Lawrence S. Gamby

Head Instructor 

At the heart of The Taiji Institute is Lawrence, a 13th Generation Disciple of Chen Style Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan). With over two decades of study and practice, Lawrence brings both deep tradition and modern understanding to every class he teaches.

​

He trained under esteemed masters including Master Yang He Fa (Taiji), Master Ma Hong (Taiji), Banks Sensei (Jujitsu) and Niikura Sensei (Aikido), learning not only the physical art of Taiji but the philosophy and discipline that guide it.

​

Through this authentic lineage, The Taiji Institute preserves the essence of Chen Style Taiji, sharing the wisdom, precision, and mindfulness passed down for generations. Lawrence’s mission is to continue this living tradition by helping students cultivate their mind and refine their body through dedicated practice.

Yang Hefa

Father (Shifu)

Yang Hefa (born in 1972), from Wei County, Hebei Province, is the outstanding inheritor of the 12th generation of Chen Tai Chi, a renowned master and expert in Chen Tai Chi, a leading figure in the Ma Hong branch of Chen Tai Chi, a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Ma Hong's transmission of Chen Tai Chi, a seventh-level practitioner of Chinese martial arts, a first-class martial arts judge, a national-level social sports instructor, currently serving as vice chairman of the Hebei Wushu Association, chairman of the Shijiazhuang Wushu Association, honorary president and director of the Shijiazhuang Wushui Chen Tai Chi Professional Committee, president of the Hebei Hongfa Tai Chi Research Institute and chief instructor, visiting professor at the School of Physical Education, Northeast Normal University, visiting professor at the Military and Political Training Department of the Infantry Academy of the Chinese Army, honorary president and technical director of the Korean Ma Hong Fist Research Association.

​

In 2008, he was honored with the title of "One Hundred Outstanding Martial Artists of the 21st Century" and was also recognized as one of the top ten martial arts coaches. In 2009, he received the title of Senior Coach of Tai Chi Chuan. In 2015, he was honored with the title "One Hundred Outstanding Tai Chi Practitioners Worldwide" and the title "Best Tai Chi Promoter." In 2017, he was conferred the title of "Messenger of Tai Chi Chuan" by the Sports Bureau of Jiaozuo City and the Wenxian County People's Government. The same year, he was awarded the title of "Honorary Village Resident of Chenjiagou" by the Tai Chi Culture Research Base of China, the Wenxian Wushu Association, and the Chenjiagou Village Committee. He was also named one of the top ten Tai Chi figures by the Federation of Tai Chi Successors of China. His achievements have been featured in numerous articles by authoritative media outlets.

​

On the basis of fully inheriting the principles, true essence, and core of his mentor's martial arts, Mr. Yang Hefa, through years of dedicated study and careful understanding, gradually developed a unique style of martial arts. His boxing form is characterized by upright and balanced stance, meticulous and refined movements, inner stability of spirit, and outward appearance of relaxation. The Tai Chi he practices is renowned in the martial arts community as a "silent poem," a "three-dimensional painting," and a "moving sculpture" due to its unique features of being both flexible and dynamic, with a balance of lightness and heaviness, strength and gentleness, and effortless flow.

​

Mr. Yang Hefa is particularly skilled in Tai Chi push hands and free sparring techniques. His skills are profound and highly accomplished. He is adept at using light and delicate movements to counteract strong forces, employing a strategy of using softness to overcome hardness. His forceful movements are sharp, powerful, and swift, allowing him to excel in practical applications. His mastery is truly exceptional, demonstrating a level of skill that is both refined and extraordinary.

He is skilled in teaching, diligent in research, and has achieved significant results. He has published and distributed "The Traditional Chen Tai Chi Pictorial Atlas" and 40 volumes of the Traditional Chen Tai Chi Classic Teaching DVD series, which have been well-received and praised by many Tai Chi enthusiasts.