As per tradition, members of the Celestial Tai Chi gathered for an annual banquet in December. Apart from the chance to enjoy a delicious meal, it was also a great opportunity to unite with instructors and students from different centres in a relaxed atmosphere. The only other opportunities where we could have met in such large numbers were at the College Park Lessons or at the annual Tai Chi Retreat which was held in November this year.
This year the annual banquet was held at Yummy Duck Restaurant in Templestowe where we enjoyed an eight-course feast. For starters, a Chinese style cold platter was served, well suited for the warm afternoon. As per reference to the restaurant name, Peking duck was served next and eaten with cucumber, shallots and plum sauce wrapped in paper thin pancakes. The famous dish was later followed by stir-fried king prawns and scallops with vegetables, pork in a honey pepper sauce, steamed barramundi, mixed Chinese vegetables, and fried tofu all eaten with a special fried rice. Fresh fruits and the classical Chinese red bean paste pancake concluded the banquet.
With full bellies, it was time for announcements, presentations and performances.
First off, Senior Instructor Noel Schmidt announced the appointment of 3 Assistant Instructors and 1 Trainee Instructor (from the Box Hill, Camberwell and Doncaster centres) with certificates presented by Grand Master Eng Chor while Senior Master Chin Min presented the recipients with their badges.
To thank the Grand Master and Senior Master for their dedication and hard work over the year, Senior Instructor Margaret Rogers presented thank you gifts from all the college instructors to the two masters.
Then it was time to sit back and enjoy some mesmerising performances.
SM Chin Min Lian commenced with a demonstration of Lohan Qigong which originated from the Shaolin temple. Despite its slow movements, this gentle exercise can be used to strengthen the muscles, bones and sinews resulting in renewed energy.
Next, instructor Beng Yan Lian graced us with a Chinese dance accompanied by the song “The Lord is my shepherd” sung in Chinese.
SM Chin Min returned to the stage to perform the Phoenix Fan routine. Who would have thought such a beautiful and graceful art form had its origin used for self-defence and fighting!
For the final performance, GM Eng Chor Khor performed the Combination Tai Chi Form with musical accompaniment by his youngest daughter Rebecca Khor. For those who have been with the college for a number of years, they may remember watching and hearing Rebecca play her violin at previous annual Tai Chi banquets.
It was the festive season after all, so it was appropriate to wrap up the afternoon with everyone singing together “We wish you a Merry Christmas” accompanied by Rebecca playing on her violin.
Gabrielle Jang
Trainee Instructor, Doncaster East Centre
Updated: 16 February 2026
