The Dragon's Head Blog

It is now day three of the Health Recovery Program here at the International Taoist Tai Chi Centre near Orangeville, and what an inspiring experience it has been thus far! During the first few days, our knowledgeable instructor Jim helped us build a strong foundation through countless tor-yus and dan-yus.  He explained that the quality […]

  One hundred and eighty-one participants took part in this year’s summer tai chi week at the International Center in Orangeville.  Forty-three of them were Americans. Every region in America was represented. Many met before one of the morning sessions for a group photo. Tony Kwong, our workshop leader, and Karen Laughlin, International President, joined us. […]

After participating in the recent Health Recovery and Summer Tai Chi workshops, back to back, all I can say is WOW I did  it! I am surprised that I could do so much tai chi and still want more as the workshop came to an end. The encouragement and gentle guidance I got from the […]

C’est ma première visite à Orangeville pour un atelier de cinq jours : «J’ai été impressionnée par l’organisation physique de la Société. Ici, les gens sont amicaux. Ils s’entraident. Il y a une ouverture par rapport aux autres. J’ai été émerveillée de voir Tony faire les mouvements. Il est à l’intérieur de lui-même. J’aime beaucoup observer […]

Summer Tai Chi week kicked off on June 29  with a great start.  The five-day workshop began at the International Centre Orangeville on a beautiful summer day, with 184 participants supported by 18 volunteers. On day one, participants received instruction from Tony Kwong on tory-us and dany-us. Following the instructions, participants took part in 24 […]

With the southern Ontario heat,  we enjoyed a beautiful set outside, followed by a brush knee parade around the second floor of the Health Recovery building at the International Centre in Orangeville to take advantage of the air conditioning. The icing on the cake was a final push hands session. One more morning and then we […]

Working and learning (and eating!) together.   “My tai chi is improving from teaching others.” — Wade from Taraunga, New Zealand     “There’s no criticism. It’s all help” — Pat from Gravenhurst   “This Health Recovery is one of the best gifts I’ve given myself. It’s taken me a while to get here, but […]

One participant captured the answer to this question in pictures.

Health Recovery participants don-yu their way down the room as they play with balance and weight-shifting.      “There’s such a strong feeling of community within the group.  It warms my heart.” – Angie from Durham, Canada     “This has been a phenomenal week to help me work on issues that are present for me. It’s […]

Up … Up …     Up! There’s always more up! Participants in this month’s Health Recovery Week at the International Centre, Orangeville, are enjoying getting taller and working together. From some of the participants: “It’s been more than just physical. I’m learning how to listen to my body and I didn’t realize how I […]

  Everyone agreed they will all recommend the Volunteer/Tai Chi Retreat weekend to people at their branches. More than 30 people enjoyed three days of tai chi and volunteering in the  retreat held at the International Centre near Orangeville after Cross-Canada Seniors Day. This is what they had to say: Nice balance of work and […]

Nearly 130 participants from many parts of the globe arrived at the International Centre for Spring Tai Chi Week. Along with the blush of early spring the delicate blooms of the season and the hardy heather we came to learn and practice Taoist Tai Chi® arts including, among other things, how to work together. For […]

Centre volunteers have been busy working long days harvesting and preparing the sap collected from our property’s maple trees. Once in the evaporator the sap is boiled down until it reaches the right level of sweetness. The delicious liquid is then brought over to the kitchen to be filtered and bottled.

A little over 700 people sat down in the Banquet Hall at the International Centre on February 21st, 2016 for 8 courses of delicious Chinese vegetarian dishes. Followed by about a 100 volunteers that helped with the setup, serving, bussing, dishwashing and the many many other tasks that are a part of this wonderful annual event. […]

  As a result of corrections in the sitting meditation and in my tai chi, a new part of my back opened up that had been hurting before. — Matt from Oregon       You have to pay attention to your task, watch the other people, if you want to learn about something and […]

Awaiting the arrival of 800 guests for Lantern Festival Jai Lunch.

The International Centre in Orangeville, Ontario is pleased to be hosting this year’s Lantern Festival on Sunday, February 21st at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to this event, which will feature a traditional jai banquet, chanting, entertainment, and of course lantern sales! The Lantern Festival is a Chinese tradition going back many centuries. Typically held […]

The FLK Archive Project is an initiative to identify, organize and preserve documents that are essential to the history of the organization. This includes photos, videos, pamphlets, newsletters, annual reports, correspondence and many other materials. Allison Hasselfield is a volunteer at the International Centre who is currently involved in getting this project off the ground; Tales […]

The Resident Volunteers and Staff of the International Centre wish all a healthy and safe 2016! Volunteers Réal and Chris are enjoying putting the finishing touches to the sugar shack and educating young visitors on the maple syrup project. With the woodshed completed, Jesse is on a well deserved vacation.