Philosophy

Yin Yang

The philosophy of Yin Yang epitomises the essence of Tai Chi. Yin Yang teaches us to flow with life’s changes.  The way to happiness is through balance and harmony in all aspects of life.

The nature of Yin Yang is embodied in Tai Chi itself.  Just as life is always changing, so do Tai Chi movements, as they flow from one to the next.  The movements lose their flow if there is too much tension due to excessive physical force and mental effort.  This is the same in life.  Accepting change, going with the flow brings contentment and happiness.

Following the Yin Yang philosophy develops an optimistic attitude in dealing with the challenges of life.  Understanding the impermanent nature of all things allows one to remain centred as one journeys through the peaks and troughs of life.
 

Learning Tai Chi with the Academy

The Tai Chi Academy, which has no religious connections, has been conducting courses at many convenient locations in Canberra since 1982.  Chief Instructor Brett Wagland, who is the director of the Academy and Fontane Ip, assistant director, have studied with well respected teachers, including Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan, 5th generation ambassador of Yang Style. 

Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang (1928- ) with Brett and Fontane in Beijing

Brett and Fontane also had the good fortune to train with the founder of the Hun Yuan Tai Chi system, Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang, Feng Xiu Qian (his daughter) and Chen Xiang (his senior disciple.)

Brett and Fontane are the creators and presenters of the television series "Let’s Get Fit", an innovative exercise program of 65 episodes, based on Tai Chi.  This most popular program on Foxtel’s Lifestyle channel is the first of its kind in Australia.  The series is also broadcast in Central America, South America and Europe.

Feng Xiu Qian (daughter of Grandmaster Feng) with Brett and Fontane in Beijing

The Academy aims to offer its students the very best Tai Chi training at an affordable price.  Its professional instructors have successfully trained thousands of people of all ages and occupations to enjoy the many health benefits of Tai Chi. 

The Academy also conducts stress management workshops and courses for government departments and private companies.

For more information about Tai Chi, see What is Tai Chi?

Interview with Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
 

If You were to Gather this Knowledge of Tai Chi Yourself ...

... you’d have to invest much time and money to study and train for at least 13 years.

In the beginning ...

... you’d have to abandon your career or forego your income. It would be necessary to study the Chinese language, culture and customs of a new country or employ a translator – a very expensive alternative.

You’d need to purchase a ticket to travel to China and organise appropriate accommodation in a very different culture and lifestyle – not easy.

Once you were in China ...

... you would then have to find the right school with a well established and documented lineage.  A wrong choice would mean a great waste of time and money.

And then ...

... an introduction to a master would be required.  There is no guarantee that he would be prepared to teach you.  The great masters guard their knowledge closely and take some time testing the character of the student before they agree to teach.  Training with a master would be very challenging – no repeated explanations and demonstration and no notes!  A wrong understanding would be very costly in time and money.

You could do all this at enormous cost and over many years ... OR ... you can tap into the resources available from the Tai Chi Academy at a convenient location close to home!

There you will find a well formulated and time-proven method of teaching Tai Chi which has been developed by the Academy over many years.  This system is most enjoyable and produces fast and effective results.

Read what our students have to tell us in their testimonials!

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