The "Tai Chi Gala" started out as Master Jou's "Zhang San Feng Festival"
"Zhang San Feng" (also spelled: Chang, San-Feng) is the legendary founder of the art of taijiquan (commonly spelled: tai chi chuan) in old China. His birthday is often celebrated by tai chi enthusiasts in China and abroad with various "Zhang San Feng Festivals." In America, the Zhang San Feng Festival was founded by best-selling author and tai chi grandmaster teacher, Jou Tsung Hwa. Master Jou held America's largest Zhang San Feng Festival at his school and retreat center, "Tai Chi Farm" (Warwick, NY) from the mid-1980's to 1998. Master Jou's purpose in hosting the Zhang San Feng Festival was so that people could share knowledge, skills, opinions and wisdom about the art of tai chi chuan and its related practices. The environment was one of camaraderie and positive energy. People of all different abilities, ages, interests and backgrounds gathered peacefully at this awe-inspiring event.
During the 1990's, the Zhang San Feng Festival was directed and managed by his apprenticed student, Loretta M. Wollering. In that time she helped grow the event from 200 attendees to over 500, until Master Jou's fatal car accident in 1998. She resurrected the Zhang San Feng Festival and ran it with her then-spouse until their split in 2009. People had suggested that Wollering change the name of the event to differentiate it from other Zhang San Feng Festivals held by other tai chi groups, as well as to change the title to: 1) something easier for Westerners to spell and pronounce, and 2) to include a byline that was more inclusive to all internal arts practitioners.
Thus, the name of the event was changed to: "Tai Chi Gala" This event, "Tai Chi Gala" is under the production and supervision of Loretta M. Wollering. Tai Chi Gala is the only event carrying over from original Zhang San Feng Festival management from when Master Jou was alive.
Through the decades, the event hosted a sampling of some of the biggest and brightest professionals in the Chinese Internal Arts.
At this convention there truly are treasures for EVERYONE to discover. From beginners to seasoned martial arts experts looking to finesse their skills with rare knowledge and techniques… to people searching for seminars that go deep ino the spiritual and meditative side of the ancient Chinese arts… to people looking for healing and energy development in workshops related to qigong (energy work) and the secrets of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Some workshops are very active in nature, and others are very leisurely. Above all, the presenters at this convention are highly experienced – having taught large groups and often having authored books and videos. At the same time, they are very friendly – ensuring a respectful envirionment where everyone feels welcome and motivated.
Savvy teachers attend Tai Chi Gala to pick up new explanations and methods of teaching techniques to keep their classes fresh and among the highest quality in the internal arts. Some teachers swear that this has helped their own classes become far more interesting and attracted many more students and teaching opportunities.
Some people come alone to this convention, and leave with new friends and the memories of a lifetime. Others come along with a large group of friends with whom they can discuss and practice their newly learned skills. You can learn more in these few days than you would in years, and you will meet more fascinating, like-minded individuals in this one place than anywhere else. Come and soak up the positive energy – we're looking forward to meeting you!
Be sure to read the Presenter Bios and Gala Workshops Info!