Tai Ji Men Conducts Cultural Exchanges Around the World

Over 1,000 people from 24 nations attend Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy’s 50th anniversary at Arcadia Performing Arts Center. – Courtesy photo

Rich Martial Arts Performances Take Los Angeles by Storm

Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy hosted a spectacular cultural feast, transcending space and time at Arcadia Performing Arts Center on Sept. 16.

The audience witnessed powerful moves of modern-day knights-errant and unpredictable martial arts formations drawn upon the unity of the performers’ hearts and qi (energy).

At the breathtaking cultural feast to the senses, “four ancient celestial creatures” – dragon, golden phoenix, qilin, auspicious lion – and the “Eight Immortals” in Chinese mythology appeared, sharing boundless joy and positive energy with the audience.

Over 300 Tai Ji Men members, ages 8 to 64, jointly presented the essence of an ancient culture and showcased the remarkable achievements accomplished by Tai Ji Men’s Shifu (master) and his dizi (similar to students). The event, broadcast live in 15 places in the US and Taiwan, was attended by over 1,000 people from 24 nations, including many prominent figures in various fields.

Heralded for its spectacular martial arts and cultural performances during the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, especially tours around the world to conduct cultural exchanges this year. In July, its performance in Taipei was watched by over 10,000 people; in September, it hosted two performances in California.

Under the theme of “Tai Ji Culture, A Precious Treasure: Bringing Hope to the World,” Tai Ji Men members displayed their masterful performances refined over the past half century. The event was kicked off by multi-national music presented by “World Peace and Love Orchestra.”

Tai Ji Men young ladies form various formations while delivering graceful and powerful sword dance, exhibiting an ancient culture with immense energy from the heart. – Courtesy photo

In celebration of this historic moment and in appreciation of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy’s contribution to society, leaders from various fields presented certificates of recognition in person or through their representatives, or sent certificates by mail, including: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez; Lieutenant Governor of California Gavin Newsom ; California State Senator Ed Hernandez; Michael D. Antonovich, member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; Mayor Eric Ching of Walnut; Mayor Sandra Armenta of Rosemead; Mayor Chin Ho Liao of San Gabriel; Mayor Samuel Kang of Duarte; Mayor Barbara Messina of Alhambra; Council Member Larry J. Spicer of Monrovia; Robert Guthrie, chief of Arcadia Police Department; Xiao-Cui Liu, president of International Martial Arts Federation; and Dr. Kylie Hsu, professor emerita at California State University, Los Angeles. California State Senator Ed Hernandez said during the event, “What a wonderful night. There’s so much energy here in the room. Look, smiling. The absolute biggest honor that I have is to be able to attend cultural events like this being held in the City of Arcadia. But more importantly, the incredible leaders like Dr. Hong, who spreads joy, but more importantly, wisdom and prosperity throughout the world.”

The fabulous program revolved around the Tai Ji culture, with three major parts that told stories of the past and present and about the universe, society, and life, presented in the forms of martial arts, music, dance, drama, and “play within a play” to share countless blessings, as well as boundless happy and righteous energy.

Master Xuanzang and his three disciples (main characters in a classic Chinese novel titled “Journey to the West”) time-traveled to the Arcadia Performing Arts Center to congratulate Tai Ji Men. Tai Ji Men young ladies formed various formations, while delivering graceful and powerful sword dance. These performances embodied an ancient culture with immense energy from the heart.

The event allowed the attendees to bask in a happy and harmonious atmosphere and feel that the world is just like a big family.

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