Event to celebrate five years of tai chi teachings

WHEN Jack Yang arrived in Ballarat in February, 2019 with about a decade’s experience of practicing tai chi, he found he needed an outlet to continue his exercise.

“Nobody was practicing here at the time,” he said. “I contacted U3A and they arranged some seniors for me to teach them near the Pipers cafe.

“I started there, and loved, and do still love for anybody to come join us.

“Still during the pandemic, I would teach tai chi, and more and more people would be coming. Probably hundreds of people have been coming but at the lake it’s about 40 to 60 regulars.”

Since early April that same year, he’s been hosting free tai chi classes at Lake Wendouree, and is celebrating five years of doing so with an event at Barkly Square.

Taking place from 10.30am to 1pm at the Ballarat Welcome Centre on Saturday 29 June, the event will entail speeches from Mr Yang as well as representatives of organisations such as City of Ballarat, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council.

Live music will also be performed as well as a tai chi show, and a dance demonstration from Chinese community, while dumplings, spring rolls, fried rice, and other food will be provided.

“One reason for the celebration is I hope tai chi can help more people in the community around Ballarat and elsewhere,” Mr Yang said.

“This celebration will be a bit of a promotion of tai chi. I’d love to do more voluntary work if other communities invite me.”

Mr Yang’s tai chi offerings have grown to two weekly sessions held in partnership with the municipality, with one at Brown Hill Public Hall at 2pm on Tuesdays and another at Learmonth Bowling Club at 10.30am on Fridays.

A third session, at Lucas Community Village on Wednesdays from 10am to 11am, is set to commence early next month.

Mr Yang said tai chi has long been a benefit for himself and others.

“It’s a very good exercise, a very gentle meditation and movement,” he said.

“I’ve benefited a lot physically and mentally and the people that come to the classes have also gained a lot of benefits around nerve and body issues.

“The tai chi group is not just focused on practice. We go out and eat at different restaurants. We have established a small community.”

Outside of his tai chi efforts, Mr Yang also teaches English to older Chinese community members as part of the Adult Migrant English Program, and won the senior category in last year’s inaugural Informal Volunteer of the Year Awards.

His free hourlong tai chi classes are held at Lake Wendouree, near the Pipers by the Lake cafe every morning from 8.30am.