RISING Moon Tai Chi School celebrated its ten-year anniversary with a day that brought together friends and family to watch performances and commend the hard work put in by students.
Hung Gar Yau Shu Lion Troupe performed a dance at the festival on 22 November. They showcased their strength and agility in a playful performance which is said to bring good fortune.
Founder and teacher Jenny Harrison said she is proud of the efforts of all her students and the festival was a way to showcase their achievements.
“It’s a sense of pride in what they’re doing and what they’ve achieved, and I think it’s lovely that the families and friends don’t just say, ‘Oh, you’re just doing Tai Chi, that’s easy,’” she said.
“It’s not. It really does take quite a bit of school and commitment.”
Harrison said it was never her intention to start a school, but it grew organically over time, and now she has around 140 students.
“It just grew naturally from people’s interest, their commitment, their dedication and their love of learning something that’s so beneficial in so many ways,” she said.
Tai Chi is a standing exercise which isn’t too hard on people’s joints. Harrison said because of this, her clientele is mainly older, retired people, but that young people are more than welcome and if they learn about Tai Chi, they too would enjoy it.
“It’s very good for stress management and it’s a lovely way to just calm and put everything in perspective,” Harrison said.
“It improves coordination, it improves memory, it improves balance, leg strength, body awareness.”
The school operates out of multiple venues including Mt Martha House and Mt Martha Uniting Church, but next year multiple classes will take place at The Studio on Wilsons Rd in Mornington.
Harrison said Tai Chi is not only good for the mind and body, but that it also creates a sense of community and connection.
“I think Tai Chi is one of those sorts of activities that brings people together because it is it’s very accepting, and it doesn’t matter what level you are or what ability you are,” she said.
Harrison said she is looking forward to the future of the school and hopes more people will become involved and learn Tai Chi.
“I look at something like the festival, and I’m just bursting with pride,” Harrison said.
“To think that all of these students are dedicated to what we do. They love learning new things. They love the challenge. And I think, I have really created something meaningful for them.”
First published in the Mornington News – 2 December 2025
