Blue Siytangco Taiji Kungfu Academy

Reminder to all students: due to Labor Day tomorrow, we won’t be having any group classes in the afternoon and evening. Our regular group classes will begin again on Tuesday (9/7/2026) starting with the 10AM morning class! Have a safe holiday, everyone!

Congratulations to our new graduates! Everyone passed their Sash Tests with flying colors. And yes, the stance training (as well as everything else) only gets harder!🤣

Orange Sash:
Carson Ross
Rachel Ross
Scot Varnau
Lwin Chaw

Blue Sash:
Toan Nguyen
Maria Cook

Purple Sash:
Nate Chen
Jadia Manakalani

Brown Sash:
Jo Pollack
Scott Perry
Ed Gonzalez
Carmen Lupascu
Vikram Vir

To new students attending the sash testing this weekend:

We will be having two opportunities to test (9/5/2026 and 9/12/2026), since some may not make it this weekend due to the Labor Day holiday. This also means that if you don’t satisfactorily pass this Saturday, you have another chance to re-take the test!

After the testing on a separate weekend we will have the sash ceremony where you will get a chance to perform in front of an audience and officially receive your new sashes and certificates!

Heads up, team! We have a Mid Autumn Festival demo coming up at the Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center on Saturday, September 26, from 11-2PM. Please let me know if you are able to perform. Thank you!

Wow!⚔️

Chinese archaeologists excavating an ancient tomb in Xinyang, Henan Province, uncovered a remarkable bronze sword dating to the Warring States period. The weapon had remained buried for approximately 2,300 years, yet when researchers carefully drew it from its scabbard, the blade still appeared bright and remarkably well preserved.

Dating to between 475 and 221 BCE, the sword was created during one of the most important and turbulent periods in ancient Chinese history. Despite spending more than two millennia underground, much of the blade appeared to have survived with little visible corrosion.

Experts believe the weapon's exceptional condition was linked to its tightly sealed scabbard, which helped protect the bronze from the surrounding environment. Protective compounds associated with the sword may also have contributed to its preservation, limiting the corrosion that normally destroys ancient metal artifacts over time.

Bronze swords from the Warring States period were products of highly advanced metallurgical traditions. Ancient Chinese craftsmen developed sophisticated techniques for casting and finishing weapons, creating blades that could remain both durable and functional.

The discovery offers an extraordinary reminder of the skill of ancient Chinese artisans. More than 2,300 years after the sword was placed inside the tomb, the blade was still capable of revealing the craftsmanship of the civilization that created it.

Location: Xinyang, Henan Province, China

Age: Approximately 2,300 years old

Period: Warring States period (475–221 BCE)

Object: Bronze sword and scabbard

Why It's Important: The sword's remarkable preservation provides rare evidence of ancient Chinese metallurgy and the exceptional craftsmanship of the Warring States period.

Sources: Chinese archaeological research; Henan cultural heritage authorities; studies of Warring States period bronze weapons.

Larry D Escher is an excellent instructor and a good friend of mine. His workshop is going to be blast and I will definitely be taking it! Who’s coming with me?

🎗️In honor of the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we are holding an Anti-Hijacking Seminar on a Live Bus.
🗓️Saturday, September 12th, 2026 from 1-3p.
🚌 Buses are laid out the same as planes ✈️, trains 🚄, and subways🚉, so the techniques and concepts taught can translate to other modes of public transportation.
Concepts and Techniques May Include...
✔ Dealing with Violence in an Enclosed Space
✔ Defending Knife / Boxcutter Threats
✔ Disarming Gun Threats
✔ Using Surroundings to Your Advantage
✔ Escaping Hostage Position
✔ Rescuing a Hostage
✔ and more!
Tuition is just $99.11 and Spaces are Limited, so sign up early.
https://911Seminar.com/

Dear Students, Friends, and Family of the Taiji Kungfu Academy,

We need your help to repair our school’s air-conditioning units—an expense the academy cannot currently afford on its own. To raise the necessary funds, we will be offering a variety of special workshops, training gatherings, and community events in the coming weeks. By participating, you will not only enjoy additional opportunities to train, learn new skills, and connect, but also help us keep the academy safe and comfortable for everyone. We are deeply grateful for your continued support of our school and community.

Please stay tuned for our upcoming events!

Sincerely,
Master Blue Siytangco.

A bit of truth c/o Natalie Durkin!🤣☯️

This new student special applies to adults as well as kids! Lock in your savings and train with us! We are a complete Taiji Kungfu school offering classes in Chen Style Taijiquan, Sanshou/Sanda kickboxing, tuishou/shuai tuishou grappling, qinna, practical self-defense, and classical weapons sparring/fighting.