Somewhere, in a previous life, I remember someone told me that learning is easier when you are having fun! I’m not sure who said it, all I know is that it was certainly the case last Saturday 28 March 2026 at Ashburton Primary School, where Eng Chor Khor the Grand Master of Celestial Tai Chi College, led a Workshop where we all learnt a great deal and all had an enormous amount of fun. Billed to include practice of Qigong through Shibashi, plus the Tai Chi 24 form applied in combat, as well as practice of the Push Hands technique, the whole afternoon was full on, yet thanks to GM Eng Chor, sharing his vast experience with us, we all gained much more than those three points.
After welcoming us all, the Grand Master began with an explanation of the fundamental difference between Tai Chi and Qigong. He explained his understanding of the major meridians in our bodies, their pathways and their purposes. He demonstrated the main Qigong movements for exercising each of the major meridians, with the purpose of encouraging the flow of Qi to its linked organ. GM Eng Chor literally kept us on our toes leading us through the practice of the classic Qigong form, Shibashi 1. At the same time, pointing out to us, the appropriate way to execute the finer points of each form, to achieve the most benefit for our health, through the better functioning of those specific inner organs.
After a short break, GM Eng Chor led us, initially, quite gently, into the realm of self-defence Martial Art Tai Chi using the well-known 24 Form Tai Chi. Taking examples from the first part of the form and both demonstrating them and making us do them - correctly - he then demonstrated against one of the willing participants exactly how the form could be used in combat - either defensively or turning it into an attack. This is an eye-opening experience to witness. It is just so revealing to understand the position of hands, arms and feet when making the form. It becomes so clear, when shown in slow motion, how the balanced, graceful movements of Tai Chi can be used to defend oneself from an unwanted or unexpected attack. And then, in addition, how to turn the disadvantage of such an attack into a defensive advantage by shifting one’s weight and/or position of arms, or hands - once seen, never forgotten!
The whole experience was enlightening and amazing to watch and practice. Pairing off and practicing against an unknown enemy in a pretend “combat” situation, trying to execute our “forms” under the duress of a “presumed” mortal enemy was a fun experience. How the block against a “would be unbeatable attacker” can be used against them to diminish their threat and turn it into a counter-attack was exhilarating to practice! You just had to be there!
After that, we all needed another break. It was good to share, and chat over a cup of green tea with our “won-over”, previously unknown, opponent. Then, called to order by the Grand Master, we settled into hearing about, how to experience the “energy” of another person through the “Push Hands” exercise! GM Eng Chor and his senior assistants showed infinite patience with us, as, in pairs we tried to push - NO - feel - our enemy’s energy as we swayed backward and forward, wrist to wrist, and tried to exert our influence over our opponent. Oops, NO! Tried, correcting ourselves, developing a feel of the subtlety of the power of Tai Chi as a combative Art! I think it can be said we all need extra practice at that!
Such a fun filled and friendly afternoon. I suggest you don’t miss out on and making new friends in a fun atmosphere by keeping your eyes open for the dates of further workshops later this year.
Maggie Lindop
Student, St Kilda Centre
Updated: 19 April 2026
