December is often a time for reflection and for me, it has also been a moment of waking up from a lazy November. I found myself re‑energized in December 2025. Old friends, new friends, and heartfelt conversations reminded me why Tai Chi Club exists in the first place. Even some long‑time YouTube channel subscribers reached out, gently asking why the sword instruction videos hadn’t been updated for a while. I want to say this clearly: I never meant to pause free sharing. Life simply became full.

By December 21, we had already accomplished more than I expected for the month:

• We completed four free public Tai Chi sessions.
• We published two new step‑by‑step Tai Chi sword instruction videos.
• And the final class of 2025 turned into a truly heartwarming gathering.

Movement 22-23

Movement 24-25

Looking back to the beginning of the year, one of the biggest surprises was the successful sharing of an entirely new weapon routine with the public—the Tai Chi Club’s Tai Chi Fan Routine.

With Shawei’s initial idea, we chose the fan because it is easy to carry, approachable, and less intimidating than other weapons. From there, we choreographed a simplified 24‑movement fan routine, carefully selected and adapted from Li Deyin Laoshi’s 52‑movement Fan routine.

And together, we:

• Introduced the routine to our performance team
• Practiced with the public at the Main Library
• And successfully delivered a group performance for BREC’s Mid‑Autumn Festival celebration designed by Karen

However, the journey was not smooth. At the Main Library, progress was very slow at first. Participants came and went, sessions could not always continue consistently, and some of my long‑time Tai Chi friends were not interested in weapon forms. I lost a few familiar faces. At the same time, some new beginners asked to learn hand forms—but never returned.

My original intention was simple: to bring variety, to share generously, to spark interest, and to invite more people into Tai Chi through different entry points. When that didn’t immediately work, I felt so lost at that time.

Without Karen’s continuous encouragement and gentle pushing forward, I honestly cannot imagine completing such a bold experiment with the public. And yet—by the final class of the year—something remarkable happened. Everyone could follow. The fan techniques—especially opening and closing—were well executed. What once felt uncertain became confidence.

I found myself saying something with Linda and others I truly believe now:

Weapon forms are fun—and they involve your entire body more comparing with the hand forms.

Compared with hand forms alone, weapon forms:

• Demand greater coordination between arms, torso, and legs
• Encourage larger, more extended movements, which help correct posture
• Improve timing, spatial awareness, and balance

From a physical perspective, Tai Chi weapon training can also:

• Enhance shoulder mobility through controlled, circular arm swings
• Promote upper‑back and thoracic spine engagement, counteracting rounded posture
• Improve wrist and elbow joint flexibility through precise opening and closing actions
• Support people dealing with shoulder stiffness or limited range of motion, especially common after age 50, when practiced gently and progressively

If I can learn and enjoy weapon forms, I truly believe anyone can—with patience and consistency.

Looking Forward to 2026: Clear Direction, Shared Vision

For a while, I wasn’t sure what more I could bring to the public. That uncertainty disappeared when the Main Library scheduled a Spring 2026 Tea Celebration:

📅 March 14, 2026 | 2:00–5:00 PM

Tai Chi Club committed to presenting three performance pieces, and suddenly everything aligned.

The Plan for Spring 2026 Performances

Here is what I envision:

1. Sword Performance – presented by the performance group
2. Fan Performance – presented by any one who would like to volunteer for the show
3. Hand Form Performance – involving as many participants as possible

The fan routine, in particular, will be polished continuously with the goal of entering competitions in 2026. With dedication and teamwork, I hope we can bring back another trophy to add to the Main Library’s collection.

But the third piece—the hand form—may be the most meaningful. Over the years, hundreds of people have attended our free sessions, either at the main library or in the park. I want this performance to represent everyone: our shared effort, growth, and quiet persistence.

We are also deeply honored to have Eric volunteer to accompany this performance with live music. I believe his expertize will enrich and energize our performance.

With all this, maybe we can create a record‑setting indoor Tai Chi group performance—the most participants we’ve ever had practicing together at once.

International Taijiquan Day & A Second Performance

Another exciting news is that UNESCO has officially designated an International Taijiquan Day, recognizing Tai Chi as an important element of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.

To honor this global celebration, I hope we can repeat the same three performance pieces again on:

📅 March 21, 2026

This will also be our way of thanking the Main Library for its continuous support—for providing what I truly believe is one of the best Tai Chi classrooms in the country.

Training Focus Moving Forward

To prepare for the Spring Show:

• Public sessions at the Main Library before March 21 will focus on:
  • Reviewing the hand form
  • Refining the fan routine

After that, I remain open and excited to explore:

• A more challenging hand form
• A different Tai Chi style
• Or even another weapon

Gratitude & Invitation

I am deeply grateful to every participant, volunteer, supporter, and friend who has walked this path with us. Your trust makes free sharing possible. Your presence gives this community meaning. If you have suggestions, ideas, or hopes for what you would like to learn or see in 2026, I would truly love to hear from you.

Let’s step into the new year together—steady, curious, and inspired.

— Jie Gu