Shellharbour Tai Chi and Qi Gong is held at three locations, including the marina at Shell Cove. Photo: Supplied.
Swapping karate for the gentler tai chi led Paul Nesbitt to discover an Illawarra community that allows people to “let go of the world for a little bit” without costing a cent.
Paul is a regular participant and “angel” volunteer at Tai Chi and Qi Gong Shellharbour, a free weekly community practice group led by Australian Academy of Tai Chi instructor Esta at Blackbutt Forest, Shellharbour Marina and Gerringong.
Started by Esta in 2023, her aim was making tai chi and qi gong more accessible to people.
“It’s been wonderful to see the growing interest in tai chi and qi gong across Shellharbour and Gerringong, particularly from people who may never have considered trying it before,” Esta said.
“I’m 54 and, over the years, I’ve accumulated my fair share of injuries and ongoing pain.
“I initially came to tai chi and qi gong for my own wellbeing and discovered how much these gentle practices could help me physically and mentally — particularly with movement, pain management, sleep and simply slowing down.
“What started as something for myself gradually became something I wanted to share with others.”
Now an Australian Academy of Tai Chi instructor, she said the group wasn’t created as a business.
“I simply wanted to create a welcoming space where people could come together, move, breathe and experience tai chi and qi gong without worrying about age, fitness level, experience or cost,” she said.
“From there, it grew very organically.”
Some mornings see up to 50 people practising together, while a recent World Tai Chi Day boasted 80 participants.
“What I love most is seeing people who might initially think, ‘tai chi isn’t for me’, discover that it absolutely can be,” she said.
She said the locations were an important part of it.
“Blackbutt Forest, Shell Cove marina and Gerringong each have a different feeling, but they all allow us to practise outdoors and connect movement with the natural environment,” she said.
“There is something very special about a group moving quietly together amongst the trees, beside the water or with the ocean nearby.”
Paul, who was drawn to tai chi after age made the more gruelling aspects of karate too challenging, agreed that the environment was central to the experience, especially Blackbutt Forest.
“The air quality is so good,” he said.
“Because it’s slow breathing, I find I can breathe a lot slower there than anywhere else.
“You can hear birds and the wind rustling through the trees, or the waves down at Gerringong.
“Everyone has that common relaxation and inner peace goal.”
Paul began learning tai chi two years ago and joined the group about 12 months later.
He said participants followed along with shared movements, but there was no roll call, grading or pressure to perform.
“We’ve had people turn up and ask, ‘Where do I pay?” he said.
“Well you don’t. It’s just practice. It’s not a class. You develop the skill without the instruction.”
Paul is one of many “angel” volunteers who have emerged, helping sessions run smoothly by bringing tables and chairs and assisting participants.
He is also a strong advocate, recommending it to people regardless of experience or age due to the physical benefits with balance and mobility, the psychological introspection it provides and being an antidote to the “busyness of life”.
“It’s a chance for people to let go of the world for a little bit and focus on their chi – your own internal energy,” he said.
“It’s a welcoming environment in physical environments that are just the most peaceful, beautiful spots.
“It’s free. You can’t lose.
“All you’re doing is investing your time to get there and be there.”
Esta said because of those benefits, they attracted people from different walks of life and different levels of mobility, with people encouraged to practise seated if standing for an extended period wasn’t suitable.
“Life has become incredibly busy and stimulating. Not everyone wants another high-intensity workout,” she said.
“Tai chi gives people permission to slow down while still working on balance, coordination, mobility, posture, strength and body awareness.
“There’s also the social connection that comes from practising together.
“People arrive for tai chi, but friendships develop, people look out for one another, and there’s a genuine sense of belonging.”
She said her goal was to introduce more people to the practice.
“I certainly didn’t expect a small community practice I started in 2023 to grow into what it has become today. Seeing so many people come together each week is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Learn more about Shellharbour Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
