Great River was founded in 1984 by a circle of friends practicing Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) together who wanted to expand their practice. Initially, this group sponsored a “Visiting Masters Series” & a study/practice group. Over the years, many notable masters, including, Wang Yen-nian, T.T. Liang, William C .C. Chen & George Hu, amongst others lead trainings at the Center’s Washington, DC Branch. In time, the group focused its practice & organizing skills on bring together & training in all aspects of the Yang Family’s Taijiquan & the sister practice of traditional daoist (taoist) neigong. Over the last two decades, the Center has grown from a local group into an international school with branched in many countries. Today, Center director Scott M. Rodell & senior students, hold regular weekly classes in Washington & lead seminars in Europe and America. Senior GRTC student Bede Bidlack founded a sister school – Still Mountain Tai Chi – which now has branches in two American cities.
Classical TaijiQuan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan)
Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) is an classical Chinese internal martial art that, when practiced regularly and correctly, reduces stress and helps to improve physical fitness, concentration, and overall health for all ages. Center Director Scott M. Rodell has 20 years of Taiji experience under masters Wang Yen-nien, T.T. Liang, and William C.C. Chen.
Chinese Historical Swordsmanship
Center director, Scott M. Rodell, is an internationally recognized expert of Chinese Historical swordsmanship & the author of “Chinese Swordsmanship, The Yang Family Taiji Jian Tradition.” While many contemporary schools of Chinese martial arts practice various sword forms, few practice swordsmanship. At GRTC we strive to achieve the complete sword art, moving beyond simple form practice to free swordplay in a manner that is both effective, adheres to the principles of taijiquan & is historically accurate.
Neigong
Traditional Taoist NeiGong (internal work) Meditation in the Jin Shan Pai (Gold Mountain Tradition) for students who have demonstrated sufficient skill and disciple.
