Instructors
Better Health Tai Chi Chuan is a non-profit organisation aims to provide an enjoyable and supportive environment for all to learn and to grow through tai chi.

Chief Instructor:

Dr Paul Lam

Dr Paul Lam, a practicing physician and tai chi expert for 30 years, is a world leader in the field of tai chi for health improvement. He is a past gold medalist in the third international Tai Chi competition (Beijing 1993) and has trained thousands of tai chi instructors around the world. Dr Lam has written and produced several best-selling books and instructional DVDs. Click to visit Dr Lam's Tai Chi for Health Institute, or production website for tai chi instructional material, to ask Dr Lam any tai chi question or subscribe his monthly newsletter.

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Instructor (in alphabetical order):

Fiona Black

Is a former physical education teacher who is delighted to have discovered Tai Chi. In my new career as a fitness leader TCA gave me a gentle exercise program for the seniors I taught. I am now addicted to tai chi in all its forms.

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Daniel Baranowski
To be completed soon…

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Angela Cantafio

The longest-distance travelling instructor for BHTCC since 1997, so arguably the most enthusiastic supporter of the school. Joking aside, I feel privileged to be part of a well-organised group of liked minded tai chi aficionados, where we can share inspiration, comradeship and lots of fun. Have tucked in my belt a few gold, silver and bronzes over the years in friendly competitions in Australia & overseas.
Also teaches private classes on the Northside ( email:acantafio@hotmail.com)

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Carol Cheung

Carol Cheung - a retired public servant who found tai chi many years ago as a last resort to manage a badly sprained shoulder and fell in love with the tai chi philosophy. Carol has been an instructor in Better Health since 1997 and coordinates tai chi demonstrations for various charities.

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John Chew

John is one of our most experienced instructors who is also a Master Trainer of the Tai Chi for Health programs. He spends a lot of time teaching at various workshops & is an enthusiastic teacher of Tai Chi for Health.

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Ian Etcell

Ian is familiar with many styles and set of forms. His specialty is at analysing the inner structure and principles of tai chi. Ian is the vice-president of Better Health Tai Chi Chuan and has been invited to teach tai chi in Canada and USA. He has represented Australia in the 4th World Wushu Championship in Hong Kong.

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Janet Cromb

A family doctor of too many years' experience who came to tai chi after seeking an exercise that would last a lifetime. Having found the depth and breadth of tai chi, a lifetime isn't enough. Well known for prescribing tai chi to all my patients!

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Madelene Gavin

1. Physiotherapist (Retired)
2. Ex-Karate Student (5 years)
3. Over 20 years experience as a Tai Chi instructor
4. Worked extensively with Dr Paul Lam
5. Accredited by University of Physical Education, Beijing
6. Level II Coach, Australian Institute of Sport
7. Silver Medal - Sun Style Tai Chi- Beijing 1993
8. Experience: Work at hospitals, pilot and research groups, work with the young and elderly.

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Barbara Grimley

Working for many years in a medical centre as a secretary & the latter 20 years as secretary in a physiotherapy practice I observed patients experiencing  falls due to poor posture & balance.   I began investigating a form of exercise that would carry me throughout my life time.   The importance of balance & flexibility was enchanced further, as after I retired I did volunteer work at a local hospital with the inception of the  'Falls Prevention Program'  & my thoughts were, what a shame these patients had not had the benefit or opportunity of doing Tai Chi previously.

 I made my decision to join BHTCC in 1991, thus my Tai chi jouney began & continues to grow into a 'lifetime journey'. Tai chi has stood me in good stead over all these years in many many ways.  The joy of spreading the word, helping & sharing with others & the fulfilment this ancient art brings, is wonderful indeed.   To be involved in teaching  24 Yang 'beginners' is inspiring & humbling, observing  'beginner students' at completion of their first year & returning the next year with enthusiasm to take them on their own tai chi journey hopefully throughout their lifetime.   My favourite forms are 24 Yang & the combined 42 form, hard to pick a favourite form really they all have their own merits, when you are a tai chi 'devotee' you are completely focused, that is another wonderful benefit of tai chi, it is extremely beneficial for for your mind.

'What the world needs now is 'Tai Chi'  

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Serene Harris

To be completed soon…

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Indria Lee

Is a fitness instructor who almost gave up Tai Chi because she found it too slow. However, she persevered and is now a very enthusiastic teacher of a variety of forms and really appreciates the health benefits of Tai Chi.

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Ying Ying Lee
to be completed soon...

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Kwan Leung

is an experienced instructor who loves Tai Chi.

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Sylvia Leung

is an enthusiastic teacher who loves what she does.

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Lilin Loo

Having spent a lifetime career poring over technical documents and working on the computer, I found a new lease in life with Tai Chi.
With the discovery of the delights that Tai Chi offered, it has since been a journey of increasing fascination. With each passing year I have learnt more and have continued to strive towards understanding and incorporating the principles of Tai Chi in daily life.

The interest with Tai Chi has become a passion and I now enjoy sharing the knowledge with others through teaching

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Peter Ng

Peter is an enthusiastic & experienced teacher who has taught at a number of workshops. He teaches a variety of forms and has received a lot of expert training overseas.

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Marta Venegas
has a nursing background and is a registered fitness instructor. She has been teaching Tai Chi at Better Health Tai Chi Chuan since 2007. She also teaches Dr Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Health programs at a community center in the Illawara region.

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Patricia Webber
Pat has been a tai chi teacher since 1993. She teaches classes for SHARE and also at Better Health Tai Chi Chuan, where she trains with Dr. Paul Lam. She teaches Yang and Sun style tai chi, including sword forms. Pat is a Master Trainer in Dr Paul Lam's Tai Chi for Health programs, and in this capacity has conducted workshops in country N.S.W., interstate and in New Zealand. She is accredited with the Australian Coaching Council.

At the First International Tai Chi for Health Conference held in Korea in December, 2006, Pat did a presentation on Effective Teaching and taught "Exploring the Depth of TCA".

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Sybil Wong

Sybil has been a major driving force for the annual tai chi workshop and an experienced and versatile teacher at the school. The tai chi forms she has taught at the school include 24 forms, 32 sword, 42 sword, 36 Chen, 42 Forms and the Yang style 40 forms.

In her spare time she works as a pharmacist, manager for three medical centers, mother and wife. Amazingly she always has time for everyone, her friends in the school believe she should be an ideal coach for time management.

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Swee Yeo

to be completed soon...

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Elizabeth and George Yong

Second year trainee instructors. Joined BHTCC in May 2000 with daughter Rachel.
Elizabeth & George have been instructors for two years. They are enthusiastic teachers who love tai chi and have a lot of knowledge to share.

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