John Shuttleworth recognises the benefits of tai chi

Mr Shuttleworth said tai chi had physical and mental health benefits.

“It has been proved to alleviate arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, mental illness, stress and back pain,” he said.

“It is a cheap form of medicine.”

Mr Shuttleworth was introduced to tai chi 17 years ago and he hasn’t looked back.

The Dragons Gate Tai Chi Chuan sifu shares tai chi with others.

Mr Shuttleworth teaches the forms, postures and the applications to better understand the essence of tai chi.

The results of tai chi were phenomenal, he said.

“These days people are searching for something, and for me, I find it in tai chi and qigong,” Mr Shuttleworth said.

People who practised tai chi were more flexible, more balanced and more serene, he said.

“You cannot be miserable and do tai chi and you can’t be in a hurry and do tai chi.”

Mr Shuttleworth teaches tai chi at the Mac Adams Music Centre and his friend and fellow teacher Peter Bentley heads classes at the Port Macquarie Seniors Facility.

People are invited to a free tai chi get-together on the Town Green under the big tree from 10am to 11am on the first Sunday of the month.