The 2007 AAU Chinese Martial Arts Division Kung Fu and Tai Chi National Championships

Mission Statement: To provide the aging as well as youth at risk opportunities that can positively affect their health and well beings.

Goal: Through fund raising and awareness festivals we plan to promote Tai Chi and Kung Fu and build a network where people on fixed incomes can gain access to the lessons at reduced or tuition free fees, and agencies can refer children for lessons.

Facts:
1. The growing baby boomer generation is becoming a greater burden on the present health care system. Numerous studies have confirmed the practice of Tai Chi is a great aid in improving quality of life as well as strengthening and improving of ones health. See www.worldtaichiday.org for details of the positive effects.

2. The growing gap in the traditional family can leave some children in need of structure and guidance. The self discipline needed to achieve success in Kung Fu requires youth to dedicate time and practice to the development of skill. This provides the opportunities needed to gain confidence while learning patience, self control, and reasoning. This has been proven to lead to changes that include reductions in levels of stress hormones, anxiety and an improved sense of control.

3. Most Kung Fu and Tai Chi schools are too cost prohibited for many of the people who could benefit greatly from these services. This program gives them the resources to explore these opportunities.

4. UMACD is open to all martial arts schools as well as tai chi programs to join and become members providing these services, provided these instructors become a full partner in the development of this organization.

Long term range: To expand our youth and aging scholarship programs to other sports and recreation programs.