Reviews

I think Sifu Waller knows more about functional biomechanics than all the orthopaedic surgeons I have met put together.
(Dr David Cousins)

Most people come to our school because they are seeking to learn tai chi properly and recognise that this is by far the best tai chi in the North East.
(Patricia)

Like a lot of people, I thought Tai Chi was just something that old folks did in the park, but the depth of information on the website grabbed my interest, so I gave it a try. So glad I did. This is real Tai Chi taught to an exceptional standard. At the health and fitness level it teaches you to move efficiently, minimise stress on your joints, and restores flexibility, strength and balance. But if you want to take it further it opens up the martial art of taijiquan, which teaches you to read your opponents and use their own strength against them. When you see this demonstrated by Sifu Waller you forget any preconceptions.
(Malcolm)

Dear Sifu Waller, I feel very lucky to have found your class and have had the opportunity to be your student. I really do enjoy all the lessons and learning about the art. Thank you Sifu Waller for your generosity and the passion you put into teaching.
(Yu-chun)

My strength has increased tremendously. I can now garden without getting backache.
(Sylvia)

I would strongly recommend Newcastle Tai Chi to anyone who is keen on trying out, learning & further developing tai chi skills for various health benefits or martial arts purposes. I have been working in healthcare for many years and I can assure, I found these skills to be of particular benefit for relaxation, stress-relief, improved movement control, balance and direct self-defence strategies. If you wish to pursue the martial arts route, the school has got a robust training syllabus/grading system which would also interest those who seek a more challenging form of tai chi.
(Dr Laxmikant Ekade)

I think the shredding of pre-conceived ideas of what 'taijiquan' is was very important (and still is) in the early/beginner stages. My health has improved - not just physically - also an increase in general wellbeing. I have a lot of respect for the class and the instructor and the helpers/senior students. It's a joy training with people who have real passion (I don't use the word lightly) for the art and teach it with respect and integrity.
(Rachel H)

I have trained with many instructors including yourself where I know that I want what they have. However, you have a training method that works and have students with real abilities. This is very rare in the internal martial arts.
(Tim)

I found Newcastle Tai Chi following an Internet search not long after reading an article on the health benefits of qigong about 3 years ago. I'd never previously done any martial art, so I had no idea what to expect. I found the school to be welcoming and friendly, with all students, whatever their level being taught in the same hall. Students can learn as little or as much as they want to from exceptional teachers who teach a vast syllabus. I'm in my 50's, but have never felt as healthy and strong as I do now. I can't recommend the school highly enough.
(Julia)

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)

Rachel is very comprehensive and I felt welcomed. Going to this school is one of the most enriching experiences I had so far.
(Cedric)

I checked out the google reviews when I was looking for a Tai Chi School. The school has far exceeded my expectations. Sifu and Rachel have in depth knowledge of the art, excellent teaching skills and very supportive. The students at the school are friendly and encouraging. If you want to improve your health, enjoy a challenge and also have fun, then, I would recommend you give Newcastle Tai Chi School a try.
(Dawn)

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.
(Paul)

For people interested in relaxing, I'd definitely recommend Newcastle Tai Chi class. I joined back in February 2019 and enjoy every class. I needed a way to leave stress behind me, and recover my muscle strength and tai chi has much improved things. I feel more aware of what my body can do, what strength there is, where I hold tension. I am calmer, less anxious, than I used to be, being able to do tai chi has helped keep me grounded. Members are friendly and we like to get out on social events for class meals. I would have loved to have found this tai chi class a lot earlier in life.
(Joanne)

For those of us who’ve been involved in martial arts for some time, and have some experience of Chinese arts and teachers, I feel we can be confident that with Sifu Waller we have stumbled upon a treasure trove of authentic Chinese martial arts. It’s tremendously exciting as the lineage and history is abundantly clear in his approach.
(Graham)

My health has improved immeasurably. I am stronger, fewer aches and pains. Muscle tone has improved. Energy levels increased dramatically. Blood pressure reduced to a level where I no longer need medication. The class in Newcastle has literally changed my life. Daily practice and a weekly class taught by Sifu Waller have improved my health and wellbeing to such an extent that I can't imagine life without tai chi for health. I wish I had discovered tai chi for health years ago but am grateful for the opportunity to attend your class and continue to improve my physical and mental health.
(Margaret)

Before I came to Sifu Waller three years ago I had spent six years at four different classes trying to learn tai chi. None of them had a syllabus of any kind. Most were offering tuition of the simplified 24 step, with no self defence and no regard for the health of knees or back. The classes were for one hour only and cost about the same as ours.
(John Bell)

I am extremely grateful to be part of the Newcastle Tai Chi school and being taught by Sifu all amazing benefits taijiquan entails for my well being, mental and body strength. I have been a member of the school for the last three years now and I have observed the benefits on my body (e.g. more toned muscles than before on my legs, better sensation of body tension) while practicing the Tai Chi syllabus on a consistent-basis without strenuous effort or exertive movements. Sifu and Rachel put a massive effort to run each lesson providing a great knowledge and insightful support to all members to help us increase our performance. I see Newcastle Tai Chi as a personal investment for my holistic well being.
(Maria)

Every exercise that is taught is based on extensive experience and in contrast with other tai chi schools there is no talk of chi or other esoteric concepts, instead the instructors discuss biomechanics and mention what muscle groups work in different exercises. The quality and the effect of the exercises is incredibly beneficial to both the mental and the physical health of the students.
(Max)

When you watch somebody perform Sifu Waller's tai chi it looks like nothing special is happening, but the power being produced is incredible. Surprising and very exciting! The biomechanics are remarkable; you learn so much about how to use your body in a healthier, more dynamic way.
(Dr Adriana Chilińska)

Having attended the school for a number of months now what is happening for me is nothing short of incredible. I've increased strength and muscle tone similar to when I attended a gym for years.
(Tony)

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 facets to this class I struggle to do it real justice, you’ll have to come and try it for yourself! 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 maximal results with great ease, with correct application. 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.
(Allyson)

I specifically looked for a tai class as I wanted something with that could also provide some mental stimulation in order to maintain long term interest. I certainly have not been disappointed! The training has led to me being physically more relaxed yet stronger. I also feel mentally more relaxed, resilient and better able to cope with demanding situations. From an interest point of view, there are seemingly endless opportunities to draw from Sifu Waller's incredible depth of knowledge. A major strength of the class is that whilst students are always encouraged to work hard and progress, they are allowed to do so at their own rate as their circumstances allow.
(Martin)

Sifu Waller, I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the qi gong workshop yesterday evening. I always enjoy the workshops but last nights was particularly excellent and noteworthy. It showed the degree to which I am never usually relaxed and this morning I feel completely different. I feel (without being cliched about it) that it could be a 'life-changing' moment. This morning I feel like a different person. I feel slow, calm, quiet - with no desire to go quicker.
(Sally)

Sifu Waller is not only an exceptional martial artist, he's also a skilled and very patient teacher. His approach to teaching is structured and methodical but is also rational - founded on physics and biomechanics rather than mysticism and esoteric concepts of energy flow. His taijiquan works, he can explain why it works, he proves it works, and he can teach you to make it work too!
(Eddie)

I looked for a tai chi class locally and tried a few but found they were not what I wanted. Basically the classes were too large and there seemed to be no development of skills or structure in the teaching, merely waving your arms about. I found a class run by Rachel Waller. This changed my whole outlook. There are people actively teaching the syllabus and practicing. There is a very comprehensive program of study to work through.
(Angela)

I learned more from Sifu Waller in 6 months than I did in almost 2 years with my previous school.
(Mick)

From the very first lesson I have always felt comfortable there, the other students are all friendly and accommodating. Sifu Waller is always very patient when teaching, even when having to go over and over small details! His teaching style strikes a good balance between more traditional and formal whilst also maintaining a friendly humour.
(Claire)

One of the good things about the class is the atmosphere of respect and camaraderie. It is good to feel safe when practicing a martial art. It has affected my day to day life in the fact that I'm more aware of how I use and misuse my body on a daily basis which is particularly relevant to me because I have a physical job. It has also helped me to remain calmer in certain stressful situations.
(Marc)

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)

Sifu Waller teaches a complete syllabus which develops body mechanics, martial application and mental development in a way which I would not have believed before starting! Like so many others in the class, I just wish I had found it earlier!
(Dr Ben Beattie)

What I like most about the class is that true learning is possible; having tried other classes, I can attest that Sifu Waller's teaching is at a far higher level. He teaches whole-body unity in every aspect of the syllabus. The longer I'm with the class the more impressed I am with Sifu Waller's teachings and support. A great environment for us to learn in.
(Tishy, Headteacher)

I'm thoroughly enjoying the training; it is on a completely different level to anything I've done previously.
(Simon)

Sifu Waller is a teacher of unquestionable knowledge and experience. His classes and workshops are friendly, safe, inclusive and fun. The syllabus that he has created is structured, balanced and inter-connected. His teaching is clear, in-depth and incredibly practical. The exercises and the form do not consist of meaningless or empty movements - everything is done and practiced for a very practical reason (or, usually, multiple possible reasons). The more I learn, the more I'm amazed at both the depth and simplicity of what we're being taught, and also Sifu Waller's depth of knowledge and understanding - there seems to be no end to it. In the west, tai chi is often seen as only being a relaxed and gentle exercise. Sifu Waller teaches the importance of relaxation and gentleness within a devastatingly effective martial art (taijiquan).
(Nicola)

I very much enjoy your sessions - without any false flattery, you have been the best instructor I have had for any martial art. Your commitment, patience and dedication to the art and your students is something that I believe many instructors should aspire to. To your credit Sifu Waller, you have shown me something that has I did not expect to find in taijiquan... a comprehensive fighting system in itself. I wish the rest of the MA community would wake up and see what you see.
(Stuart)

I’ve found the class a very positive experience and one which I want to commit to. I have felt welcome from the outset and the class is remarkably collaborative. The class seems really fresh and perpetually interesting! It’s refreshing to find people who practice and embody the Art they are studying, and none more so than Sifu Waller. With Sifu Waller there is a sense of ‘deep time’ - some teachers spend hours labouring points superficially but Sifu Waller gets right to the heart of the matter and can convey meaningful and stimulating guidance in a brief interaction. The syllabus is excellent and I’m starting to work my way through the classic texts. All told, excellent!
(Louise)

I like the classes because I know I'm entering a healthy zone.
I've done a lot of travelling, learning, and philosophizing in my life and what I like about your classes is their integrity. I like the total absence of bullshit. By observing the way my body does or doesn't move each week, I'm able to see where the problems are in every other aspect of my life. For this I'm very grateful.
(Ian)

Honestly 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. Sifu himself is an absolute goldmine of information.
(Alexandra)

Your school is unlike anything else I have experienced. In over 12 years of studying taijiquan and qigong at various schools around the UK, only Sifu Waller's class demonstrates and is able to teach the integral, internal aspects of taijiquan that allow it to be used to its true potential as a martial art. It has been a rare privilege to experience the depth of knowledge and practical skill offered by Sifu Waller, and I would recommend anyone who has the good fortune to be able to attend his classes to do so without hesitation.
(Rob)

Working with Sifu Waller is excellent, we really enjoy it and it is so interesting to see how the form and foundation work develops into the martial work. It's interesting that the more you learn the more everything makes sense! I felt great after the class and couldn't actually sleep as I was going over the things we had learnt in my head! It was very empowering to be able to complete the same exercises as the larger males and not feel at a disadvantage. My height came in quite useful in some of them! I was surprised how little force was required. It's a great group of people to work with.
(Amelia)

I like that there's no macho, aggressive attitude in the class, and that everyone is helpful and respectful of one another.
I also like the structure of the class, and the clear syllabus that lets you see how you're progressing.
(Joel)

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.
(Emma)

Sifu Waller and Rachel treat everyone in the class with great politeness and respect.
(Dave)

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! An amazing functional system taught by the best instructor I've ever encountered. Sifu Waller's understanding and knowledge is outstanding. The syllabus is both deep and broad allowing a structured development of each student as they progress. This is a martial art that is subtle and effective, using body structure and biodynamics to achieve success. Anyone that thinks Taiji is for old people has clearly no idea what the total art is about. I can highly recommend this class for anyone with the passion and dedication to learn a true martial art.
(Christine)

Definitely worth studying and in terms of practicing the art, Sifu Waller is bewildering (in a good and incredibly impressive way).
(Dr David Cousins)

Can I just thank Sifu Waller and yourself for continuing to make the sessions so enjoyable on so many levels....
(Tracy)

Sifu Waller is one of these men that you respect as soon as you meet him just by his behaviour.
(Cedric)

Having looked around for Tai Chi lessons for mainly health but also martial applications, what I found immediately obvious with Sifu Waller was the practical "Real" teaching; None of the flowery waving arms about, but real scientifically provable methods to aid health and engage martial capability. Having joined the class I find it great to train in an environment where everything I do can be explain in an absolute and scientific way; be demonstrated to be workable and when actually done see the results for myself. In my life free time is in short supply; I want a class where I get value for money and concentrated pure teaching, our class meets both these objectives.
(Damian)

Really appreciate the fact that I am learning a lot of things in the class. I am very happy as I am learning. It is not so usual in our society to find people willing to give.
(Vicky)

I feel extremely lucky to have found a martial arts class where integrity and being a nice person matters, this is missing from every class I have ever attended.
(Dave G)

I enjoy the taijiquan class, training under Sifu Waller, working in a very professorial atmosphere with friendly students.
(Vivienne)

The class has opened up a completely new world to me. The experience has been and continues to be quite fascinating, learning something new with every class whilst revisiting previous applications and improving on existing skills. I am stronger, more supple, possess more stamina and have an overall feeling of well being. Niggling minor injuries - elbow, knee, groin have cleared up. My weight has remained fairly constant about 14st 7lb but my BMI has reduced from 28/29% to 24/25%. I used to have regular acupuncture treatment for a long standing back problem although this is no longer necessary (saving £150/£200 per annum). Training the taijiquan martial arts has given me an inner calm, confidence and awareness. If I was confronted in a hostile situation I feel much more capable of dealing with this either mentally or physically than I ever did. The class is challenging both mentally and physically. It is not for the faint hearted or the weak willed. Sifu Waller is firm, fair and very encouraging with those students who make an effort.
My objectives when wishing to take up taijiquan were to improve my fitness, flexibility and learn some basic self defence skills. These objectives are being achieved and are ongoing and improving. taijiquan is now a significant part of my daily life both training the physical aspect and also incorporating the associated thinking and mentality. I consider it to be a pleasure and a privilege to be part of Sifu Waller’s taijiquan class.
(Ray)

I have been training for just over a year and taijiquan to me has become a lot more than a weekly class, the complex movements have increased my awareness of my body at work and during mundane tasks around the house. When lifting heavy loads at work I have found that I can adjust my posture to spread the load across more muscle groups to relieve stress from my shoulders and lower back, reducing strain and injury minimises fatigue and by the end of the day I feel more energetic and not like I've been beaten up.
(Steve)

I feel stronger and much more supple. Get less aches and pains, flexibility greatly improved. Also feel mentally stronger and more relaxed. More relaxed when dealing with attackers. Unlike other martial arts, Sifu Waller's taijiquan is extremely pragmatic with regards realistic attacks. The training is friendly and relaxed yet still effective. There is no pressure put upon the individual. You train at your own pace and progress as you wish. Everyone in the class is treated the same, there are no favourites or cliques like most martial arts classes.
(Dave Gibbons)

I've done some martial arts before including tai chi but Sifu Waller's syllabus is so beyond anything I've seen it's ridiculous! Practically all my previous training has not helped me at all and I'm just grateful I found Sifu Waller when I did. Having trained (on and off) for over 14 years in tai chi I know that Sifu Waller is one of a kind in his commitment to his students, and really respect his approach. What I really like about the class is its friendly atmosphere with excellent teaching and a clear syllabus that means everyone makes progress. It’s challenging but accessible. Everything is explained to the level you want and obviously Sifu Waller really demonstrates what is possible in the art. As a school teacher I am continually impressed with Sifu Waller's teaching system, resources and the time he takes with classes. I often feel like emailing him to thank him for another outstanding lesson but a) this could happen most weeks and b) I do actually feel guilty for not being a good enough student. What I find most amazing about the syllabus is how everything is interlocking and interconnected.
(Tim, maths teacher)