About Us
A Way of Life
Peace River Tai Chi have been teaching these forms for over 20 years. We value humor, compassion, and dedication to these ancient practices. We know they can improve your life and we are eager to share our knowledge with you.
Richard Gary Curtis, Founder and CEO
Richard Curtis was born in Erie, Pa. on Christmas Day of 1942 and after numerous family moves finished high school while living in Bradenton, Fl. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960 and subsequently retired to Orlando, Fl in 1985. He then completed a career with the U.S. Postal Service in Orlando, Fl as a letter carrier. He again retired in 2005 and moved to Punta Gorda, Fl in 2006 and now resides with his wife and 3 cats in Windmill Village, Punta Gorda, Fl
Richard was introduced to TAI CHI QI GONG in Orlando in 1985 and upon full retirement in 2006, sought out and became the student of Sifu Vanessa Wu of Sarasota East West College of Medicine. Sifu Wu, a past Yang 24 Competition National Champion is an internationally recognized TAI CHI QI GONG teacher.
Richard has been certified to teach; TAI CHI QI GONG I and II (18 Movements); Wudang Hun Yun Primoridal Qi gong and Wudang Yang Sheng Qi gong by Master Yun Xiang Tseng (Chen) and is proficient in numerous other TAI CHI QI GONG Forms. Richard is also certified by Master Tseng to teach Wudang “Primordial and Alchemical Meditation” Tai Chi Qigong meditation programs.
Richard has created a program entitled; “Energy for Life”. This program brings together local “energy workers” whether that be Tai Chi, Qigong, or REI KI to donate a portion of their rewards to the international philanthropic organization known as HEIFER International. For the past 68 years this organization has supported and aided U. S., and under developed and third world villages through the donation of livestock, trees and free training to utilize these gifts. (See WWW.HEIFER.ORG). All proceeds from REI KI efforts are donated by Richard to this organization.
Richard continues to provide a free public taichi/qigong workout at Gilchrist Park and is teaching the Taichi Yang 37 form twice a week at Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA). He also conducts a “Stretch and Balance” group for seniors and physically challenged individuals also at the PGICA.
“Whether at a free workout session on Saturdays or teaching, I attempt to give all present the benefit of that which I have been given so freely; good health, balance and inner peace.”
Mary Cel Curtis, Tai Chi Instructor
Mary Cel was born in San Diego, CA in March of 1943. She started practicing Tai Chi QiGong in 2009 with Richard Curtis in Punta Gorda, FL; Tai Chi Saber Sword with Rick Brenton in North Port, FL; and the theory of QiGong with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming in Miranda, CA; studied Tai Chi single and double fan forms, and, straight sword with Dr. Aihan Kuhn in Sarasota, FL
Mary Cel started competing with the International Chinese Martial Arts Championships (ICMAC) in 2011 and has brought home medals in the YANG 24 form and Tai Chi Saber Sword.
She was certified to teach 'Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance', a government funded program for Seniors, in 2015 and has been teaching this program for the Area Agency on Aging for South West Florida.
She started teaching Tai Chi QiGong in 2015 and has taught Tai Chi I, Tai Chi II, Tai Chi for Beginner’s Yang 13, Yi Ji Jing qigong, 13 Postures Tai Chi, Yang 24, Single Fan 18, as well as Dr Kuhn’s Double Fan and Single Fan Form.
Mary Cel is passionate about her teaching. She enjoys working one on one with people as well as in large classes. She has been teaching balance and QiGong at South Port Square in Port Charlotte since 2018.