Wellington School of Tai Chi Chuan

The Wellington School of Tai Chi Chuan was created by Hennie Barnard on 1 August 2001 after continuous request by his students to take them to a higher level in their Tai Chi. At that time he was teaching Tai Chi at four different colleges through the community and Adult Education Programmes of Wellington New Zealand.

The first two years of the school's existence, classes were held at two different town halls and one school hall.

After considerable searching Hennie and Hettie found premises for the school in the central business area of Hutt City (greater Wellington Area). A large training area, kitchen, office, changing room and toilets were on offer.

All members went into action in a great and combined effort to repaint and redecorate the school and after two weeks the school was officially opened on the 1 August 2003 by Mr Glen Keith, President of the New Zealand Chinese Martial Arts and International Wu Shu Council.

The school now offers classes on eight different levels which include weapons namely the sword, walking stick, short staff, fan and saber. Other classes and activities include meditation and stress relief, Qi Gong, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Back Pain, Senior Citizens and Tai Chi for Children.

The school concentrates mainly on Yang Style. At present there are seven instructors under training by Hennie (Sifu). Each instructor is responsible for at least one class under the Sifu's guidance, but often takes classes and manages the school when Hennie is not available. These classes range from Beginners, Level 1 to Level 8.