Dear Tai Chi Family members, we have some big news to share!
In no small part due to the invaluable efforts of George Thompson and his outstanding YouTube channel, more and more lovers of Tai chi and Taoist culture are finding their way to the WTWA. Now, it is true that many of them actually come looking forward to a natural, basic way of life and simple facilities. However, with the increase in the number of students, the time has come for the WTWA to undertake certain necessary renovations.
The WTWA is therefore looking to raise funds for two main purposes: first, to increase the capacity of the accommodation and modernize the Academy’s facilities. Second, to ensure that the students, who have often travelled from far, can be given appropriate time and attention by Master Gu. This entails the hiring of a small number of staff to look after the school and grounds, as well as perform certain administrative and other supporting tasks. Right now, Master Gu keeps the WTWA running almost entirely on his own; liberating him from some of this workload will enable him to spend more time with the students, which is what he naturally wants.
Why use crowdfunding?
There are several reasons why Master Gu hopes to involve the many members of the Tai Chi Family across the globe to help make these renovations possible. Firstly, the WTWA is located in a mountainous region, which makes any construction project laborious and costly. Secondly, the Wudang Mountains are in fact a World Heritage site, which means stringent, high-cost stipulations are imposed on this kind of project by the authorities. An additional reason is the steep cost of labour in China’s current economy. In sum, a renovation of this nature will call for a larger investment than a Taoist Master of modest means has in the bank.
Find all information on the Gogetfunding campaign page and, if you can, please contribute to the upgrade and future-proofing of the Academy!
Thank you and wish you 福寿康宁!