Tai Ji Men Santa Clara Academy Celebrates Third Anniversary | WPN World People News

Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein (right) presents a certificate of recognition to Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, the zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, in recognition of Tai Ji Men’s longstanding dedication to community service and its positive impact on the community.

Tai Ji Men Santa Clara Academy celebrated its third anniversary on October 25, 2026, at Cupertino Community Hall. Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, the celebration, themed “Three Years Together, Soaring into 60,” featured personal stories, cultural performances, and interactive activities. The event drew more than 150 Bay Area residents and distinguished guests from various sectors, who came together to experience the health benefits, joy, and positive energy fostered by Qigong practice, self-cultivation, and a culture of conscience. The event was also livestreamed, allowing those unable to attend in person to share in the festivities.

During the lighting ceremony, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze (fourth from right), zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, joins distinguished guests on stage to illuminate the “TJM60” LED display as they proclaim in unison, “Beyond 60: Light Up Peace.”

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, stated that Tai Ji Men carries forward the spiritual wisdom of Taoism, a tradition passed down through generations from Shifu to disciples for thousands of years. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy. Over the years, Dr. Hong and his disciples have traveled to 123 countries at their own expense, engaging with people from diverse cultures and walks of life to spread the message of conscience, love, and peace through cultural exchanges. He expressed his hope that more people would embrace the vision of “A World of One Heart - Peace and Sustainability” and work together toward a peaceful and prosperous future for humanity. He added that the Santa Clara Academy would continue to foster health, vitality, happiness, and personal growth within the community, inspiring individuals to illuminate hope through acts of conscience and kindness and become a source of warmth and light for others.

The lively and spirited auspicious lion dance brings blessings of good fortune, while young kung-fu practitioners showcase their strength, grace, and confidence through dynamic movements, powerful presence, and impressive stances, filling the venue with vibrant energy.

Among the Bay Area dignitaries attending the celebration were Phuong Nguyen, representing California State Senator Dave Cortese; Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein; Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano; Milpitas City Councilmember William Lam; Cupertino Vice Mayor Liang Chao; and Santa Clara City Councilmember Kevin Park. Tai Ji Men also received certificates of recognition from California State Senator Dave Cortese, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, and Santa Clara City Councilmember Kevin Park, honoring its longstanding commitment to community service and its positive contributions to the local community.

Wanting practices Tai Ji Men Qigong alongside her son, Ryder. She hopes he will grow up in a caring and positive environment, developing good character and self-confidence through qigong practice and self-cultivation while carrying forward the values of kindness and love within their family.

Ahead of the celebration, California State Assemblymember Alex Lee presented a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the California State Assembly to congratulate Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy on its 60th anniversary. The certificate recognized Tai Ji Men’s longstanding dedication to teaching the physical and spiritual principles of qigong, martial arts, and self-cultivation, and expressed appreciation for its continued efforts to promote physical and mental well-being and personal growth.

Young Tai Ji Men disciples deliver an energetic performance of “Happiness Is Everywhere,” spreading joy and positive energy throughout the venue and bringing the anniversary celebration to a vibrant close.

Local Dignitaries Recognize Tai Ji Men’s Contributions to Community Health and Well-Being

In an interview, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein expressed his delight at seeing so many smiling, energetic children, whose enthusiasm brought a youthful spirit to the community. He praised Tai Ji Men for engaging children in dancing, singing, and health-promoting activities that encourage them to learn about healthy living while having fun and expressing their vitality. He also thanked Tai Ji Men for its longstanding commitment to the community and for bringing joy and positive energy to local residents.

More than 150 guests and Tai Ji Men disciples gather to celebrate the third anniversary of Tai Ji Men Santa Clara Academy, sharing a warm and festive atmosphere as they extend their best wishes to the academy.

Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano said that Tai Ji Men Qigong goes beyond physical exercise, offering a path toward spiritual purification and greater inner awareness. She emphasized that world peace begins with each individual, likening every person to a small light in the world. As each light shines brighter, together they can create a powerful force that illuminates the world. She also expressed her gratitude to Tai Ji Men for the invitation and hoped that more people would bring positive change to themselves and the world by nurturing their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and putting kindness into practice.

Cupertino Vice Mayor Liang Chao shared that she was deeply moved by the personal journeys and positive transformations described by Tai Ji Men disciples. She noted that Silicon Valley residents face considerable pressures at work, in their daily lives, and in their studies, making emotional and spiritual support increasingly important. She emphasized that Tai Ji Men offers more than physical health benefits, also fostering spiritual well-being and personal growth. She expressed her hope that more people would learn about Tai Ji Men and that the joy and sense of fulfillment it brings would spread throughout the community.

Lighting Up TJM60: United in Sharing Blessings for Peace

During the lighting ceremony, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, invited distinguished guests to join him in illuminating the “TJM60” LED display. Together, they proclaimed, “Beyond 60: Light Up Peace,” symbolizing Tai Ji Men’s 60-year legacy and its vision for the future, as well as its continued commitment to spreading hope and blessings through conscience, love, and peace. The event also featured a retrospective of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy’s 60th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the achievements of events held in Toronto and Southern California and showcasing Tai Ji Men’s ongoing efforts to promote peace across geographical boundaries and connect people from diverse cultures.

Personal Stories of Transformation: From Physical and Mental Well-Being to Caring for Others

Hui-Fang Cheng, who has practiced Tai Ji Men Qigong for seven years, shared how the practice has boosted her stamina and helped her regain her energy despite a demanding work schedule. Through greater self-awareness, she learned to recognize the anxiety underlying her emotions and gradually let go of excessive worries about her son, improving their relationship. By encouraging herself with positive affirmations every day, she also overcame her fear of public speaking and confidently delivered a product presentation to an audience of several hundred people. She realized that practicing qigong not only strengthens the body but also cultivates the mind and heart, empowering her to continue growing and taking her life to the next level.

Vicky Cheng, an Asia Regional Sales Manager, shared how practicing Tai Ji Men Qigong and receiving wisdom and guidance from her Shifu helped her gradually realize that true healing goes beyond physical recovery to encompass inner peace and spiritual growth. By letting go of past attachments and anxieties and incorporating conscience, integrity, and acts of kindness into her daily life, she rediscovered her inner courage and began transforming her life from within.

Intergenerational Cultural Performances Showcase Vitality, Confidence, and Team Spirit

Vibrant cultural performances added excitement and energy to the celebration. The Tai Ji Men Celestial Drums brought together disciples from different generations and walks of life, ranging from elementary and middle school students to graduate students and working professionals. Transcending age differences, the performers worked in harmony, delivering powerful, synchronized drumbeats and dynamic movements that showcased their teamwork and unity while inspiring the audience with uplifting energy.

Among the Celestial Drums performers, Wanting and her son Ryder shared their heartwarming story. Having grown up in Tai Ji Men, Wanting shared how her Shifu’s teachings helped her learn to distinguish right from wrong, treat others with kindness, and cherish the warmth and close bonds of the Tai Ji Men family. She hopes her son will also grow up in a caring and positive environment, developing good character and self-confidence through qigong practice and self-cultivation, while carrying forward the values of kindness and love within their family.

The auspicious lion dance brought blessings of good fortune, while young kung-fu practitioners captivated the audience with their spirited movements, powerful presence, and impressive stances. Their performance embodied the integrity and confidence of martial arts practitioners, blending strength with grace and radiating youthful energy. Among the performers was 16-year-old Magalie, who joined Tai Ji Men at the age of seven. She shared how practicing qigong has helped her develop greater confidence in herself. Once shy and nervous around strangers, she gradually gained self-confidence through the support and encouragement of fellow Tai Ji Men disciples. She has since found the courage to speak on stage and become more comfortable delivering group reports and presentations at school. With encouragement from those around her, she also discovered a passion for dancing. Once hesitant to step into the spotlight, she now looks forward to performing on stage, experiencing firsthand how encouragement and support can inspire personal growth.

Jiun-Yao, an assistant professor of civil engineering at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), shared that teaching and research often involve constant change and considerable pressure. Through qigong practice and self-cultivation, he has learned to regulate his breathing, relax his body and mind, and develop a habit of daily self-reflection. The meditation and self-cultivation practices taught by Shifu have also helped him manage stress with greater composure and adapt more readily to changing circumstances. He emphasized that in an era of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, maintaining inner balance and continuing to learn and grow are more important than ever.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant performance of “Happiness Is Everywhere,” as young Tai Ji Men disciples filled the stage with energetic dance moves, spreading joy and positive energy throughout the venue. Through inspiring personal stories, cultural performances, and intergenerational exchanges, the Tai Ji Men Santa Clara Academy’s third anniversary celebration highlighted the achievements of its longstanding community engagement and collective growth while promoting the values of health, gratitude, love, and peace. The event encouraged everyone to embrace a positive mindset, lead healthy and joyful lives, and join hands in lighting the way to peace.