About Patrick Bonello – my Tai Chi Journey

My Tai Chi journey has taken me from Geelong to Cheltenham, Ballan and Trentham as a student, learning this amazing form of martial arts.

My Lǎoshī (teacher) is Patricia Kent from Lilac Moon Tai Chi. Patricia has been a mentor to me and was first to encourage me to take up teaching ten years ago.

We have travelled to China on three occasions to train with our senior master and also to compete and train with other tai chi schools from Germany, Japan, Korea and across China.

Tai Chi is a recognised martial art practise based on Chinese tradition going back thousands of years.

Often described as “meditation in motion”, it combines slow, graceful, flowing movements with deep diaphragmatic breathing and focused mental concentration.

Some of the forms I practise and teach include the Yang 8, Fan Form, Yang 24, Wu 32 (adapted from the Wu 121), Wu Broadsword, 32 Long Sword, 42 Long Sword, 42 Competition Form.

As well as Tai Chi forms I practise a number of Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) forms. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle body movements, rhythmic breathing, and meditation to cultivate and balance vital life-force energy, or qi (Chi). Used for thousands of years to promote health, martial arts skill, and spiritual growth, it is adaptable for all fitness levels

My greatest love for Tai Chi has been to share it with my students and friends.

I have taken part in tai chi demonstrations with cultural groups, community festivals, farmers markets, on the Great Wall of China, in airports, on the roof of a building, outside aeroplane toilets, random parks in Italy, Malta, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Canada and all over Australia.  At primary schools and Seniors festivals.

It is a joy to meet other people and train with them. The Tai Chi family around the world is always welcoming and inclusive.