Tai Chi Randwick

Learn Tai Chi from a certified instructor, member of the Tai Chi Association of Australia

Now in Coogee & Bronte

Qigong and Tai Chi classes in Coogee & Bronte, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

FREE trial class for new students

Monday evenings 4.30-5.30 pm
Saturday mornings 8.30-9.30 am
Grant Reserve, Coogee

Monday mornings 10.00-11.00 am
Bronte Beach Park, Bronte

One-on-one and small group Tai Chi classes available upon request

What is Tai Chi?

Originally an ancient Chinese martial art rooted in Taoist principles, Tai Chi is:

A health and longevity practice based on a series of slow, circular movements that flow seamlessly together
A meditative practice based on inner stillness and harmony
An internal martial art based on relaxation, centering and yielding
A philosophical system based on the natural interplay and balance between opposite but complementary forces known as Yin and Yang

Qigong is the practice of working with Qi, or subtle energy. Tai Chi and Qigong are related in that the free flow of Qi that is achieved through relaxation of body and mind is essential to the practice of Tai Chi.

Both are deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), like acupuncture and shiatsu.

Who is Tai Chi for?

Tai Chi can be practised by anyone, irrespective of gender, fitness level, age or religion.

Due to the gentle nature of the practice, physical strength and stamina offer no particular advantage when starting Tai Chi.

As an art of longevity, Tai Chi can be practiced into old age and is known to help people live and age well.

Also, while grounded in Taoist philosophy, Tai Chi principles can be interpreted within one’s own belief system.

While often thought of as a practice for older people, Tai Chi can be incredibly beneficial for the younger generations seeking ways to slow down and connect inwards.

What are classes like?

A TYPICAL CLASS

Tai Chi classes start with a warm-up, to loosen up the body and all major joints, as well as the spine.

This generally flows into Qigong practice, to open the energy channels, nurture the Qi and prepare the ground for specific Tai Chi moves from the form being studied.

The rest of the class is dedicated to learning and practicing the Tai Chi form, introducing new moves and postures as appropriate. Beginners first learn the choreography, and students are encouraged to gradually integrate the Tai Chi principles.

The class ends with a short meditation period, where stillness helps us connect with the energy within before reconnecting with the outside world.

SUN and YANG STYLES

In the Sun style, we are certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach the “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention” program, created by Dr Paul Lam. It is easy to learn, proven to improve health and quality of life, and is supported by Arthritis Australia and arthritis foundations worldwide.

In the Yang style, we teach the widely known 37-step short form developed by Cheng Man-ching (1900-1975), who was an eminent disciple of Yang Cheng Fu, grandson of the founder of the Yang style, Yang Luchan.

FOCUS

Learning tai chi is a slow but rewarding process, and there is no rush to learn the next move or form. Indeed, right from the start, the focus is on relaxation and letting go of unnecessary tension while quietening the mind. This can be practiced during the warm-up, the Shibashi or other qigong sets, the deceptively simple “lifting and sinking” exercise, or the form obviously.

Refining the process of relaxing and moving from the ground up and our centre (as opposed to our heads and hands) helps us develop an acute awareness of ourselves… and others. With time, we also become more centred and grounded in our daily lives.

Better balance, posture, patience, memory, self-confidence, etc. are just side benefits!

What about the teacher?

After decades of yoga practice, Olivier took up Tai Chi and Qigong in the late 2000s and hasn’t looked back since. A keen runner and long-term meditator, he is particularly drawn to Tai Chi as “moving meditation”. Over the years, Olivier has studied different styles (Wu, Chen, Yang and Sun) with a number of teachers in Australia, Germany, New Zealand, the USA, and his native France. His focus is on the Yang and Sun styles and he holds teaching certification in the Sun style.

Olivier’s experience as a teacher is broad. Quite apart from Tai Chi and Qigong, he has coached soccer, worked as a French language tutor and facilitated meditation groups.

His teaching style is precise, yet relaxed and caring. It is informed by years of volunteering in palliative care and mental health, and is people and community centered.

In addition to Coogee & Bronte Tai Chi classes, Olivier regularly teaches Seniors in Bondi for Waverley Council. He has also taught (seated) Qigong and Tai Chi classes in nursing homes.

He is a member of the Tai Chi Association of Australia and regularly develops his skills by attending multi-day workshops overseas.

What are the benefits of Tai Chi?

BODY

Strengthens the bones, muscles and tendons
Loosens and lubricates the joints – increasing mobility and range of motion
Improves alignment, posture, balance and coordination – reducing the risk of falls
Increases spatial awareness and peripheral vision
Decompresses the spinal column
Promotes natural, abdominal breathing
Relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system – increasing the experience of flow
Improves the circulation of energy and blood – strengthening the heart, lungs and other vital organs

MIND

Improves concentration and memory
Increases conscious awareness
Calms the mind (thinking process) and promotes clarity
Develops the ability to remain grounded in difficult situations
Builds self-confidence
Provides a lifelong learning experience

WORLD

Satisfies the need for social interaction
Promotes a better understanding of the natural flow of the world
Fosters openness and a non-judgemental approach

Reviews

Tai Chi Randwick

5.0

Based on 10 reviews

review us on

Jillian Ball

04:44 15 Dec 23

Such a beautiful place to learn these graceful practices. Olivier is a highly skilful teacher who makes Qigong and Tai Chi enjoyable and relaxing. I have found the benefits to my flexibility and general mind- body health staggering. I'm hooked!

Sue Robertson

08:27 13 Dec 23

Olivier's tai chi classes are a definite must - relaxing, invigorating and transformative. He is a skilled teacher and practitioner, very patient with a keen attention to detail. His classes bring balance to our energy flow and offer heightened awareness of the subtle aspects of our physical essence. Very uplifting!

Lissa Christopher

01:35 10 Dec 23

Olivier’s classes are a treat. I’m a beginner and find his teaching style patient, encouraging and relaxed, and the ease and precision of his movements is inspiring. Grant Reserve is a lovely place to attend a class and the tai chi itself feels amazing. Highly recommended.

kate thomson

05:39 15 Apr 23

I love learning Tai Chi with Olivier. He is an empathetic, kind teacher, generous in sharing his knowledge set at a pace that suits you. Tai Chi in Coogee on a Saturday morning is a beautiful way to start the weekend. Good for the soul and the body, as well as being fun with a friendly, sociable group of fellow learners.

Louise Healey

10:49 19 Jan 23

Learning Tai Chi with Olivier was wonderful. Each Saturday morning Olivier would take us through a series of warm ups and a sequence of moves which we would add to each week. It was beautiful doing tai chi in Grant Reserve and learning all the moves gave me a great sense of focus and calm. I loved the challenge of leaning the moves guided by Olivier"s very clear instructions and actions. He is a great teacher and has inspired me to keep learning. After each class I feel energised and positive and open to the world in a new way. A very nice way to feel!

David Marishel

21:39 19 Oct 22

I have been practicing tai chi with Olivier for 2 years. He is an excellent teacher, patient and encouraging, and he explains tai chi in a way that is easy to understand. The classes are enjoyable, and I always leave feeling more physically and mentally balanced. Highly recommend.

Franziska Trede

08:07 05 Oct 22

Olivier is a great instructor: patient, kind and with attention to detail. He instills confidence and serenity in doing Tai Chi

james jordan

22:54 04 Oct 22

Olivier is great calm and patient teachers. I always leave feeling calm and relaxed. The location is also magical. Recommended.

Anne Ellison

23:34 01 Oct 22

I've had the pleasure of practising taichi for the past 3 years under Olivier's patient and expert tutelage. Taichi has done wonders for my strength and balance. Pratised in a park taichi with Olivier is easily the most enjoyable way to enhance health and wellbeing.

Mark England

03:59 01 Oct 22

Olivier is a sincere, knowledgeable, thoughtful and emotionally balanced practitioner/teacher of Tai Chi.I thoroughly recommend Olivier’s classes. You will find them well paced for your own abilities and those of the group you will be with in training.

“Olivier, I am very grateful for your patience, guidance & instruction.

The difference the Tai Chi & Qigong has made in my posture, pain reduction & ability to be Present is remarkable. Thank you.”

Deborah

“Learning with Olivier outdoors at Coogee is both physically and emotionally uplifting, and a great way to loosen up tired and sore joints and enjoy the moving meditation that Tai Chi offers, often after a difficult and demanding week.”

Abigail

Tai Chi Randwick

What is Tai Chi?

Who is Tai Chi for?

What are classes like?

What about the teacher?

What are the benefits of Tai Chi?

Reviews

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