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of people around the world. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the zhang-men-ren (Grandmaster) of Tai Ji Men, guides his dizi (apprentices) to practice qigong for better health, cultivate their hearts and moral character, and learn the wisdom of yin-yang balance in life. Thousands of families have benefited from his teachings, gaining the five treasures of health, wealth, wisdom, happiness, and joy.