Jie Gu
By understanding and applying the principles of Yin and Yang, we can learn to live more balanced, healthy, and fulfilling lives, cultivating inner peace and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
Through the mindful practice of Tai Chi, we can all appreciate the beauty of nature’s cycles, and achieve the harmonious interplay of Yin and Yang in our lives.
General Introduction
After emigrating from North China and settling in Baton Rouge, Jie Gu earned a PhD in engineering from LSU and pursued a career as a civil engineer. However, severe anemia limited her energy levels outside of work. In October 2018, she turned to Taijiquan to restore her well-being. The gentle, flowing movements not only revitalized her energy in ways other sports couldn’t, but also helped her embrace the philosophy of Yin and Yang, bringing balance and patience into her personal and professional life.
In 2020, Jie began competing regionally, progressing to the U.S. National Kung Fu Team in May 2022 and advancing to the U.S. National Taiji Team in May 2024. Passionate about sharing the health benefits of Tai Chi, she introduced a 15-minute Tai Chi break at workplace in April 2023. By September of that year, she launched a weekly free Tai Chi group in local parks with the help of her friends. With the support of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, she began offering free Tai Chi classes to the general public starting in November 2023, with class sizes ranging from 30 to 70 participants per session.
For Jie, practicing Tai Chi aligns with her responsibility as an engineer to protect public health and safety. She finds joy in connecting with others through Tai Chi and is committed to expanding access to this practice. Jie freely shares her teaching materials and guidance with those interested in bringing Tai Chi to their own communities.
Jie believes that Tai Chi is not about natural talent but rather the result of a desire to improve and consistent effort. As a child, she was not selected for any physical enrichment programs when her school assigned after-class activities based on such evaluations. However, in her middle age, driven by a strong desire for self-improvement and the growing health benefits she experienced from consistent Tai Chi practice, she progressed from a novice to an amateur world champion in nearly six years. Jie firmly believes that if she can achieve this, anyone can, and she hopes to inspire others to begin and continue their Tai Chi journey to experience its benefits. So, she is dedicated to offer free Tai Chi lessons to anyone interested. Jie does not accept tuition or gifts but welcomes compliments and constructive criticism. She encourages others to feel free to point out any mistakes in her movements or acknowledge her positive influence.
Coaching Experience & Credentials
- Certified Coach by the United States Wushu and Kungfu Federation (USAWKF)
- Coaching athletes for competition since 2022 with students have earned medals at domestic and international Wushu competitions
- Teaching free public Tai Chi classes since 2023
- Leading corporate health and wellness fairs since 2024
Selected Awards
The 10th World Kungfu Championships (Emei, China, October 2025)
- Gold in Women’s 42 Movements Taijiquan (Group E)
- Silver in Women’s 42 Movements Taijijian (Group E)
The 4th World Taijiquan Championships (Singapore, August 2024)
- 1st Place in Women’s Simplified 32 Movements Taijijian (Group D-ABC)
- 2nd Prize in Women’s Simplified 24 Movements Taijiquan (Group D-BC)
The 4th Pan American Kungfu and Taijiquan Championships (Markham, Canada, August 2023)
- Gold in Women’s Simplified 24 Movements Taijiquan
- Gold in Women’s 42 Movements Taijiquan
Golden State International Wushu Championships (Santa Clara, California, May 2024)
- 1st place in Women’s all round Taiji and Qigong Events
Selected Competition Videos
Jie specializes in teaching standardized routines such as the 24-Movement Taijiquan, 32-Movement Taijijian (sword), 42-Movement Taijiquan, and 42-Movement Taijijian, offering students a comprehensive understanding of Tai Chi’s beauty, structure, and power. These routines not only embody the elegance of traditional martial arts but also meet international competition standards.
To inspire and guide others, videos of her performances from national and world-level competitions are shared below:
Jie Gu, performing the 32-Movement Sword Routine at the 4th World Taijiquan Championships
Jie Gu, performing the 42-Movement Sword Routine at the 4th World Taijiquan Championships
Jie Gu, performing the 42-Movement Taijiquan Routine at the 2024 USAWKF Team Trials
Online Tutorials
To support students in reviewing, previewing, or learning at their own pace, Jie has published the following video resources:
32-Movement Taijijuan – Step-by-step instructional playlist
24-Movement Taijiquan – Follow-along playlist
Simplified Fan Routine – Step-by-step instruction playlist
What Filled My Time Before Tai Chi?
Life was full of different activities and responsibilities, yet something always seemed missing. Before discovering Tai Chi, my days were busy and diverse, but I never felt the same sense of purpose, fulfillment, and dedication that Tai Chi has brought into my life.
