Sumi Rachel Burnell from the Chinese Kung Fu Academy was impressed by the maturity and enthusiasm of her new Tai Chi class at QAHS. The 14 students have enjoyed their first few lessons and felt the benefits of the strengthening and breathing exercises. Their lessons are a combination of both Tai Chi and QiGong. Tai Chi classes will be held every Tuesday afternoon of this term and we are hoping to continue the classes in second semester.  The students are having so much fun doing Tai Chi with Sumi Rachel, that they are keen to have her come and teach Kung Fu as well.

Calligrapher, Lee Zhuoqian from Chengdu, has been studying for 10 years under a famous calligrapher in China. He is using all of his skills to teach our students this ancient Oriental art. Initially, students had to learn about the four treasures of calligraphy; the writing brush 毛笔, the ink 墨, the ink stone 砚 and the special paper 纸 before practising some simple characters and learning the order in which the strokes should be written. Several students, including Peter and Kuan, are showing real promise as potential calligraphers.
Lee, a Bachelor of Business student at Griffith University has also been involved in fund raising for the relief effort in Sichuan, his home Province in China, which was recently hit by a devastating earthquake. He raised $2,600 in Surfer’s Paradise in one morning. Following his lead, QAHS students donated $85 to the cause which will be sent to the Chinese Embassy in Canberra.