Come enjoy the wonderful art of Taijiquan 太極拳 (tai chi)! Michael Blackburn is a patient, diligent and highly skilled teacher with nearly 30 years of international training. All students engage at their own level, speed and individual learning styles. Regular classes are Tuesday evenings at Dunbar Community Centre and Sunday mornings at Glen Park (East Van)
Our Teacher: Michael Blackburn
BIO
Michael has enjoyed a persistent taijiquan 太極拳 (t'ai chi) study for nearly 30 years. His love of martial arts and Chinese philosophy has motivated him to train and travel extensively throughout Asia, where he lived and studied for most of his twenties. He continues to study with the best teachers available, including Sam Masich, Chen Xiaoxing, Chen Zhenglei, Chen Xiaowang and many others.
In addition to his extensive taijiquan (t'ai chi) training, Michael has studied other Chinese martial arts and has a san-dan (third degree black belt) in the Japanese art of iaido (居合道). He has a Master's degree in Political Science and certificates in Negotiation and Mediation.
Michael now lives in Vancouver BC with his wife and two young children, where he works for the federal government towards reconciling Canada's relationship with First Nations.
TESTIMONIALS
Sifu Shanti
"Michael is an inspirational practitioner- his deep skill, his amazing dedication, his diversity of experience, his vast skill base and his broadly inclusive organization of practitioners makes him an amazing ambassador of the art. Teachers, students and the Art all benefit greatly from his dedication and skill."
Peggy, senior student
"In a word … awesome! I really wish my verbal skills were better to truly express how Taiji, with Michael in particular, has affected my life. Michael has dedicated several years to developing his great Taiji skills. He knows and continues to practice various Taiji styles & forms, bare hand & weapons. He also has the teaching skills to pass it on. He mixes multiple tools … verbal instruction, detailed demonstrations, comparisons, anecdotes, analogies, individual & group practice, post-class recaps and more. He encourages us to ask questions and explore on our own and with other students. He arranges special workshops to expose us to other teachers and he is always supportive. I'm always inspired and energized after a class with Michael."
