About Yah Jue 雅竹

    

The Music TaiChi Class of the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc. (CCACC) was founded in 1997 by Master Yee-Tak Fung. Classes have been held every Saturday 1:00-4:00 pm at the center for nearly 16 years.

In 1980, Master Yee-Tak Fung founded the Jue Tao Center in the greater Washington D.C. area that specialized in teaching Karate and Cuong Nhu. Due to the steady increase of adult members, Master Fung also added TaiChi as a requirement. Master Fung's spouse was also a student. She complained that the traditional 108-form Yang Style TaiChi is very difficult to memorize, and felt that music accompaniment would certainly make learning easier. Master Fung took his wife's suggestion and hence, the Music TaiChi group was born.

When Master Fung was still with us, other than teaching the basic principles of TaiChi--the proper way to relax and circulate Qi--he also frequently combined familiar melodies with TaiChi forms, creating a unique performing art. After passing away suddenly in 2004, Master Fung's students have in turn taken over his classes.

TaiChi has unique effects of increasing "exercise for the body" and "focus for the mind." Learning TaiChi can add fun to people's leisure time, while also helping to relieve stress and strengthen body. As a sport suitable for both young and old, TaiChi is becoming increasingly popular. Many close friendships have been established through years of training together. Quite a few have practiced together for seven to eight years. Some have even attained elder's status of 15+ years (for those who began training with Master Fung before the class was established).

The Music TaiChi class is currently instructed by Dr. Phoenix Liu. The class focuses mainly on Yang Style TaiChi. Dr. Liu continues Master Fung's philosophy of focusing on the training of fundamentals in her teaching. Practicing fundamentals strengthens physical conditions and stabilizes TaiChi stances--an indispensable method of developing the ability to quickly grasp forms.