About Our School
Rising Moon Tai Chi School is a Mornington based business whose specialist Tai Chi, Qigong and Shibashi classes are suitable for beginners through to advanced practitioners. Chief instructor, Jenny Harrison is qualified and experienced in personal training, group exercise and Tai Chi, offering a range of proven methods to reduce stress, develop coordination, aerobic capacity, balance and improve cognitive function. Rising Moon Tai Chi School offers accredited courses in Foundations in Teaching, offered to fitness professionals and tai chi practitioners. Courses run throughout the year. For more information, click here.
Our Aims and Philosophy
To fill the need within the community for a sound, holistic approach to health and well being through the practice of Tai Chi and Qigong.
RMTC will
encourage patience and acceptance, to embrace faults and frailties and to promote wellness and vitality.
welcome each member of the group as an individual.
instil a sense of wonder and delight in the learning process
value the opportunity to develop our knowledge and understanding of new concepts and skills
practice sound principles of teaching, with the emphasis on enjoyment and camaraderie
ensure it is an inclusive and productive environment
The Rising Moon Name and Logo
Referring to Yin and Yang, the moon (Yin) is female, from the earth, rising to fuse with opposing forces to create energy and fullness. Within the logo, we see the fluidity of the Koi fish representing continuous change and adaptation. The circular pattern, based on Yin and Yang show that all things in life are connected. The black fish represents the overcoming of obstacles, strong in battle and strength through hardship. The red fish symbolises the love a mother has for her family. Strong, steadfast and brave.
The Rising Moon Tai Chi School logo encapsulates:
Harmony and Duality
Growth and Transformation
Balance in Motion
Connection to Tradition and Nature
It visually represents the philosophical roots and graceful practice of Tai Chi while honoring the school's commitment to inner cultivation and outward expression.
The Legend of the Koi Fish
In Chinese mythology, the koi fish is much more than a symbol of beauty and grace—it represents determination, perseverance, and the transformative power of effort.
According to legend, a school of golden koi once swam up the Yellow River in China, battling strong currents and leaping through waterfalls. After traveling for hundreds of years, they reached a great waterfall at the end of the river. Many of the koi gave up, letting the flow carry them back downstream. The remaining koi refused to give up. Leaping from the depths of the river, they attempted to reach the top of the waterfall to no avail.
Their efforts caught the attention of local demons, who mocked their efforts and heightened the waterfall out of malice. After a hundred years of jumping, one koi was determined and it continued the struggle, leaping again and again, refusing to surrender to the crashing waters, finally reached the top of the waterfall.
The gods took notice of this small fish’s courage, perseverance, determination and endurance. As a reward for its persistence, they transformed the koi into a magnificent golden dragon - a symbol of power and wisdom in Chinese culture. From that day on, the koi came to represent not only perseverance, but also the ability to rise above challenges and achieve greatness.
This legend is often used as a metaphor for personal growth, especially in practices like Tai Chi. Just as the koi swims upstream against the current, practitioners of Tai Chi learn to move with intention, facing obstacles, and transforming through discipline and patience.
At Rising Moon Tai Chi School, the koi in our logo reminds us that transformation is always possible—no matter the struggle, no matter how strong the current. Like the koi becoming the dragon, we rise through dedication, guided by balance, harmony, and the flow of qi.