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History

In The Beginning...

The Taijiquan Club was the brainstorm of a number of taijiquan enthusiasts. While there are many directories and lists of schools and teachers within a single style, we felt the need for an organization for all teachers and schools, from all styles. At the same time, we wanted to be free of geographical boundries that limit many associations. We also hoped that we could work together to bring about improvements in the quality of the art, and gather together at least annually to promote all taijiquan practices.

The idea was fostered by many people throughout the years 1998, 1999 and 2000. The first founders each contributed $250 to start the organization. In July of 2001 the official non-profit organization was formed under the generous guidance of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation - the only other non-style specific Taijiquan organization in the world. The first operational board of active members and the advisory board of leaders in the world of Taijiquan were established.

In November of 2001 the first web site was constructed. Membership dues were collected starting in April of 2002. We attracted members from countries all over the world. We applied for non-profit status, and the 501c3 designation was approved by the IRS on February 6, 2003.

We elected our first board and established the rules for the Founders. The founders and the original boards (both operating and advisory) were:

Founders
CJ Rhoads
David Chen
D. Mark von Waaden
Rick Hamilton
Don Schrider
Lee Scheele
Kirsten Erwin
Marc Andonian
Steve Arbitman
Paul MacDonald
Steve Higgins
Leo Robb
David Elston-Phillips
Isse Elston-Phillips

Founders with italicized names have, sadly, passed away. (At our 2013 board meeting, we voted to close the founders list so that no other people could be added. )

Original People who Served on Boards
David Chen
CJ Rhoads
George Hawrysch
Jill Heath
Curt Sahakian
Kirsten Erwin
Erica Friedman
Don Schrider
Frank Shiery
Paul MacDonald
Mark von Waaden
Stephen Higgins
Ross Chafetz
Rick Hamilton
Marc Andonian
Barbara Davis
Lee Scheele
Bill Douglas
Pat Rice
Betsy Chapman
Kim Kanzelberger
Michael Jones
More History