Qigong and Tai Chi Defined

Qigong

Qigong is a gentle practice combining slow movement, breath, and focused awareness to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy, known as Qi (or chi). Rooted in Chinese medicine, philosophy, Qigong promotes health, relaxation, and mental clarity. Movements are often simple and repetitive, making Qigong accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It can be practiced standing, sitting, or lying down. Through regular practice, Qigong helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and restore harmony between body and mind. Whether used for healing, meditation, or energy development, Qigong is a powerful tool for enhancing overall wellbeing.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a graceful, flowing form of exercise that combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and mental focus. Originally developed as a martial art in China, its movements contain hidden martial applications such as strikes, deflections, and blocks.  All movements are controlled and precise. Today, Tai Chi is widely embraced for its health benefits, including improved balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Often described as ‘meditation in motion’, it nurtures body awareness, inner calm, and a strong mind-body connection. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Tai Chi offers both a pathway to physical health and mental wellbeing.

Is Qigong and Tai Chi Right For Me?

Both Qigong and Tai chi are low impact exercises which put minimal stress on muscles and joints, making them generally safe for all ages and fitness levels.   They require no special equipment so practice can be done anywhere - indoors or outdoors, at any time of the day.  Although Qigong and Tai Chi can be quite social, they can also be practised alone, cultivating a sense of peaceful mindfulness.

When learned correctly and performed regularly, these forms of gentle exercise can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health. The benefitsmay include:

  • Decreased stress, anxiety and depression

  • Improved mood

  • Improved aerobic capacity

  • Increased energy and stamina

  • Improved flexibility, balance and agility

  • Improved muscle strength and definition

Some evidence indicates that they may also help:

  • Enhance  quality of sleep

  • Enhance the immune system

  • Help lower blood pressure

  • Improve joint pain

  • Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure

  • Improve overall well-being

  • Reduce risk of falls in older adults

Many students, before beginning their first session, will confess that they have ‘poor coordination’, or ‘poor balance’ - however, all are pleasantly surprised after a few sessions as their confidence has improved, paving the way for development of coordination and balance. The journey is a slow but enjoyable one and the learning environment is a respectful and productive one.

Classes run for 50 minutes and are usually held indoors. Weather permitting, we sometimes conduct parts of the class outside. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and soft soled shoes. Classes are held in Mt Martha, and Hastings and we have classes specifically for Beginner students. All sessions are run by Sifu Jenny Harrison. Classes run during the school term, with school holiday short courses available. Classes are not held on public holidays.

RMTC classes are always a positive experience, with new students warmly welcomed into the fold.

Face to Face Class Fees 2025

There are no joining fees at Rising Moon Tai Chi. Students are welcome to ‘pay as you go’ ($25 per class), or purchase 10 sessions ($210), which have an expiry of 6 months and they can be used for any weekly class. They can be transferred to a friend or relative if you find you are unable to attend classes. Payments can also be made term by term, allowing you to attend up to 4 classes a week. A 9-week Term is $220. No refunds can be issued once the term has commenced, or once a Pass has been used, but it can be transferred to a friend or relative. For more details and the timetable, click here

Gift Certificates

Gift vouchers can be arranged, for 1, 5 or 10 sessions. Email info@risingmoontaichi.net for more information.

About our Classes

Classes at Rising Moon Tai Chi are held in a relaxed and respectful environment. Usually conducted indoors, the session changes focus from individual and group work, to instructor led or student led exercises.  It is a standing activity, requiring similar energy levels as a good walk.  Of course, there are always chairs available if students would prefer this to standing. Classes run for an hour or 45 minutes. Wear layered clothing so you can remove clothing as you warm up. Special uniforms are not necessary, but clothing should be loose and comfortable.  Wear soft soled shoes.  It is a good idea to bring a drink bottle to each class.

Students are encouraged to leave their stress and worries at the door, to focus on the Tai Chi method, and to practice patience with themselves and each other. But above all, students are encouraged have fun and enjoy the learning experience.

Weather permitting, sessions can also be run outdoors, where the fresh air and beautiful surrounds can be enjoyed.

The class begins with the salute and warm-up exercises, followed by either a Tai Chi form, Shibashi or Qigong, depending upon the session. The class concludes with another salute, where students and instructor bow as a sign of mutual respect.

Social activities and community events are always enjoyed within the group and lunches, outings and morning teas are organised throughout the year.  All are welcome, including friends and families of students.

Class Etiquette – Mindfulness begins at the door.

At Rising Moon Tai Chi, our practice of mindfulness starts even before the class commences and a few simple courtesies help keep the energy calm and flowing for all.

  • Please try to arrive about five minutes before class begins. This gives you time to settle in, find your place and catch up with other students. If you do happen to arrive late, that’s okay - simply enter the room quietly, put your things away, and offer a respectful salute to the instructor before joining the group. Students are expected to stay for the duration of the class, concluding together with a closing salute as a mark of mutual respect.

  • If your class is held at Mt Martha Uniting Church and another session is in progress, please enter quietly without disruption.

  • At Mt Martha House, if there is a class in progress, we kindly ask that you enter from the front of the House and wait in the sitting room at the far end of the Room 18 hallway. This venue is a vibrant community hub, hosting school groups, local activities, and one-on-one counselling, so it’s important that we remain mindful and respectful of the shared space.

  • Once the instructor is ready to begin, please take your place promptly so we can begin together with the opening salute.

At Rising Moon Tai Chi, we aim to create a peaceful and respectful space for everyone to enjoy their practice. Thank you for helping maintain the calm, focused and respectful atmosphere that makes our classes so enjoyable.

Read What Students are Saying

Observations from a student attending weekly classes

"I would highly recommend the RMTC school to anyone contemplating beginning the tai chi journey, or anyone wishing to further advance their tai chi practice.  Jenny Harrison has a skill for presenting each of the tai chi forms in a step by step progression that enables all students to make considerable progress.  The class atmosphere Jenny cultivates is always nurturing, inclusive and encouraging with students ever ready to celebrate each other's achievements.  Support materials for home practice can be purchased through the school and have proved to be an invaluable aid.  Free tai chi sessions in the park over the summer months are a popular social activity and just one of the many ways Jenny demonstrates great dedication to running her school.

Tai Chi is often described as moving meditation.  When I joined the RMTC school, I found myself moving under the instruction of a dedicated and talented teacher and alongside a wonderful bunch of tai chi enthusiasts.  I highly recommend the School."  - Bev

  • ​"Jenny is a natural communicator.  Her expertise as a trained educator shows in the way she teaches and she teaches the finer details of learning tai chi - the mental, spiritual, physical and emotional.  Jenny is very generous with her knowledge and oh so patient."  - De

  • "Simply outstanding.  Best course in many years." - Mark

  • "This has challenged me in all the right ways." - Vanessa

  • "Exceeded all expectations."  - Karen