Having previously taken Tai Chi classes, attending my first induction session with Rachel at Newcastle Tai Chi, it was clear from the start this was going to be a very different experience. Newcastle Tai Chi provides a calm, quiet, measured and most importantly authentic approach to teaching Tai Chi and Martial Arts

Classes are interesting and varied and may include group work, individual practise, partner work, exercises, self massage, guided body scan meditations and more.

Both teachers, Rachel and Sifu, as well as fellow students are friendly, approachable and respectful.

Newcastle Tai Chi provides a welcome haven in a too busy world to slow down and if you're thinking of attending I would quote what Rachel frequently says to me "Stop thinking and just do it!"

(Neelam Sharma) 

5 stars

Coming home from my first class at the Newcastle Tai Chi school, feeling whole, relaxed and grounded as if I had had the most intensive massage, is something I never expected. And it happens every week.

 As an older person with inflammatory arthritis who has had 5 joints replaced, I was keen to find a suitable exercise that would not exacerbate the arthritis in my remaining joints. I have been delighted to find an exercise that improves the way I use my joints and makes me feel even better than I could have ever imagined.

 I was recommended to take up Tai Chi by a friend and I chose Newcastle Tai Chi simply because it was the nearest to me and it seemed to be very well organised. On my very first attendance I adjusted my expectations upwards. After researching tai chi online, I became aware of the significance of Sifu Waller, the leader of the school, in the ethos and high standards the school sets; I discovered his amazing credentials as one of the most highly qualified teachers in the UK. His wife, Rachel, is equally impressive in her years of experience, her grace and elegance, providing inspiring, knowledgeable, inclusive guidance that is somehow personal to you, while at the same time she keeps a 360-degree eye on the rest of the class. 

 I came away from that first class being so very grateful that I had chosen Newcastle Tai Chi. 

 The main benefit I was seeking is being delivered (my journey stretches out enticingly before me), but there are other unexpected benefits;

 • a font of technical knowledge accumulated by Rachel and Sifu and published on the school website that members of the school have access to (Despite researching the website weekly, I have yet to get anywhere near exhausting its contents).
 • additional activities in the form of Tai Chi in the park and workshops • experienced and friendly help, freely offered by senior members of the school,
 • a strong sense of camaraderie,
 • a social aspect in the form of out-of-school activities, and finally
 • the Tea Club.

 I am surprised to find in Newcastle Tai Chi something that far exceeds what I originally sought for my joints. I am inspired to do better, to be calmer and to relax more and I have found something that appeals to my view on life. I am confident that this is far more than you would get at an average session provided by any other tai chi school in the North East.

 (Joan Trinder) 

 Adrenalin fueled, high energy activities and some bad habits had been the way I lived my life. This has left me with a damaged knee and hands as well as increasing joint aches with reducing mobility and strength. Fully expecting at least one knee replacement and further reducing mobility could only see myself placing more responsibility for my health onto the NHS.

Until I saw the light and reconsidered my approach to everything. Regarding health and well being Tai Chi always stood out to be the optimal activity. But with so many places offering Tai Chi where do I go? Following some diligent research on-line and in the library I identified the handful of most highly qualified teachers in the country. Then was amazed to find one such teacher was right here in Newcastle. I contacted Newcastle Tai Chi and what a good move that has turned out to be.

Having attended the school for a number of months now what is happening for me is nothing short of incredible. The strength and stability developing around my knees has put thoughts of joint replacements out of mind altogether. I've increased strength and muscle tone similar to when I attended a gym for years. But, without one drop of sweat! My energy level has also dramatically increased and sense of well being. As well as improved flexibility and movement , which I had expected. All this with only the right attitude and regular practice, no fancy equipment required.

What is required however is the right teaching. The quality and standard of the teaching at my school, and their whole approach to health and well being, is done with a level of integrity I would only have expected to find in the best schools in China it's self. Not just teaching the movements but also the understanding behind the movements, which is necessary to properly benefit from Tai Chi. Their relaxed and friendly environment are helping with learning and practicing what can be a challenging skill to master.

I must be driving passed at least a dozen schools teaching Tai Chi on the way to my school every Monday. But would consider myself mad to even contemplate practicing Tai Chi anywhere else. Tai Chi, the open secret. All schools maybe open, the secret is the right school.

(Tony Jackman)

I have been attending the Newcastle Tai Chi school for almost 7 years now. The class is very welcoming and friendly. Master Waller has an in depth knowledge of the art and is willing to share it with his students. He really is a great teacher. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in martial arts to try this school! 

 (Marc B)

I have been a member of Newcastle Tai Chi for almost a year now. Studying Tai Chi for health with Sifu and Rachel, has proved so beneficial and their knowledge and demonstrable skills are phenomenal! The clear syllabus helps provide steady progress with personal support to quickly correct errors, in form etc. The resources on the, members only, part of the web site is excellent and together with instructional DVDs makes membership real value for money. As with other members, I only wished I had found Newcastle Tai Chi so much sooner.

(Joe)

I had been thinking about taking up another martial art for the past few years. I'd been thinking of Tai Chi for some time. I'd been looking on the net for a decent class without success. I finally found Newcastle Tai Chi this year which is brilliant. I wish I had of found the class years ago.

 Everything about Newcastle Tai Chi is spot on. The teaching is brilliant. Sifu Waller not only shows and teaches the form and different techniques but shows and tells why they are done in a certain way.
 Sifu Waller teaches in a way that is clear and is explained so all understand. I would highly recommend Newcastle Tai Chi to everyone. I finish one class and can't wait for the next one. One more thing I would say to anyone thinking of starting is try out the classes. Find out for yourselves. You won't be disappointed.

 (Nick)

We had been wanting to start a martial arts class for a while and finally found Newcastle Tai Chi and figured we'd give it a go. Our only grievance is that we didn't find it sooner!

Honestly one of the most informative, realistic and enjoyable classes I've ever been to. Most self-defence or martial-arts classes focus on patterns & sequences. In teaching Tai Chi, Sifu Waller understands and acknowledges that real life isn't like that - you don't patiently wait to get hit in the face before returning fire! Nor are fights purely about strength; with aspects of the syllabus requiring reading and completing (short) written assignments you get both a full body, and mind workout in one. The accompanying website is an absolute goldmine of information (both for the class and for general day-to-day living).

Very friendly and welcoming, can't recommend them enough.

(Alex)

I initially looked for a form of exercise that I would be able to continue for life and that would also build my strength and health, having had years of illness. Tai Chi seemed to fit the bill perfectly so I looked for a suitable class. Luckily I found Sifu Waller and have now been attending Newcastle Tai Chi classes for more years than I like to remember. 

The teaching by both Sifu and Rachel is so in depth and thorough and there is always something new to learn. Just when you think you have mastered an exercise, you find that there is another layer to progress to. The class itself and the students who attend are very friendly but we are expected to work hard. Have a look at the website. It is amazing - you can spend all day just reading and learning, all written by Sifu for his students. A great school taught by a master.

(Sylvia)

I joined Sifu Waller's class around two years ago, I wanted to join a school where I could learn and practice an original form of kung fu. I’ve been meaning to write a review for a while but since there are so many great facet’s to this class I struggle to do it real justice, you’ll have to come and try it for yourself! I’ll try to give a flavour of the benefits of the class, but what’s the use in reading the ingredients of a cake, you have to eat it to appreciate it.

Newcastle Tai Chi is a hidden gem, not only as the class is unpretentious and friendly but because we have a true master teacher who teaches us to use our body in the most optimal way to achieve maximum results with great ease. With correct application, a skilled student of Master Waller’s class will never have to brawl as they can finish the aggressor's intention and ability to fight without prolonged combat.

I can with confidence say every week Sifu Waller amazes even the most experienced of students, by the depth of his knowledge and insight plus the masterful execution of efficient applications with such ease that it is often humorous.

If you have the good fortune to spend a little time with Sifu you will quickly realise that Sifu has sincerely dedicated his life to acquiring knowledge and mastering skill in Kung Fu and Tai Chi. His dedication also translates to providing a dynamic framework for willing students to gain more than just knowledge and skill of this secretive internal art.

Sifu Waller teaches a great syllabus and classes complemented by a variety of focussed workshops, a web site that is like the encyclopedia and guide to not only Tai Chi but many aspects of personal victory and most importantly an earnest teacher that will continue to inspire.

I’m truly grateful and honoured to train under Sifu Waller, it is truly a great opportunity to learn from the ‘cream of the (martial world's) crop’.

(Ali)

I have been involved in the world of martial arts since I was 8 continuing until the birth of my son. My son is now 6 so decided I wanted to return to training now I've turned 40. I have been interested in the internal arts, specifically Taiji and Bagua for many years but realised how hard it is to find someone teaching the authentic art. With Sifu Waller I finally found what I was looking for!

Sifu's understanding and knowledge is outstanding. The syllabus is both deep and broad allowing a structured development of each student as they progress. Sifu Waller teaches the full art not just the commonly seen "health tai chi". This is a martial art that is subtle and effective, using body structure and biodynamics to achieve success. I can highly recommend this class for anyone with the passion and dedication to learn a true martial art.

(Chris)

The level of knowledge Sifu Waller has as a martial arts teacher is profound to say the least. Whether you are an absolute beginner to any martial arts (which I was) or more experienced, Sifu will teach you not only how to train physically but mentally also. His approach is by far the most authentic in the North East, but does not come without hard work. If you want to improve your health, gain insights into body/mind & eastern philosophy and throw someone across a room with little to no effort -- this is the school to go for. It may just change your life for the better. It certainly has for me.

(Brett Cereza)

I've been attending Sifu Waller's class for a year now and I can honestly say that it's been amazing. He teaches a complete syllabus which develops body mechanics, martial application and mental development in a way which I would not have believed before starting! His insights are amazing and I have certainly noticed the benefits of my learning and practice in daily life, even though I am very much in the early days of my study. The class offers teaching in a ruthlessly effective martial art, but much more besides. Like so many others in the class, I just wish I had found it earlier!

 (Ben)

Review

Our class is like Alexander the Great teaching Dad's Army. Sifu Waller's not even trying. It's unbelievably powerful and looks like nothing. It's beyond impressive.
(Karen)