The RMTC Team
Session Leaders
Next year, 2026, RMTC students will have the opportunity to learn from several different Session Leaders on Friday mornings.
Classes led by Session Leaders offer a wonderful opportunity for students to expand their Tai Chi experience. These experienced practitioners are generously volunteering their time and expertise to guide small groups, allowing students to learn from different perspectives, deepen their understanding, and explore new approaches to technique and form. Working with a variety of leaders is a chance to challenge yourself, refine your skills, and discover aspects of Tai Chi you may not have encountered before. For the Session Leaders, it’s an opportunity to share their passion, develop their leadership skills, and engage more deeply with the art they love—all under the guidance of Sifu Jenny.
The Friday sessions promise to be an exciting and rewarding experience for everyone involved. With a variety of leaders, each bringing their own skills, insights, and enthusiasm, students can look forward to dynamic, interesting, and inspiring sessions. It’s a chance to see Tai Chi from new perspectives, challenge yourself in fresh ways, and enjoy the energy and creativity that each Session Leader brings to the class.
Tony Weston: Session Leader Chen style
Tony brings creativity and discipline to both his art and his Tai Chi. A highly respected watercolour artist, he has facilitated numerous workshops and courses, inspiring others through his artistry and teaching. Since retiring, Tony has immersed himself in the practice of Tai Chi, earning a gold medal in the 2023 WTQA competition for the 42 Form. Skilled in Chen style, he performed the Chen 24 Fan at the recent WTQA Festival. As a Session Leader for Chen style, Tony shares his calm focus and enthusiasm for refining skill and form.
Valdi Kapelis: session leader, martial applications
Valdi, a lifelong educator and former music teacher, has a natural ability to share knowledge with patience and clarity. A keen martial artist, Valdi is drawn to Tai Chi for its internal energy flow and the martial intent within each movement. With his background in Goju Ryu Karate, he brings insight, focus, and discipline—qualities that will be well utilised in his role as a Session Leader.
Nigel Graham: session leader, 32 Sword
Nigel, a chemical engineer, worked in the Dairy industry for over 40 years in engineering, management and improvement roles. Nigel's Tai Chi journey started in Australia in the nineties and since retiring he has dedicated himself to deepening his understanding and refining his proficiency. Nigel has developed a particular skill and interest in the straight sword and performed the Yang 32 Sword Form at the 2025 WTQA Festival. As a Session Leader for Yang 32 Sword, Nigel will combine his passion for martial arts with his engineer's eye for detail, to help students on their own journey of discovery and continuous improvement with the sword form.
Jenny Dodd: Session Leader, qigong
Jenny has spent many years working with Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria to improve the health and well-being of people with vision loss. Jenny is a qualified in DRU Yoga, a gentle body-mind-spirit practice that combines classical yoga postures, breath science, and meditation with unique flowing sequences called Energy Block Release (EBR) sequences. It is designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities, promoting flexibility, strength, inner stability, and a sense of calm and positivity through a combination of flowing movements, breathing techniques, and visualisations. As a session leader, Jenny will draw from her vast experiences as a DRU Yoga, meditation and Qigong instructor.
