27th Annual Tai Chi Workshop in Sydney with Dr Paul Lam

Share tai chi and friendship at the beachfront Novotel.

Join us for another unforgettable experience!

About the Workshop

28 years ago, Dr Paul Lam and his colleagues initiated the first Annual Tai Chi Workshop in Sydney.

Since then, these Annual Workshops have blossomed into a hallmark tai chi event characterised by their friendly, interactive atmosphere and led by the most experienced and skilled instructors in the field. Each year, participants from various parts of Australia and around the globe gather to enhance their tai chi skills and immerse themselves in an enriching experience. For some, these workshops have been nothing short of life-transforming.

Over the years, the workshops have spurred significant projects and visionary endeavors. Highlights include numerous published studies, the establishment of separate Annual Tai Chi Workshops in the USA (22 and counting), and the immense health benefits and joy millions have derived from practicing Dr Lam's Tai Chi for Health programs.

This year, the workshop will be held at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach Hotel, a spacious and comfortable beachfront hotel. Combined with its stunning beachfront location, this sanctuary provides the perfect backdrop for a week-long event dedicated to learning tai chi. The venue and the participants ensure an optimal atmosphere for deep learning, relaxation, and personal growth.

Our team of seasoned instructors will guide small groups of participants, ensuring personalised attention and instruction tailored to their skill levels. This setting not only fosters learning but also encourages the formation of lasting friendships and interactions among Tai Chi enthusiasts. You'll have the unique opportunity to connect with fellow practitioners and, of course, with Dr Lam himself.

Join us and become a part of the Tai Chi for Health Global Community!

Reasons to Come

1. Enjoy focusing on Tai Chi for one week at the tranquil and beautiful beachfront venue.

2. Join Dr Paul Lam, his colleagues and other participants in a sanctuary with beautiful Tai Chi, be empowered and have fun.

3. Learn useful skills and knowledge for self-development and to share, especially in personal settings.

4. Renew friendships and meet new friends from around the world.

5. Work in small groups of similar standard with experienced instructors.

6. Enjoy the interactive friendly environment ideal for developing Tai Chi.

7. Share positive energy and gain an unforgettable experience.

About Dr Paul Lam, Founder of the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI)

Dr Paul Lam, a family physician and tai chi expert from Sydney, is a world leader in the field of tai chi for health. His visionary book, "Teaching Tai Chi Effectively", has been a key factor in the great success of the Tai Chi for Health programs. Millions of people have improved their health and wellness by learning from his programs.

Dr Lam has authored best-selling books, instructional tai chi DVDs and online tai chi lessons. His tai chi programs are supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), and health departments and arthritis foundations around the world.

Dr Lam enjoys sharing his tai chi experience. He has worked instructors to make complex theory easy and movements fun to learn. You can expect to enjoy tai chi and and gain significant improvement.

The Instructors

• Dr Paul Lam – a retired family physician, now focuses on empowering people to improve their health and happiness through his Tai Chi for Health vision.
• Ian Etcell – a senior instructor of Dr Lam's international Tai Chi workshop team with over 30 years of Tai Chi experience. Assisted by Marta Venegas.
• Sybil Wong – a senior instructor from Better Health Tai Chi Chuan, who enjoys many Tai Chi styles especially Chen.
• Janet Cromb and Fiona Black – senior instructors and Master Trainers from the Tai Chi for Health Institute.
• Jerry Pearson – Jerry combines over 20 years of tai chi study with 50 years as a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator.

Classes

Choose one class only.

Legend:

* Easy-to-learn, suitable for beginners and/or instructor's training.

** To enhance skill if you have about one year or more Tai Chi experience.

*** To reach new heights for an advanced practitioner.

**** Challenging for an advanced practitioner.

 

1. Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Instructor Training Course *

Everyone with or without prior tai chi experience can join in. You will receive a Self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP, worth US$80) to prepare for instructor certification. The trainer will work with you on this program, Part 2, Seated and the special module for fall prevention. You will be entitled to be certified to teach if you meet the requirements. Supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), National Council on Aging (NCOA.org) and arthritis organizations worldwide, the programs are proven to reduce pain, prevent falls and improve balance, health and wellness.

2. Exploring the Depth of the 24 Forms **

Pre-requisite: Be familiar with the 24 Forms

Working with essential tai chi principles, we explore the deeper meanings and internal aspects of tai chi to enhance your progress.

3. Dancing Tai Chi ** - NEW!

It is a unique new tai chi form created by Dr Paul Lam and Jerry Pearson. This form weaves together traditional tai chi elements and dance techniques to provide an enjoyable free-flowing experience of the dynamics and inner energy flow of tai chi. Jerry combines over 20 years of tai chi study with 50 years as a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator to create with Dr. Paul Lam new ways to experience the beauty, grace, power, and joy of tai chi.

4. Exploring the Depth of Sun Style 73 Forms ***

Pre-requisite: Know Sun Style 73 Forms

Explore the tai chi principles and inner components to improve your internal energy and level of Tai Chi. There is indefinite depth to Tai Chi, many have learned and enjoyed this class for many years. Sink deeper into your practice with skills for mindful integration of mind and body.

5. The Combined 42 Forms ***

Containing the essential characteristics of Yang, Chen, Wu and Sun styles, this set is well-balanced, complex and enjoyable. It is an ideal next set after the 24 or the 40 Forms.

6. Chen Style 36 Forms ****

Characterized by softness and hardness complementing each other, fastness and slowness intermixed, Chen style is more vigorous and powered by a sophisticated spiral force (chan si jin or Silk Reeling force). It is an enjoyable and challenging way to improve your depth and expand your Tai Chi skill for advanced practitioners.

Venue

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

2-14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW

novotelnorthbeach.com.au

From Participants in the 2024 Annual Workshop:

“I participated in the extraordinary Annual Tai Chi Workshop in Wollongong last week and feel I must acknowledge and congratulate you all for the high quality of the whole experience, with the deep striking, impact on me.

In attending, what I found myself within was an extraordinary LIFE experience over 5 days - in a cocoon of gentle, powerful people as instructors and as participants - being exposed in the mornings to the mesmerising 'ballet' of Tai Chi performed at an incredible level of poise, serenity, power, gentleness through Dr Lam and the instructors, that I never wanted to stop. Each performance SO inspiring. I was so struck by, and fully appreciated, the quality of these performances - they were extraordinary. The forms, the connection between performers - what was created in the room, amongst the entire group of us in our appreciation filled the room each time, like a beautiful fragrance!

As you can hear, this experience has been FAR more than I was anticipating - the wonder, the 'magic' of Tai Chi on FULL display so gentle, so potent - I think the right word I am learning here is Chi? Something wonderful IS released as humanity moves into Tai Chi space and expresses the art-wisdom with love and humility. I felt it across the days - even the classes with beginners, such as mine - Chi was being created to form and flow wonderfully.

I have described the Workshop to friends using the key word of REMARKABLE! Thank you SO much for letting me be part of this!

The world needs Tai Chi! There IS HOPE in lives being touched through Tai Chi - just as mine has. I have been searching for 5 years for how to learn - I now find myself at the threshold of a wonderous, amazing relationship with Tai Chi, in such wise and safe hands. Again, I sincerely thank you.”

- Judith Smith

“Thank you for such a fantastic week of Tai Chi. This workshop brings us so much power of personal connection and friendships. It was truly amazing to be once again amongst new and familiar faces. There is always so much to learn which brings us a lovely freshness to our own forms of learning. Dr Lam, where would we be without you and your life long passion for Tai Chi for Health. If everyone in the world did Tai Chi what a wonderful world of peace and calm we would have.”

- Margaret Lee

Preparation

Preparation will enable you to gain the maximum benefits and enjoyment from this workshop. You can prepare using your chosen program/s through:

• Online Tai Chi Lessons - www.onlinetaichilessons.com

• DVDs - www.taichiproductions.com

Once you register, you will receive a 20% discount code in your confirmation email that can be used towards Online Tai Chi Lessons or DVDs at Tai Chi Productions.

Preparation for Instructor Training

If you are registering for:

• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Instructor Training Course

then you must complete the relevant Self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP-TCAFP) to help you prepare for instructor certification.

Please allow suitable time to complete the required SIPP-TCAFP online learning material (valued at US$80, included in your workshop fee). After you register to the workshop, you will be sent a link to access SIPP-TCAFP.

Completion of a SIPP would take anywhere from 10 hours (for experienced Tai Chi for Health instructors) to 150 hours (for participants new to tai chi). Please start your preparation as soon as possible and allow suitable time to complete the required program depending on your experience.

After registering for the Annual Workshop and choosing an Instructor Training class, you will receive 2 e-mails:

a. Workshop registration confirmation email.

b. E-mail with a link to sign up and access the SIPP-TCAFP online learning material. Do enrol and start your preparation asap because you must complete the SIPP online learning material before the in-person workshop.

If you do not receive the above e-mails, please also check your spam/junk folder.

Upon completion of your SIPP, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion. You must submit this certificate to workshops@taichiproductions.com prior to the annual workshop.

You are also required to prepare by reading the 'Teaching Tai Chi Effectively' book:

• Paperback available from Tai Chi Productions, or

• E-book for your Kindle at Amazon

After registering for this workshop, your confirmation email will include a special 20% discount code that can be used to purchase the 'Teaching Tai Chi Effectively' physical book from the Tai Chi Productions website (not applicable for Amazon).

If you fulfil all requirements after the workshop, you will be eligible to become a TCHI board-certified instructor.

Available Discounts

NOTE: Only one discount code can be applied per registration. Discounts apply to Early-Bird tickets. If you have not received or do not know your discount code, please contact us at workshops@taichiproductions.com

For TCHI Instructors

• 10% discount (off the tuition fee) for members of either TCHI or USTCC.

For TCHI Senior Trainers and Master Trainers

• 40% discount (off the tuition fee) for Senior Trainers
• 50% discount (off the tuition fee) for Master Trainers

Product Discounts

• Registrants will also receive a 20% discount code in your confirmation email that can be used towards Online Tai Chi Lessons or Books and DVDs at Tai Chi Productions.

Workshop Fees

NOTE: Non-refundable booking and payment processing fees will be added at checkout.

The workshop package includes:

• Tuition fee
• Morning and afternoon refreshments
• Sumptuous lunches
• Thursday banquet dinner
• Hotel service fees
• Certificate

*Accommodation and updates are NOT included in the workshop package.

EARLY-BIRD PRICE (until 30th September only)

• $1495

• $1425 (concession for pensioners and students; eligible Australian residents only)

REGULAR PRICE (from 1st October onwards)

• $1550

• $1480 (concession for pensioners and students; eligible Australian residents only)

Cancellation fees:

• $100 until 30th August 2024
• $200 before 30th November 2024
• No refunds from 1st December 2024 onwards

UPDATES

Workshop participants who are also certified TCHI Instructors will have the opportunity to update their Tai Chi for Health qualifications. Advanced notice is essential.

Updates are for workshop participants only. You MUST have a valid workshop ticket to avail of updates.

Price per Update: $65

(max of $260 for 4 or more updates)

NOTE: Non-refundable booking and payment processing fees will be added at checkout.

Choose which program/s you will update at checkout.

You must complete the relevant Self-paced Instructor Preparation Package (SIPP) of the program/s you will Update. Please allow suitable time to complete the required SIPP online learning material (valued at US$80 each, included in your Update fee). After you purchase an Update, you will be sent a link to access the relevant SIPP by the Workshops team.

Upon completion of your SIPP, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion. At least one month prior to the workshop, you must submit this certificate to workshops@taichiproductions.com

UPDATES SCHEDULE:

4:15PM - 5:15PM

• Tuesday: TCA, TCA2, TCAFP, STCA, TCE and TCE2
• Wednesday: All other Tai Chi for Health programs

Thursday Night Banquet

A workshop highlight! This is included in every workshop package. Workshop participants are not required to book.

Feel free to bring friends and partners. Please book and pay for your guest/s at checkout: $85 per guest.

While there are no refunds if you don’t attend, please let us know if you cannot come in order not to waste food.

Accommodation

*Accommodation and updates are NOT included in your workshop package.

The hotel will provide a group discount of 15% off Best Available Room Only rate, to all attendees of the Annual Tai Chi Workshop.

To make your reservations, please contact the hotel reservations department directly at +61 2 4224 3111 (quote the name of our event and the Group block code TAI060125-01 to access the special discount)

Parking for all participants subject to availability, a daily charge of $30 per vehicle applies.

If you do not wish to book at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach Hotel, there are many other types of accommodation available in the area.

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Closing Date

• 1st December 2024. Late fees apply.

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Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact Dianne or Maria from the Australian Workshops Team via:

• Email: workshops@taichiproductions.com

• Phone: +61 2 95336511 (Australia)