The Dragon's Head Blog

On the first day of the international workshop currently being held at Bayswater I was privileged to receive individual instruction from Tony Kwong who is the workshop leader.  I had arrived at the workshop after a recent back episode that had left me immobilized and bedridden for a few weeks. X-rays showed that an injury […]

Thursday February 28, 1985 Branson Hospital 9:30am As I was walking from my car to my appointment at Branson Hospital, I was wishing that I was going skiing instead. The neurologist walked into the examining room. He took one look at me and said, “You have Parkinson Disease!” After lunch, I went to the public […]

I experience the sheer joy of movement – of moving a body that has been paralyzed. These words are from one of the participants talking about their experience of doing Tai Chi at the International Centre in Orangeville. On day 4 of our 5-day Health Recovery Program there are looks of focus and determination on […]

The NYC Tri-State Branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA was contacted for a television interview on Good Morning America, an internationally broadcast program. They answered a call that came in during last Thursday night’s class. The caller said he was from ABC News, and that the Mayo Clinic and the NIH (National Institute […]

It is now day three of the Health Recovery Program here at the International Taoist Tai Chi Centre near Orangeville, and what an inspiring experience it has been thus far! During the first few days, our knowledgeable instructor Jim helped us build a strong foundation through countless tor-yus and dan-yus.  He explained that the quality […]

A fun time was had by over 60 people and 3 dogs at the annual Surrey Branch Picnic on Saturday, July 23. Attendees from the Surrey, Chilliwack, and Vancouver branches were enthusiastic about doing the “109th tai chi move” as they dug into the variety of foods brought for the potluck get-together. Sets of tai […]

With the southern Ontario heat,  we enjoyed a beautiful set outside, followed by a brush knee parade around the second floor of the Health Recovery building at the International Centre in Orangeville to take advantage of the air conditioning. The icing on the cake was a final push hands session. One more morning and then we […]

Working and learning (and eating!) together.   “My tai chi is improving from teaching others.” — Wade from Taraunga, New Zealand     “There’s no criticism. It’s all help” — Pat from Gravenhurst   “This Health Recovery is one of the best gifts I’ve given myself. It’s taken me a while to get here, but […]

One participant captured the answer to this question in pictures.

Health Recovery participants don-yu their way down the room as they play with balance and weight-shifting.      “There’s such a strong feeling of community within the group.  It warms my heart.” – Angie from Durham, Canada     “This has been a phenomenal week to help me work on issues that are present for me. It’s […]

Up … Up …     Up! There’s always more up! Participants in this month’s Health Recovery Week at the International Centre, Orangeville, are enjoying getting taller and working together. From some of the participants: “It’s been more than just physical. I’m learning how to listen to my body and I didn’t realize how I […]

This spring the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Hungary held a round table discussion in Budapest on the health benefits of Taoist Tai Chi® arts. Among the participants of the discussion were instructors of the Hungarian TTCS, doctors who are also practicing Taoist Tai Chi® arts, and two of our members living with health problems […]

For patients with painful knee osteoarthritis, tai chi was as helpful as physical therapy in reducing pain and improving physical functioning, according to a new study partially funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The results of the study, conducted at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, were published in the journal Annals […]

As locations across Canada get ready for Cross-Canada Seniors’ Day next week on June 9, a new meta-analysis suggests tai chi can lower blood pressure in older people as effectively as drugs or aerobic exercise. Researchers also found that the reduction in systolic blood pressure was greater in people who performed tai chi more frequently. […]

Members and special guests in Brisbane, Queensland (Australia), celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Brisbane branch at a dinner on March 10, 2016. We were pleased to be joined by special guests Mr. Duncan Pegg MP, member for Stretton and representing the Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk; Councillor Vicki Howard from Central Ward of the City […]

The benefits of an active lifestyle are well documented in studies.  But for living proof look no further than Stratford’s Isabel Plant. A five-day-a-week regular at the city’s branch of Taoist Tai Chi the energetic and charming senior celebrated her 90th birthday with fellow participants at the Ontario Street facility this week. Along with Anneli […]

Harvard Health Publications, the media and publishing division of the Harvard Medical School of Harvard University, one of the oldest and most trusted sources of medical information in the United States of America, reports that one of the five best exercises you can ever do is tai chi. As reported in the article No matter […]

  As a result of corrections in the sitting meditation and in my tai chi, a new part of my back opened up that had been hurting before. — Matt from Oregon       You have to pay attention to your task, watch the other people, if you want to learn about something and […]

Participants from across Canada are taking part in a six-week national dan yu challenge.  One only challenges one’s self to do more dan yu’s, not others.  Donations are freely given to support fundraising for the International Center in Florida.  Better health for the individual and for the organization is the best reward.  Here are some comments from participants in Canada’s Pacific […]

Here’s what participants in Western Region are saying about their practice: “It’s a good way to start the day.” Audrey “It softens the stiffness in my hips.” Phyllis “I’m doing the same number of Dan Yus every day, and it feels like it’s getting easier.” Eileen “The more Dan Yus I do, the more I […]