Taoist Tai Chi Society
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The International Taoist Tai Chi Society (道教太極拳社) was founded by Moy Lin-shin. He arrived in Toronto, Canada in 1970 to start teaching wushu. One of the martial arts he taught, and for which he enthused the most students, was Tai Chi Chuan. His primary interest was in Lok Hup Ba Fa, (1) which, however, was too difficult for most students. Therefore, he modified the orthodox Yang style Tai Chi Chuan form, and called it Taoist Tai Chi. Over the years Moy trained many of his students to become instructors/teachers of Taoist Tai Chi. In order to coordinate these people and their activities a formal organisation was necessary. This led to what is now known as the Taoist Tai Chi Society.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society has four stated aims and objectives, which are meant to be a guide for the conduct/activities of members.
- To make Taoist Tai Chi available to all
- To promote the health-giving qualites of tai chi
- To promote cultural exchange (foremost between Western and Chinese cultures)
- To help others
Moy's goal for Tai Chi was to help people regain their health. In order to do this, he completely de-emphasized his new form's connection to martial art training. He removed from his new form all elements that he felt were reminiscent of the competitive nature he believed to be found in some martial art training. In the way the form is transmitted it is also never shown how the moves may be applied in fighting situations, as is done in some other martial art forms to clarify a certain sequence of moves. The reasoning for this may be found in the ways of traditional schools (2): "to provide a level playing field for all students by instilling respect and care for one's seniors, peers and juniors, so that everyone, not just the physically gifted, has an opportunity to benefit from the training provided in a martial art school."
Moy's form is taught by unpaid volunteer instructors, as mandated by the bylaws of the Society (which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the U.S.A.). The Society operates on a membership basis, and monthly dues enable a member to take as many classes as desired. In order to become a volunteer instructor one has to express the desire to do so, and be able to show the elements of the form to new students. One is also required to attend a number of workshops every year. A teacher of Taoist Tai Chi should conform to and live by, what Moy called, "Eight Heavenly Virtues": Sense of Shame, Honor, Sacrifice, Propriety, Trustworthiness, Dedication, Sibling Harmony, and Filial Piety. A teacher should also thus be an example to his students.
After expansion into the United States, and later into Europe, New Zealand and Australia the International Taoist Tai Chi Society was established in 1990.
Since the death of Moy Lin-shin the Taoist Tai Chi Society has been amalgamated with the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism.
