Qilin School of Tai Chi Chuan

The Qilin School of Tai Chi Chuan, located in Wantirna South, Victoria, Australia, is a Wu-Cheng style Tai Chi school dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and self-defence through the practise and instruction of Tai Chi Chuan. The school offers a comprehensive Tai Chi curriculum, with a focus on the traditional long form consisting of 108 postures.

The school prides itself on its excellent teachers who have a wealth of experience and expertise in Tai Chi. The head instructor, Karen Clarke, began her Tai Chi training at a young age and has over 20 years of teaching experience in the art. She is a highly accomplished practitioner and has won numerous gold and silver medals in Australian National Wushu and Tai Chi competitions. Karen is also a qualified research scientist and actively volunteers with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Dogs.

Assisting Karen is assistant instructor Michael Clarke, who has a background in Tae Kwon Do and made the switch to Tai Chi Chuan in 2001. He specialises in fast boxing and long weapons and has a particular interest in the sticking techniques of Tai Chi sword. Michael is an environmental scientist and educator, as well as a talented bass player.

The school's lineage can be traced back to Grand Master John Yuen, who has over 40 years of experience teaching Tai Chi. As a disciple of Great Grandmaster Cheng Tin Hung, John is one of the few masters in Australia who can teach Tai Chi as an effective martial art. He occasionally visits the school to share his knowledge and encourage students. John may also preside over grading examinations for students who wish to progress further in their practise.

The Qilin School of Tai Chi Chuan is part of a family of sister schools, all teaching the same style. These sister schools include the Blackburn Tai Chi Academy run by John and Lucy Yuen in Melbourne, Australia, Ji Siu Tai Chi Chuan run by Maria Yuen in Chester, UK, and Snow Jade Tai Chi run by Selina Morton (nee Yuen) in Orbost, Australia.

The name of the school, “Qilin,” is derived from Chinese mythology. The Qilin is a mythical creature that symbolises the practise of Tai Chi. It is a powerful and protective beast that appears only to the virtuous, bringing health and long life. The Qilin also acts as a deterrent to evildoers.

At the Qilin School of Tai Chi Chuan, students can expect to improve their flexibility, strength, balance, and overall health. The school offers small classes, ensuring individual attention and personalised instruction. Tai Chi is suitable for all ages, including children 10 years and older.

For more information or to get in touch with the school, interested individuals can visit the school's website at qilintaichi. Com or contact them via phone at 0491 667 499 or email at info@qilintaichi. Com. The Qilin School of Tai Chi Chuan is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels to learn and practise the ancient art of Tai Chi.