The 2014 International Tai Chi Chuan Symposium is a project of the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Foundation. The Foundation became a federally recognized 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in 2012. Formed by Grandmaster Yang Jun, the Foundation’s mission is to promote health and longevity to mankind through Tai Chi Chuan. This mission will be fulfilled in various ways.
One way is the promotion of Tai Chi Chuan through hosting high-standard events, such as the International Tai Chi Chuan Symposium. The goal is to raise awareness of Tai Chi Chuan in the general public as well as provide quality educational events for beginning and advanced practitioners. The Symposium is one example of such an event and of how support of the Foundation increases awareness of not only Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, but awareness of Tai Chi Chuan in general in the greater community.
Another area of the Foundation’s mission is the awareness of traditional Tai Chi Chuan culture. This includes education in traditional customs, rituals, morals, and protocols for teachers and students that have historically been part of traditional Chinese martial arts. In modern society, some teachers and students are not aware of these special traditions. The Foundation offers teachers knowledge of these cultural traditions so that teachers can pass them on to students if they choose.
Finally, the Foundation aims to create a standard curriculum for students, one that includes a traditional direction of study yet fits with modern education. This approach includes both a Chinese and a Western academic understanding of Tai Chi Chuan. The Foundation seeks support for developing such a curriculum and inviting specialized experts to teach various topics.
Donations to the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Foundation contribute to an organization dedicated to high quality Tai Chi Chuan education, the promotion of Tai Chi Chuan in the world, and ultimately the support of an art that can positively affect the health, wellness and lives of people around the world.
