http://www.pengyou-taiji.ca/ - Peng You Taiji Quan Association

Thunder Bay International Taiji Festival 2001

People, sheltered from the blazing sun, watched demonstrations and performances that began with a Lion Dance and the opening ceremonies. Throughout the afternoon there were performances by the master, invited guests and our Association. The festival ended about 5:00 pm with a last Lion Dance performance.

Our Association's Grandmaster, Wang Jianhua, brought his son Juchen to the festival. The youngster who is 12 years old, and has already received national attention for his Wushu skills,is being trained by his father. He performed a number of times.

	Master Wang and Master Peng demonstrate Taiji Push Hands.
	Master Jiang Ruizhang of Suzhou, China performing his Wudang Sword and the 42 Forms Competition form Taijiquan.
	Mr & Mrs. Zhou Zhengbo of the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa , were honoured guests. Master Sunny Tang's Lion Dance Team, from Toronto, performing at the opening banquet at the Brewpub.
	Association members performing 32 Forms Taiji Sword

Madame Crystal
reading tea leaves.

Children's face painting
by Thunder Bay Parks and Recreation staff.

There was also a children's petting zoo and pony rides, a massage therapist from the Gleeson Clinic, Chinese Canadian Association members translated names into Chinese characters, a demonstration of Hapkido by the Northwest Combative Arts Academy, tsymbali music by Ted Harasymchuk, Jackie Long explained acupuncture and of course there was Chinese food from the Twin Dragons Restaurant.

For three days following the festival Master Wang taught the "International 16 Form Set" which has been established by the Chinese National Wushu Federation, as intermediate between the International Eight Form, and the Simplified Taijiquan, or 24 Form, Set. In the picture to the left he is "holding the ball" and moving into "Part Wild Horse's Mane".

Master Peng assisted Master Wang in teaching the classes and by translating instructions. He also offered classes for beginners.

The next festival is planned for the summer of 2003.

We gratefully acknowledge the following Festival Sponsors:

The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal
Bombardier Inc.
Dr. Christopher Lai
Vanderwees Greenhouses Inc.
Twin Dragons Restaurant