2024 – Dragon Ranks – Director and Instructor Seminar
The annual directors and instructors seminar was held from February 2 – 6, 2024 with the annual meeting on February 4. This was the first time in four years that directors and instructors have come together in person to learn, practice and enjoy each other’s company.
The seminar focussed entirely on push hands with Master Yang going over the progression of teaching the discipline. It was an intensive 4½ days covering everything from basic one hand circles to dalu.
At meeting on February 4th each department head reported on their activities since 2019 and their goals for the new year. Master Yang in his report reflected on the past 20 years of the association from the early and challenging first days to established organization we have today and how much has been accomplished together. Although his attention in the coming years will be to build up Yang Family Tai Chi in China, he will continue to connect with the greater Yang Family tai chi chuan family by giving seminars around the world. Master Yang also announced the recipients or the association’s first dragon ranks. They are:
Copper Dragons (Rank 7) Andy Lee
Angela Soci
Bill Walsh
Claudio Mingarini
Ray Tom
Silver Dragons (Rank 8) Han Hoong Wang
Pat Rice
He was also able to personally present Pat, Han and Bill with their certificates and pins.
The meeting was capped off with everyone participating in a Chinese New Year Celebration dance produced, directed and choreographed by Bill Walsh followed with a pizza party.