Newcastle
Tai Chi

Rachel Waller

1978
Rachel is from Kuching, located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, northwest Borneo. She is from Chinese/Kayan descent. Kayan were traditionally a 'headhunter' tribe.

1994
Rachel passed her first taekwondo black belt in 1994 with the Sarawak Taekwondo Association (ITF) and eventually became the president of the club. 

1997
Rachel came to the UK to study at Durham University. She continued her study of taekwondo but was looking for something more profound. 

Kung fu
In her twenties, Rachel began studying baguazhang, chin na, shuai jiao, taijiquan, weapons and fitness with Sifu Waller.

Reading
In addition to her physical practice, Rachel has read all of the taijiquan, self-help, biomechanical, martial & Taoist books on the recommended reading list. She is well versed in the literature and an avid reader of the I Ching (The Book of Changes), an ancient Chinese text. 

Work/life balance
Rachel works a 37.5 hour week for the local council. By being organised and discerning, Rachel manages her time skilfully. She gets to fulfil her work responsibilities, train qigong, taijiquan, yoga etc, pursue her hobbies/interests and still have quality time to spend with her husband.  

Qualified teacher
The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain gave Rachel an instructor qualification in 2014.

Newcastle Tai Chi
Rachel answers emails, runs the induction course, offers assessments and is responsible for many of the policy decisions in the school including designing the dress code.