Lilburn Tai Chi Teacher Wins Gold Medals in China Tournament

Lilburn tai chi and qigong teacher Jan Stittleburg, along with seven members from Atlanta, won two gold medals and one silver medal at the recent Fifth International Wu Dang Tai Chi Tournament held in China.

Stittleburg is a student of Michael Issa, of Kaikudo Martial Arts Academy in Dunwoody. Their team won gold medals in group tai chi and qigong competitions. Stittleburg won a silver medal for a solo tai chi performance.

“Our team trained hard. They really did a great job representing Atlanta and the Wu Dang tradition,” Stittleburg said. “There were nearly 1,000 competitors from China and 27 other countries. It really was an amazing learning experience."

Issa won gold medals for his performance in two individual events. Three other members of Issa’s team also won medals for individual performances; one team member won a silver medal and two captured bronze.

Stittleburg began studying martial arts at age 43 with Yingzhang Wang of the Tai Chi Academy of Wushu and Acupressure. She now studies with Issa, who is a 14th generation Zhan Sangfeng lineage holder in tai chi. His certification was awarded by tai chi master Yun Xiang Tseng of the Wu Dang Sanfeng Pai Academy in China.

Stittleburg teaches private classes in tai chi, qi gong and stress-relieving meditation around the Lilburn area. She has diplomas in more than 10 forms of tai chi and qi gong.

Tai chi chuan, or simply tai chi, is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for self-defense and its health benefits. Multiple tai chi styles exist, but most routines – called forms – are practiced using slow, flowing movements that emphasize physical relaxation, balance, and inner awareness.

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is a 4,000-year-old Chinese exercise practice involving the repetition of slow, fluid movements coordinated with rhythmic breathing. There are many different styles and forms. Typically, tai chi players also practice qigong.

The tai chi tournament was held in Shiyan, a city adjoining the celebrated Wu Dang Mountains. The rugged mountains are dotted with scores of Taoist temples and monasteries. For hundreds of years the Taoist complex at Wu Dang was a significant training center for meditation, martial arts, medicine and academics.

Most Wu Dang structures, such as the famous Purple Cloud Palace complex, were built some 600 years ago during the Ming dynasty. In 1994, the ancient complex of Wu Dang temples and monasteries was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"Many Chinese believe that in the Wu Dang Mountains 400 years ago the Taoist hermit Zhang Sanfeng created the first tai chi forms,” Stittleburg said. “That’s why this particular tai chi tournament is so special.”