I asked the Hoppers Crossing class what are their thoughts about Tai Chi and about our Thursday evening class. The following are some of their responses:
Sirisha: “Thursday evening Tai Chi time feels like family time. Fitness, fun and relaxation with a great bunch of people…What more could I ask for!”
Gayle: “Very welcoming at Tai Chi and as a new member l am enjoying learning a new
skill which helps with my balance and co-ordination.”
Gavin: “I used to live in Shepperton and a man, David Vannen, started a Tai Chi academy. I learnt six levels of the Yang style with him. I practiced it for quite a few years but eventually would forget some of the moves and not practice enough. I’m pleased to find Celestial Tai Chi teaching Yang style as well.
I was referred by Yaro, who’s also attending.
My big question at present is how Tai Chi and Qigong might have a beneficial effect for my Type 2 diabetes. I do a fair bit of walking and like riding to burn off the carbs. Tai Chi may have some moderating influence on the condition. I’ll see.”
Greg: “I never did do enough homework!”
Kaarin: “Tai chi has become my best friend. I cherish it and it allows me to cherish myself.”
Edith: “I came to Tai Chi after injuring my knees doing high impact aerobics. Then one day I saw an advertisement in the local paper which said, ‘Come and try Tai Chi’. Since I was missing my exercise, I decided to give it a try. I expected to simply find a different form of exercise; what I found was a whole new world of language, which I decided to study, of culture, history, music, a differing world view. This led to travel, my late husband and I travelled to China (twice), Singapore, Hong Kong (several times) Malaysia, Taiwan. We discovered a whole new and fascinating culture, very different from our British upbringing! It was certainly an eye opening, life changing advertisement!”
“Love doing Tai Chi – My balance has greatly improved.”
“I enjoy the holistic approach with the Tai Chi class.”
“Co-ordination, balance, strength, focus, restoring energy, friendship. My tank is full!”
Rita Sullivan
Instructor, Hoppers Crossing
Updated: 8 June 2026
