THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s master ambassador has done it again.
Taiji master Peng You has put Thunder Bay on the map once more, both nationally and internationally.
Thunder Bay has long been known around the world as ‘The Taiji City” due almost entirely to Master Peng’s relentless efforts.
The city has also long had a loyal and strong Taiji community which has been and continues to be connected with, for example, two of the former Sister Cities –Duluth, Minnesota and Jiaozuo, China.
The Canadian National Martial Arts Championships here in 2022 brought in Taiji and Kungfu club participants from across the country.
Due to Master Peng’s lobbying on our behalf Thunder Bay was even designated initially in 2022 as the host for the World Taiji Championships, a colossal event that turned out to be beyond our present capacity to hold. But as a result we had the eyes of an amazed world upon us for the better part of two years.
Historically we’ve had Taiji groups attend events in the US, Mexico and especially China where Thunder Bay has been in the spotlight many times.
We’ve had top in the world Taiji Grandmasters here to give workshops and seminars.
Our Taiji Park is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to practice Taiji.
So it was appropriate that on March 17 in Toronto, Master Peng was officially recognized by Wushu Canada and elevated to Wushu Canada Duan Wei Level 10, the highest level in Canada.
In fact there are only two others who have received that recognition and honour. It is based on years of teaching, competitions, achievements, contributions and recognition in Chinese Martial Arts in their communities – in Canada and worldwide.
We are fortunate indeed to have such a great ambassador for our city, one who proudly shouts out to the world that Thunder Bay is a great place to be.
