The students and instructors from the Hoppers Crossing Centre share their Tai Chi journeys.
Life is full of challenges and opportunities. As our life journey weaves along through raising a family, work, and social engagement, it is vital as individuals that we continue to find time for exercise to maintain and sustain our health. As a younger person there were so many sports and activities to become involved with and enjoy. Less so as we age, with our bodies now bearing wear and tear from active younger lives and often carrying an injury of some sort.
Stumbling upon Tai Chi at a mid-point in life has been a wonderful discovery. For the past 16 years, Rita and I have committed to Tai Chi on a Thursday evening. We started out as beginners, interested in learning the Traditional Yang style Tai Chi (108 form), attending park lessons, workshops and even retreats. We learnt so much about Tai Chi along the way, made many friends from our own centre and centres across Melbourne and eventually have become Instructors. We would never have anticipated that but with time, practice, instruction and support we have been running classes at Werribee/Hoppers Crossing for many years now. It has been such a rewarding experience.
Each year we set out with a blend of experienced members and new faces on a quest to learn more about Tai Chi, Qigong and other routines. Week by week we slowly unravel the marvellous form, witnessing the confusion with new moves, the gradual understanding, the steady improvement in flow and rhythm and a growing confidence as weeks turn into terms and the year moves on. We always marvel at the commitment that our members make over those cold dark wet evenings in Winter, where a warm fire, hot cup of tea and a relaxing film or program must seem far more appealing. But determined to press on, our group are up for the challenge, inspired to meet up with new friends, share a story of their week and come together as a group to continue to learn and develop our form.
With the end of the year in sight there are so many members that have stayed the course, persisted and practiced, overcome self-doubts, and can now enjoy the benefits of this wonderful routine. It is very inspiring to witness people grow in confidence, to hear of improved health, to see the enjoyment on completing a new level and sharing that experience with like-minded people. We are so fortunate to have a good number of experienced practitioners who can lead our groups at the various levels and guide our newer members to a deeper understanding of the moves and form. They are such valued members who bring so much to our Thursday group. Rita & I cannot thank them enough for their ongoing commitment and support.
Regardless of whether one is a beginner, or seasoned practitioner, the journey continues to weave along; offering new challenges, greater appreciation for the form, immense satisfaction at learning something new, and building a deeper connection with our bodies, far more capable than we might have ever imagined.
Graham Sullivan
Assistant Instructor, Hoppers Crossing
I have been doing Tai Chi for a few years now. I am such a different person to the awkward one who first walked in the door. Tai Chi has improved my balance, my flexibility, my core strength and my breathing. I love my weekly Tai Chi class. I love the energy that fills the room as we quietly go through our routines. People from all walks of life, from beginners to the experienced coming together to master Tai Chi. We all leave with a smile on our faces, our qi has been restored.
Gillian Barker
Tai Chi Student
I first learned about Tai Chi when I was watching a movie, thinking it has such a smooth flow, thinking I would really want to try it, knowing it would not be easy to learn by just watching videos. I started looking for a class that suits my busy schedule of work and parenthood; and I found Celestial Tai Chi, my journey started by joining Rita’s classes and getting to know great people in the class! Over the first few sessions, I really felt how much relaxed and focused I became, and I felt there’s no way I can skip a single session and miss these great feelings. Little did I know that Tai Chi is not only improving my movement but also helping me with my focus and concentration at work.
I started Tai Chi in 2021, continued the class during hardship of Covid, and made great friends. It helped me, and still helping me, to maintain and improve my physical and mental health. I have injuries in my shoulder and my knee, and I had very limited movement when I first started Tai Chi. I can’t believe how it helped me getting most of my movement back and becoming more balanced. It also helping me stay focused during my work, so much that I count days to attend classes and get the great level of energy and balance that keeps me going through my days.
Practicing Tai Chi has become part of my life, and I feel blessed with this great experience, hoping I can keep learning different Tai Chi and Qigong routines and get the benefits of each one of them.
Ameneh Biagooi
Tai Chi Student
Being a new member of Celestial Tai chi (Hoppers Crossing), I am extremely happy to have found this place. Having been on the lookout to learn the art of Tai Chi for a while, I feel like I have finally found the perfect fit. From the very first day, Rita and Graham made me feel welcome and it was easy to see how dedicated they were towards their art. Instructions are given with such clarity and gentle encouragement, making it easy to follow and learn the steps. I am very happy with my progress so far and can see myself improving every week. Tai Chi is truly a beautiful practice, and it has helped me feel a sense of calm and deep relaxation while improving my fitness. It is such a pleasure to be part of this wonderful and friendly group, and I really look forward to Thursday evenings now.
Sirisha Penmetcha
Tai Chi Student
For most of the year, there is never a decision as to what to do on a Thursday night. For us, it is Tai Chi at Hoppers Crossing with Rita and Graham. It is always a great night learning and practicing our “Tai Chi” at whatever levels we happen to be on. The night is always full of varied and animated activity in a totally supportive and friendly environment which is very much the result of the care Rita and Graham show to all their students. Mistakes we make a few, but then again too few to mention (apologies to Frank Sinatra here) but making mistakes is all part of the learning process. Even when you reach the end of level 6 and feel that warm sense of accomplishment, you quickly realise that you have only just taken the first few fledgling steps on a great journey. We have built up great friendships with other students over the years and always enjoy the camaraderie so evident among everyone attending on each Thursday night.
Peter Wall
Tai Chi Student
Updated: 21 September 2024