Taiji Center is a Chinese Martial Arts school in Port Richey and Spring Hill, Florida [ABOUT US]

We opened our doors in 1996 with the goal in mind to offer a practical form of self-defense, health and a philosophy that promotes harmony in a sometimes difficult-world.

Steve Contes, instructor and founder of the Taiji Center began his martial arts training in 1970. For the first 20 years he studied a variety of martial arts, health, nutrition, fitness, philosophy and meditation. He then decided to focus on a practical form of self-defense combining principles from all the above mentioned. He had also come to realize that in order to train in a complete system, all enemies must be understood. The most often overlooked and greatest enemy we must face is found within. If we are to learn how to protect ourselves, then this must be the starting point. Martial art technique makes us strong on the outside, meditation protects us on the inside.

The latter proved to be a more important aspect of self defense. It includes but is not limited to relieving stress, teaching us how to overcome obstacles in life and even strengthening our immune system; all of which promotes overall health. The end result is a better quality of life and a more harmonious way of living.

The above ideas were organized in to a system of teaching now known as JO-JONG-PAI. As the system evolved the key ingredients began to rely on proper Taiji training. Taiji already addressed the proper balance between both inner and outer strength.

The true Taiji philosophy exemplifies all of the above ideas. For the dedicated student it can be one of the most direct methods to achieving your true potential as a complete martial artist.

This is not to say that this is the only path to take, but it is a path that should be explored. Taiji training is offered to all that wish. Your present level of health whatever that may be can be improved with proper training. No matter what you perceive your personal limitations Taiji offers something for all.

Taiji is often misrepresented around the world to be just a slow moving exercise for the elderly. This could not be further from the truth. Our mission is to provide accurate instruction, information and also the true history of this art and it's evolution into the modern world.

For the past 16 years Steve's focus becomes a concentrated effort to understand Taiji as the complete art it really is. This includes regular trips to Chen Village, China and training with Master Zhu Tiancai (19th generation) of Chen Village and Master Kam Lee (20th generation) of Florida. Steve is a Certified Instructor in the Chenjiagou (Chen) Style Taiji program established by Master Zhu Tiancai and Master Kam Lee.

Steve also produces Martial Art Training DVDs including instruction in Chen Taiji with both Master Zhu Tiancai and Master Kam Lee.