Recommended reading

Dale Carnegie's How To Win Friends & Influence People has inspired all manner of books.

Many of his suggestions seem undesirable/unappealing at first.

This reflects our own stubbornness and unwillingness to change - therefore, an important lesson in itself?
Only through multiple reads (over years) does his wisdom become fully apparent...

Male oriented?

In martial arts, men usually have a distinct advantage.
Most systems were designed with the male physique in mind and often rely upon innate strength and aggression. 

Women may succeed with any martial art, but why train an art that doesn't favour the female body? 
Why not train an art that prioritises use of the legs, buttocks and torso?
Where composure is encouraged rather than machismo?

Relaxation

Most people have chronically tense muscles. This is often the consequence of over-working: the task has ended, but the muscle is still working. Another cause can be weakness in the muscles. The outcome of laziness. But these are purely physical factors.

November boot camp

I think Sifu Waller knows more about functional biomechanics that all the orthopaedic surgeons I have met put together. I rarely have clicking joints now since Sifu instructed me to work within the limits of the ‘click’ and then build up over time to a wider range.

(Dr David Cousins)

Styles

It is important not to get too hung up on taijiquan styles. The Tai Chi Classics were written by Chang San-feng, Wang Tsung-yueh and Wu Yu-hsiang. Wu created Hao style, but there are no known styles attributed to Chang or Wang. How come?

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)

Invest

Not many people attain 'internal strength'. They know the concepts, the words and the ideas. But when pressure tested, the result is always the same: they resort to conventional muscle use and that is not taijiquan. How come? A lack of investment in the training.

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)

Unnatural naturalness

Taijiquan requires the student to use their muscles in an unfamiliar, non-habitual manner. At first, this is very difficult. With practice, it becomes easier. Eventually, you forget that it is even taking place.

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)