In the bustling modern world where stress seems constant and disconnection from our bodies common, ancient practices like Qigong offer a pathway back to balance. Yet many newcomers to this practice quickly discover that “Qigong” isn’t just one thing—it’s a rich tapestry of traditions, each with its own focus and benefits.This guide explores the diverse landscape of Qigong practices, helping you understand the unique characteristics and purposes of each major type. Whether you’re seeking better health, spiritual growth, or martial ...  read more

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China’s most important festival with a rich history spanning approximately 3,500 years. Its origins are believed to trace back to the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), when people held sacrificial ceremonies in honour of gods and ancestors at the beginning/end of each year.In 2025, we celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake is often affectionately referred to as the ‘little dragon’, the snake follows the dragon ...  read more

Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is a martial art transcending physical movement. It is a holistic practice that weaves together the internal and external aspects of the human experience to cultivate balance, harmony, and inner strength. Central to this practice are the internal and external harmonies, which guide practitioners in aligning their mind, energy, and body.The internal harmonies—Shen, Yi, Qi and Jin —focus on the inner workings of the spirit, intention, and energy. These principles teach us to cultivate a calm and ...  read more

How often do we see videos of Champion Tai Chi Performers or “Masters” and say, “If only I could do that but I’m… too {uncoordinated} {big} {short} {old} {insert another issue here}, have {arthritis} {bad knees} {a neurological condition} {insert another issue here}, don’t have {flexibility} {balance} {strength} {insert another issue here}.” If you think that way, then you are very wrong. Real Tai Chi isn’t about having the highest kick, the lowest stance or the greatest endurance. It’s about ...  read more

On April 14th, Ultimate Fighting Champion 300 unfolded—a historic combat sports event that left an indelible mark. Twelve current and former champions from various divisions and promotions converged, setting records for ticket sales and pay-per-view. At the heart of it all was Zhang Weili, a two-time strawweight champion, trailblazer in women’s MMA, and devoted Tai Chi practitioner.Weili’s roots trace back to Hanan in Hebei Province, a cradle of Tai Chi culture. It’s where Yang Lu Chan (founder of Yang Style ...  read more

For 20 years, Shifu Tara Brayshaw has dreamt of creating a place where instructors, students, friends and colleagues could practice, have a cup of tea or coffee, read, watch videos and "hang out" between classes; a place where they could have a massage or acupuncture session; a place where they could purchase equipment and clothing; a place to meet; a place to do workshops; a place they could call their "Tai Chi Home".In 2021, prompted by COVID lockdowns, the journey ...  read more

The Year of the Wood Dragon is a significant year in Chinese culture. It is believed to be a year of growth, progress, and abundance. The dragon is a mythical creature that symbolizes kindness, wisdom, auspiciousness, and strength. The Chinese dragon was revered as the master of wind and rain, bestowing good luck and favorable weather upon the ancient Chinese. The Wood Dragon is full of energy and drive, and it dreams of changing the world.In Chinese astrology, each zodiac ...  read more

I was so excited to hear that the WTQA (Wushu Tai Chi Qigong Australia Inc) were going to start holding their annual festivals again here in Melbourne and that I was going to be involved in it as part of JinLi. I had no idea what to expect, other than it was a fantastic day, I would meet lots of people, see lots of incredible Tai Chi, Wushu and Qigong, and get a true taste of what it means to ...  read more

Jinli Wushu-Tai Chi was recently given the opportunity to spread the word about the health and longevity benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi to the Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club. The event was hosted at the Community Hub Docklands, overlooking Victoria Harbour.Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club (MSPC) is a non-political and non-sectarian club. The club’s emphasis is on being free from the constraints and obligations of service clubs and allowing members to participate at minimum personal cost. MSPC has a range of ...  read more

A symbol of Fortune, Sex, and a Good Death. The bat is all of these in the Chinese culture, these facts were unknown to myself when I had the illustration of an Eastern Grey Flying Fox tattooed to my chest. I had chosen the image as for me, it is a symbol of the bush, of home. Of course, it didn’t hurt that my other, very western associations were of horror, the gothic, grim fairy tales and demonic wings, an ...  read more