Welcome to our 50th Anniversary Blog! 

Welcome to our 50th Anniversary Blog!

Professor Cheng Man Ch’ing and TCF’s founder, Patrick Watson

In honor of the Tai Chi Foundation’s 50 years, each month in 2025, we are publishing blog posts featuring historical material, reflections by TCF tai chi teachers, and photos. We hope the images and words will connect the tai chi community to our school’s many strengths, expand our understanding of this art, and inspire our practice. And who knows? Perhaps something in this series will inspire you to share your experience as well; the door is always open.

January

We begin with this wonderful piece written by David Goodell, a senior teacher in our Seattle school, in celebration of the Tai Chi Foundation’s first 50 years (see below).

Next, you’re invited to read The Passing of a Warrior Mystic, gleaned from the only extensive interview given by our founder, Patrick Watson. The dialogue originally appeared in a 1993 issue (Vol I, number IV) of TCF’s T’ai Chi Press. 

Then, explore When Two Masters Meet, a rare conversation between tai chi grandmaster, Professor Cheng Man Ch’ing and Oscar Ichazo, mystic, teacher, philosopher, and the founder of Arica, a spiritual school, founded in 1970. TCF Founder Patrick Watson studied extensively with both men. Originally published in the T’ai Chi Press, Summer 1991 issue. 

Professor Cheng Man Ch’ing and Oscar Ichazo founder of Arica.

What is This?

By David Goodell

What Is this that …

• Provides a way of regaining our health when we are sick or injured
• Helps us be more focused and present
• Requires so much more to learn, let alone master, than we ever imagined, yet gives us so much in return that we persevere
• Teaches us, at its highest level, how to avoid being harmed without causing injury to another
• Transcends the barriers of culture and religion in helping us recognize that we are one human family sharing one planet?

How were we so fortunate to have …

• Professor Cheng realize tai chi belongs to all of humanity, and then to share it with whomever came to learn
• Students of Professor Cheng share what he taught them
• This school Patrick Watson founded to support our learning and teaching
• Been given the opportunity to share it with others?

Thank you to Professor Cheng, Oscar Ichazo, Patrick Watson, and all of the teachers, past and present, who have made our role at this moment in history possible. May we do our part in sharing it now, when humanity desperately needs to transcend the delusions and grievances that divide us, so that we may act together for the benefit of all.

***

Patrick Watson

First Discovering Tai Chi and the Tai Chi Foundation?

You can learn more about tai chi by exploring the diverse offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to participate in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, the Tai Chi Foundation offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources offer a wealth of knowledge to enrich your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the regular course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.

TCF is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes, funds, and teaches programs that enable people to learn tai chi chuan and embody its principles.

Be sure to check out our new TCF 50th Anniversary Shop, where you can find stylish tai chi t-shirts and other great branded merchandise!

The Tai Chi Foundation Editorial Team

Photos courtesy Tai Chi Foundation Inc.

Copyright Tai Chi Foundation 2025