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 […]

                                Another exciting week has taken place at the International Center Florida. The stair tower on the northwest side of the building has a roof. Next will be the tile.  Drywall is now completed on the second floor of the southeast, […]

On June 28, 2016 representatives from the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA and Mainsail Lodging and Development met with the community of Dunedin to discuss plans for development of the Fenway Hotel. The City of Dunedin’s government access television channel filmed this event and the video is above. Most of our neighbors were very […]

There were 120 participants from 8 countries who gathered in Colchester for a two-day international workshop over 9-10 July, including a good number attending their first workshop.  Welcome! Workshop leader Carmen Capilla led us in reviewing the danyu, and the first four moves of the set, with the emphasis on moving grad – u – […]

The weekend of 18-19 June saw three beginner weekends occurring, in Cambridge, Colchester and Edinburgh. Over 200 people appeared to learn and practice Taoist Tai Chi® arts in these three locations. In their own words (and pictures)…. Cambridge – A very enjoyable weekend. Friendly instructors and good food. I would recommend to others. [Pete] – What […]

We have walls! Drywall  installation has begun in the northwest and southeast corridors. The old Fenway Hotel is beginning to look more and more like the grand lady of Dunedin that she once was. The floor decking is almost complete on the first and second floors. Electricians and plumbers have been working to make sure their […]

  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 […]

To help introduce Mainsail Lodging and Development, the company that will maintain The Fenway, to the North Pinellas County area businesses, both the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA and Mainsail attended the North Pinellas County annual seven Chambers of Commerce trade show event. The Chambers of Commerce for seven of the municipalities in North […]

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 […]

This weekend we celebrated the Portugal, Spain and Italy annual instructors’ meeting. Some 60 instructors from the 3 countries got together to pool and advance in our understanding of tai chi and our role as accredited volunteer instructors. The activity on Saturday was held at the Southern European Centre and was most varied. It included […]

The International Center Florida construction is speeding ahead. Crew leads are spending a great deal of time researching old photos of the historic Fenway Hotel to preserve its 1920 beauty as they recreate the interior. Framing crews are building the supporting walls in the lobby and dining room. Electricians have almost completed electrical installation in […]

  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 […]

  The tea party at Colchester has become an annual event. This time it had a 60’s theme and was at the weekend.  As always there was lots of fun and lots of food.