Open Tai Chi Foundation Newsletter
September 2025
🍂 Autumn Edition
Welcome to our September newsletter! This month we celebrate recent achievements, share exciting upcoming events, and highlight resources to deepen your Tai Chi journey. If you have suggestions or would like to contribute, please contact us at info@opentaichi.org.
In this month’s issue:
Fall Fundraiser - New OTCF Website
- 1st International Kung Fu and Taiji Festival
in Houston
🌸 Fall Fundraiser – September 27 – Yan Peninsula
Mark your calendars! Our annual Fall Fundraiser will take place on September 27 at Yan Peninsula in Millbrae. The evening will feature Tai Chi demonstrations by Sifu Wu and our students, delicious food, and the opportunity to support our school. It’s always a joyful occasion to gather as a community. Tickets will be available soon through Eventbrite — we hope to see you there!
🧘♂️ New OTCF Website launched!
Thanks to the dedication of Dino Oliva, Paul Tsang, and many others, our new website has been launched! The site has been completely refreshed with a modern look, easier navigation, and new features for students and visitors alike. This has been a true team effort, and we’re excited to share it with you. Please visit https://www.opentaichi.org and check it out!🌿 1st International Kung Fu and Taiji Festival in Houston
🧭 Upcoming Events
- September 13 – Alameda Island
Sifu Wu has been invited to a special Tai Chi gathering in the North Bay, with participation from many local schools. OTCF students will join Sifu Wu in demonstrations, representing our community with pride. Look for highlights and photos in next month’s issue!
☯️ Ask Sifu
This Month's Focus: Tai Chi Fan!
Q: Please tell us more about the Chen-style Fan form you are teaching this session. How do we choose the best fan?
A: You can watch my detailed livestream explanation here: Livestream Recording.
The Chen-style Fan class is closely connected to traditional Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan. I especially encourage students who already practice one or more Chen-style hand forms to join our Sunday morning 11–12 class. This is a wonderful opportunity to begin working with a Tai Chi weapon.
In class, we practice Chen-style fundamentals alongside the fan. I introduce basic fan techniques while reviewing empty-hand movements, and I give step-by-step instruction for the 24-form Chen-style Tai Chi Fan routine. For movements that are more challenging, I demonstrate alternative versions so students of all abilities can enjoy the practice without pressure to “look like” anyone else. By the end of the semester, students will not only learn a new Tai Chi weapon form but also deepen their understanding of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan.
Q: How is the Chen-style Tai Chi Fan form related to Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan?
A: The fan form draws directly from Chen-style principles. The stances, movements, and energy expressions are rooted in Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan. Practicing the fan strengthens your skills in empty-hand forms while introducing the coordination and martial applications of a weapon.
Got a question? Send it to asksifu@opentaichi.org
🎉 Student Highlight
Herb Chow
We celebrate Herb Chow, who at 96 years old continues to practice Tai Chi with dedication and joy. Herb has
been training in martial arts for more than 50 years and continues to learn new forms, including Hao style.
His perseverance and passion inspire us all!
📖 Book of the Month
The Essence of Tai Chi Ch'uan
This volume is the most respected English translation of the Tai Chi Classics, complete with calligraphy
and
illustrations. It is an invaluable resource for all students of Tai Chi. We encourage everyone to read,
reflect, and return to these timeless teachings often.