Two practice the same style.

Shifu Shawn Cartwright is co-founder of TCCII and has spent decades studying traditional Chinese internal arts, including Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Qigong, Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Fujian White Crane, and Internal Alchemy. Known for his ability to translate complex principles into practical training methods, he helps students develop authentic skill through structured lineage-based instruction. Shawn holds an MBA and Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and has authored publications in the field of strategy. Read more about Shifu Cartwright...

Dr. Yinong Chong is co-founder of TCCII, a Mayo Clinic certified wellness coach, and a public health researcher with more than twenty years of experience. She combines modern scientific understanding with traditional Chinese philosophy, language, culture, and wellness practices to help students achieve lasting health and personal transformation. Dr. Chong holds advanced degrees from Arizona State University and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and has received the Director's Award from the National Center for Health Statistics. Read more about Dr. Chong...

Which program is best for beginners?

Many beginners start with either Qigong or Taijiquan. Qigong is often the fastest way to improve breathing, relaxation, vitality, and overall well-being, while Taijiquan develops balance, coordination, body mechanics, and internal skill through a complete traditional training system.

Beginners interested in the Internal Martial Arts often begin with Taijiquan, Kung Fu Animals & Wudang Sword, Xingyiquan, or Wing Chun. Each offers a different training experience and emphasis. Taijiquan develops structure and sensitivity, Xingyiquan emphasizes direct power and intent, and Kung Fu Animals & Wudang Sword introduce traditional martial methods through a structured progression.

Baguazhang and Fujian White Crane are generally better suited to experienced martial artists or students who already have a foundation in the fundamentals. However, motivated beginners are welcome to explore any of our programs and can choose the path that best matches their interests and goals.

What's the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?

Qigong focuses on developing health, vitality, breath, awareness, meditation, and internal energy through specific exercises, standing practices, movement drills, breathing methods, and mind-body training. Many people begin with Qigong because it provides a direct and accessible path to improving physical well-being, relaxation, focus, and overall quality of life.

Taijiquan incorporates many of the same principles found in Qigong, but within the framework of a complete traditional martial art. In addition to cultivating health and internal development, Taijiquan includes forms, applications, partner training, push hands, traditional weapons, strategy, and martial principles.

Today, many schools present Taijiquan primarily as a gentle health exercise. While these benefits are important, we preserve the complete traditional lineage systems, including the original Chen Style Taijiquan and the broader training methods from which modern Tai Chi developed. This allows students to explore the art as deeply as they wish.

Students are free to choose their own emphasis. Some focus primarily on health, relaxation, meditation, wellness, and personal development. Others pursue the martial aspects, including applications, push hands, partner training, and the development of practical skill. Most find that these goals naturally complement one another, as the same principles that improve balance, coordination, awareness, and internal power also support martial ability.

For this reason, we do not view Qigong and Taijiquan as competing paths. Rather, they are closely related disciplines that share many underlying principles while offering different methods and areas of emphasis. Qigong provides a focused approach to cultivating energy and well-being, while Taijiquan expresses those same principles through a complete system of health, self-cultivation, and martial training.

Do you teach martial applications?

Yes. Our traditional training programs include practical martial principles and applications alongside health, wellness, and personal development training.

Depending on the art studied, students may learn push hands, joined hands, Qinna (joint locking and control methods), partner drills, self-defense concepts, sparring methods, and traditional weapons training. Training is designed to develop not only techniques, but also timing, distance, balance, structure, sensitivity, power generation, and the ability to apply principles under changing conditions.

The emphasis and training methods vary from art to art. We respect the traditional organization, body methods, teaching progression, internal practices, and unique approach of each system rather than forcing different arts into a single training model.

Students may pursue the arts for health, meditation, personal growth, martial development, self-cultivation, or a combination of these goals. Traditional training recognizes that these aspects support and strengthen one another rather than existing as separate paths.

Do you offer private or in-person training?

Yes. We offer private lessons and in-person training for qualified students who are committed to long-term study of the internal arts.

Private instruction is designed for serious practitioners, future instructors, and dedicated students who want direct access to lineage training and personalized correction. It is not intended as a recreational activity or one-time experience.

Students should expect to invest not only in tuition, but also in travel, lodging, and the time necessary to practice and integrate what they learn. For this reason, many students begin with our online programs and later pursue private instruction when they are ready to take their training to a deeper level.

How do I get started?

The easiest way to begin is with our complimentary introductory masterclass. It introduces the core principles that apply across Taijiquan, Qigong, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, and Kung Fu and will help you determine which training path is the best fit for your goals.

If your interest is in private instruction or in-person training, qualified students may also submit an application to discuss their background, goals, and level of commitment. Because private training is reserved for serious practitioners, instructors, and dedicated students, the application process helps determine whether this path is appropriate for your current stage of development.

Most students begin with the masterclass and online training programs, then pursue private instruction as their skill, experience, and training goals evolve.