"Recently, Ron Levy and Donna Gorski came to Ru Yi Studio to share their Tai Ji practice with us. We gained some additional insights to this wonderful form of moving meditation. Ron and Donna studied from different teachers who studied from their teachers tracing back to Master Zheng Mang Qing, who was a well known Chinese scholar, calligrapher/painter. He practiced and taught Tai Ji Qi Gong in the U. S. in his mature years, and inspired many westerners to follow this line of study and training.
  
It was very good for us to observe Ron and Donna's practice.  It was gratifying to see the truth in the fundamental concept of Tai Ji that is clear in any style or form. It was obvious to us they practice consistently and enjoy the benefits of this practice. We appreciate very much their demonstration and sharing of their experiences. Ron Levey furthere expressed his thoughts on the subject: "I agree with you completely that the fundamental concepts of Tai Chi are not the exclusive property of any one style or form and that it is the underlying principles that define the practice. I also like to tell people that the ultimate purpose of any form is merely to be a vehicle to the essential content. Form practice serves as an external, physical gateway that enables a practitioner to eventually access the internal energetics by increasing the mind-body awareness. As the mind-body connection becomes stronger and more refined, we become more able to explore the internal dynamics that make Tai Chi such an effective way to improve both physical and mental health as well as many other benefits".
 
Tai Ji practice, is now familiar to a lot of westerners from extensive teachings by a multitude of teachers, and I must add, thanks to the Kung Fu movies introducing martial artists like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chen and Jet Li to us.  While it serves another purpose in commerce and entertainment, this practice is by no means a glamorous, exotic thing to buy for enjoyment.  It requires hard work and our respect for the ancient masters who passed it down for the welfare of human kind.  

Many have found Tai Ji practice beneficial to them. As to claims of any specific schools and lineage, that is an individual preference.  I don't believe anyone can copyright Tai Ji or Qi Gong practice, or claim one style is better than another.  If it works for you, then it is yours to keep.  But if you don't practice, you cannot keep it in the 'to do later' file because when you finally decide to go back to it, it may have gone from you."  

2013 bears the Chinese Zodiac Symbol of the "Snake" in the "Water" element.  We like to think of this particular year in the sense of a "water serpent" and not so much a snake in the ground.  The multifaceted wisdom gathered from ancient Chinese traditions in connection to nature and universal energies lead us to understand how this particular year is so appropriately different from last year's symbol, the Dragon.
The Snake as a unique creature has so much to teach us: 
*A Snake can blend in with nature and adapt
*A Snake can bend and make detours
*A Snake can compress or stretch when situation demands it
*A Snake is cautious, observant, but decisive at the right moment
*A Snake moves slowly and silently, but swift when the right moment arrives
*A Snake is able to shed old skin and renew
This year we spent Chinese New Year's Day with old and new friends at our casual Tea Party with goodies to eat and stories to share.  We appreciate your support and encouragement for us to continue our multicultural activities and serve the community.