Tai Chi Academy

What Tai Chi Academy does

Tai Chi Academy is a privately held wellness education business founded in 1982 and based in Canberra, Australia. The academy teaches traditional Chinese internal arts, centered on the Hun Yuan Tai Chi system developed by Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang and Emei Qigong, an 800-year lineage system from Emei Mountain. The curriculum covers beginner to advanced Tai Chi forms (Hun Yuan 24 Form, Cannon Fist 32, Hun Yuan 48), Emei Qigong practices including Wuji Gong and the 8 Energetic Healing Sounds, Silk Reeling (Chan Si Gong), and Wu Dao Gong internal martial arts. The academy's direct lineage authorization from Grandmaster Fu Wei Zhong (13th Emei Qigong lineage holder) and Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang provides authoritative transmission of traditional practices, with Chief Instructor Brett Wagland holding 40 years of experience and instructor Fontane holding 36 years of teaching experience under Grandmaster Fu.

The business operates through a hybrid physical-and-online distribution model. In-person classes run at three Canberra venues (Aranda, Weston, and Curtin) on a term-based schedule, while online courses are sold self-serve through a Podia-powered learning platform at learn.taichiacademy.com.au with lifetime access upon purchase. Live Zoom workshops are offered as time-limited (typically 8-week) cohort programs with materials and equipment included. The academy also sells handcrafted wooden Tai Chi Bang (stick) merchandise domestically and internationally, and conducts biennial China trips combining Tai Chi training with cultural immersion at locations including Mount Wudang, Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai.

Pricing for online courses ranges from $10 for short relaxation content to $300 for full-rate Zoom courses (with student discounts of 15-20%), and physical class fees follow term enrollment cycles. The customer base consists primarily of individual consumers — health-conscious adults seeking stress relief and joint health benefits, individuals managing chronic conditions such as arthritis and RSI, and Tai Chi and martial arts enthusiasts seeking traditional lineage training. The academy operates with 1-10 employees, no external institutional investment, and ownership concentrated in founder-instructors Brett Wagland and Fontane. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Tai Chi Academy

Legal name

Tai Chi Academy

Website

https://taichiacademy.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Tai Chi Academy is an Australian wellness education business founded in 1982, teaching Hun Yuan Tai Chi and Emei Qigong through Canberra-based classes, online courses via Podia, Zoom workshops, and biennial China trips, serving health-conscious consumers and traditional martial arts enthusiasts globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tai Chi and Qigong Instruction

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

akta.pro primary industry

Traditional Martial Arts Schools (Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, etc.) (HSADADAA)

Keywords

• Tai Chi instruction
• Qigong training
• Wellness education
• Internal martial arts
• Mind-body practices

Headquarters

HQ city

Woden, Canberra

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Online Course Sales: Self-serve online courses sold individually through Podia platform, ranging from free introductory sessions to comprehensive programs at various price points. Students purchase courses once and receive lifetime access to video content and materials.
2. Live Zoom Workshop Fees: Time-limited Zoom courses (typically 8 weeks) with live instructor sessions, bonus practice sessions, and included materials/equipment (e.g., handcrafted Bang stick). Pricing includes full rate and discounted student rates.
3. Physical Class Fees: In-person classes held at multiple venues (Aranda, Weston, Curtin) in Canberra, typically structured as term-based programs with enrollment in Term 2 2026 currently open.
4. Merchandise: Sale of handcrafted wooden Tai Chi Bang (stick) with shipping within Australia ($20) and internationally to Asia ($30), Europe/USA ($40).
5. China Trip Packages: Biennial educational tours to China combining Tai Chi training with cultural experiences at sacred mountains and training with masters, offered as complete tour packages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Tai Chi Academy teaches traditional Tai Chi (Hun Yuan system), Emei Qigong, and internal martial arts through a structured curriculum delivered via online self-paced courses on Podia, live in-person classes at three Canberra venues, Zoom workshops, and biennial China cultural-immersion trips. The academy sells handcrafted Tai Chi Bang (stick) merchandise and offers specialized programs for arthritis relief and rehabilitation.

Product overview

Tai Chi Academy offers a comprehensive suite of wellness and martial arts training products, including a structured online course platform and in-person classes. The core curriculum centers on the Hun Yuan Tai Chi System (founded by Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang), complemented by Emei Qigong (an 800-year lineage system taught by Fontane under Grandmaster Fu Wei Zhong), and Wu Dao Gong internal martial arts. Online courses are delivered via the Podia platform and include progressive Tai Chi levels (1-4), advanced refinement modules with both instructors, specialized courses like Tai Chi Bang (Stick) training, Nourishing Life Qigong, Wu Dao Gong, and workshops for arthritis relief and bodymind relaxation. Physical offerings include in-person classes at Australian venues and immersive China Trips for cultural and training experiences. The academy also offers Zoom-based courses for remote learning including the Release Deep Tension course and Emei Energetic Healing Sounds training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tai Chi Level 1 with Brett Beginner-level online Tai Chi course teaching the foundational Hun Yuan 24 Form movements with Chief Instructor Brett Wagland.
• Tai Chi Level 2 Intermediate online Tai Chi course for students who have completed Level 1, continuing the Hun Yuan 24 Form.
• Tai Chi Level 3 Advanced online Tai Chi course for students who have completed Level 2, further developing the Hun Yuan 24 Form.
• Tai Chi Level 4 Advanced online Tai Chi course completing the Hun Yuan 24 Form training sequence.
• Improve Your Strength & Flexibility with Tai Chi Bang (Stick) Training course using a handcrafted wooden Bang (Stick) to strengthen muscles, joints, tendons, improve hand/wrist/arm strength, and unravel tension. Traditionally reserved for close disciples.
• Discover the Path to Wellness & Vitality: Nourishing Life Qigong Online course teaching Yang Sheng Gong (Nourishing Life Qigong) for wellness and vitality cultivation.
• Tai Chi Exercises for Arthritis Gentle Tai Chi exercises specifically designed for joint and spine health, beneficial for people suffering from arthritis.
• Wu Dao Gong Internal Martial Arts Module 1 Foundation course in Wu Dao Gong internal martial arts, teaching how to build a strong foundation for internal cultivation.
• Tai Chi Introductory Session Free introductory Tai Chi session allowing new students to experience the practice and feel the difference, positioned as the best exercise for relaxation and stress relief.
• Release Deep Tension & Create Ease Throughout the Body (Zoom Course) Live 8-week Zoom course focusing on smooth, wave-like movements to relieve muscle and joint tension, enhance flexibility, and improve circulation and coordination. Includes weekly 75-minute sessions with instructor Fontane.
• Emei Energetic Healing Sounds Zoom Course Live Zoom course teaching the 8 Energetic Healing Sounds and accompanying breathing technique, plus the Universal Mantra. Includes 3 live sessions plus bonus practice and audio from Grandmaster Fu Wei Zhong.
• Physical Tai Chi Classes In-person Tai Chi classes held at three physical venues in Canberra (Aranda, Weston, and Curtin), including beginners' classes and ongoing training following school terms.
• Workshops In-person workshops covering various Tai Chi, Qigong, and related practices held at physical venues.
• China Cultural Immersion Trips Educational tours to China combining Tai Chi training with cultural experiences at sacred mountains (Wudang, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Tibet) and training with masters. Offered as complete tour packages biennially.
• Handcrafted Tai Chi Bang (Stick) Handcrafted wooden Tai Chi Bang sticks sold individually or bundled with the Tai Chi Bang training course. Available for pickup at Canberra venues or shipped within Australia (AUD $20) and internationally (Asia AUD $30, Europe/USA AUD $40).

Quantifiable outcome

• 18% improvement in left hand grip strength and 12% in right hand after 8 weeks of Tai Chi Bang practice
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Grandmaster Fu Wei ZhongcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner13th lineage holder of Emei Qigong, trained Fontane extensively and authorized her to teach Emei healing arts. Grandmaster Fu began studying TCM at age 6 under his grandfather and later trained under Abbot Ju Zan. He serves as the primary source of authentic Emei Qigong transmission to the academy.
• Grandmaster Feng Zhi QiangcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder of the Hun Yuan Tai Chi system, trained both Brett Wagland and Fontane. Combined training under Hu Yao Zhen (qigong expert) and Chen Fa Ke (Chen family Tai Chi master). His teachings form the foundation of the academy's Hun Yuan methodology.
• Chen XiangminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior disciple of Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang and most accomplished disciple of the Hun Yuan system. Conducted training sessions during China trips and demonstrated the Hun Yuan Tai Chi form. Featured in Stanford University research on Tai Chi master movements.
• Feng Xiu QianminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDaughter of Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang, continued her father's teaching legacy. Conducted training sessions during China trips, emphasizing internal practices and the Hun Yuan methodology.
• Master Zhong Xue YongminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHead coach of the Wudang Taoist Kung Fu Academy. Trained academy students in qigong on Mount Wudang, teaching the 5 Animal Set based on 5 elements principles and traditional Taoist cultivation methods.
• Vincent Wu (Tour Guide)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational tour guide and tour company manager who has organized all China trips since 2003. Provides translation services, local logistics, and shepherd-like guidance for educational tours.
• Dr Nicholas NgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusician from Australian Music Centre who performed Erhu (Chinese 2-string fiddle) at the National Gallery of Australia's Artidote Winter Wellness Program alongside Tai Chi demonstrations.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Insight Timer: Free global meditation and wellness app with thousands of teachers offering guided sessions including qigong and Tai Chi. Comparable as a digital self-serve platform for mind-body practices, though broader in scope and free-tier-dominant (vs. Tai Chi Academy's paid course model).

Direct peers

• Dr Paul Lam's Tai Chi for Health Institute: Australia-based Tai Chi instruction organization offering online and in-person courses, instructor training, and specialized health programs (arthritis, fall prevention). Most direct competitor in the authentic-Tai-Chi-for-health segment, with similar global online delivery model and healthcare-focused positioning.
• Wudang Taoist Kung Fu Academy: Traditional Wudang martial arts school based at Mount Wudang, China, offering Tai Chi, qigong, and internal kung fu training with both immersive China-based and online programs. Direct peer in traditional Chinese internal arts instruction; notable partner of Tai Chi Academy (Master Zhong Xue Yong trains their students).
• Chen Style Tai Chi (Grandmaster Chen family schools): Original Chen family Tai Chi lineage schools teaching the foundational Chen-style form from which Hun Yuan evolved. Highly comparable as traditional Tai Chi instruction with direct lineage transmission and similar target audience of serious internal martial arts students.
• Tai Chi Chuan Federation of Australia: Australian federation representing Tai Chi schools and instructors nationwide, hosting workshops, events, and training. Comparable as an organized Tai Chi instruction network with similar lineage-based pedagogy and Australia-wide student base.
• Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australasia: Not-for-profit international organization teaching Taoist Tai Chi in Australia with physical class venues and instructor training. Direct peer in Tai Chi instruction with overlapping Australian geography, similar multi-venue physical class structure, and comparable target demographic of older/health-conscious adults.

Broad incumbents

• Headspace: Mass-market meditation and mindfulness app with guided sessions and corporate wellness partnerships. Comparable digital mind-body wellness product serving similar stress-reduction, relaxation, and mental well-being use cases identified in the academy's customer segments.
• Calm: Leading meditation, mindfulness, and sleep app serving tens of millions globally. Comparable as a digital wellness/mind-body platform targeting stress reduction, though broader in scope (meditation/sleep) and much larger scale than the academy's niche Tai Chi/Qigong focus.
• Glo: Online platform offering streaming yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes from leading instructors. Comparable as a self-serve digital wellness subscription/one-time purchase platform, though broader in modality (yoga/Pilates) rather than specialized in Tai Chi/Qigong.
• Alo Moves: Premium online wellness class library from Alo Yoga covering yoga, Pilates, meditation, and mindfulness. Comparable digital wellness platform with similar instructor-led video course model and global self-serve distribution.

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/taichiacademy/featured
• Facebookweb.facebook.com/taichiacademy.com.au
• Instagraminstagram.com/taichiacademy_com_au
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tai-chi-academy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tai Chi Academy