The Dragon's Head Blog: International Workshop 2019 in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland

In the first week of September, the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Ireland hosted a 5 day International Workshop on the banks of the River Moy in Ballina. There were133 participants from 9 countries, some who have been practicing Taoist Tai Chi for over 30 years and some for 7 weeks.

Everyone benefitted from the stories and experiences that long time participants shared. It was wonderful to hear how Taoist Tai ChiTM arts spread from Master Moy in Canada to Scotland and England and eventually to Ireland. A seed was planted, cultivated and is growing strong, or as one participant put it, “There’s 400 participants in TTCS Ireland and 40,000 worldwide so we are 1% of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society!”

Understanding the instructions of the workshop leader, participants noticed what they have been doing in their tai chi practice and they changed how they moved their bodies.

“I really enjoyed doing everything slowly. It gave me time to focus inward and concentrate on the movements.”

“I now realize that remembering the set is not as important as trying to put in the Dan Yus and Tor Yus.”

“Using my arms less, makes the movements more calm and relaxing.”

“For me it felt like discovering another layer as I continue to journey deeper into my tai chi. I felt my body become stronger and looser as a result of the workshop. My mood is so good too!”

“I always start dropping first and then start bending my knees straight away which I’m working on.”

“A lot of transformation took place both physical and mental. I learned a lot about myself.”

“Tai chi truly gives one strength and balance and is a joy to behold.”

“I felt the workshop was a rollercoaster and one of the most intense experiences I’ve had in my life.”

“One aspect of the workshop that I really enjoyed was the mental side of things. I felt this came from the top down and made for a very enjoyable and relaxed 5 days. As a coordinator I was trusted and allowed to get the job done with a good and happy team around me.”

We are looking forward to next year and celebrating 50 years of the Arts that Master Moy made available worldwide.