Teacher Bio

Alan Austin, TCUGB Registered Instructor

BCCMA, PTCCI (Level 7)

For 18 years I was a Tennis professional /coach. I have been a low handicap golfer (1) for 35 years and I still compete in Kent county and national events. Competitive sport has been a large part of my life and I looked to the martial arts to improve sporting fitness both physically and mentally. I practiced Tae Kwon Do in the 1980s, long before training in martial arts became fashionable with the top sports stars of today. I felt this gave me an edge in both Tennis and Golf.

I started training in Wudang Tai Chi in 1998. I was drawn to the Chinese Internal Arts, as I was fascinated with the internal energy concepts of Tai Chi. I was fortunate to become a pupil of Katherine Allen, one of the best teachers I have ever known, she becamce my mentor, my friend who is now no longer with us after a lifetime of helping people improve their health and teaching martial arts. I quickly realised that Tai Chi and Qigong would not only improve my golf both physically and mentally but I would improve my overall health significantly as well.

Learning Tai Chi for me was an enjoyable challenge and, as I improved, I was lucky enough to receive tuition under the head of the Wudang style, Dan Docherty. He is one of the most knowledgeable masters in Tai Chi today.

I have now been teaching Tai Chi and Qigong in the Tunbridge Wells area for some 20 years. Tai chi and Qigong are suitable for all ages and offer something for everyone. It provides a challenge for those students who wish to learn martial skills, and also those who are seeking to study the secrets of improving their health and well being.

I have competed in both the British Open and European Tai Chi championships.

My goal is to ensure my students enjoy Tai Chi and Qigong training, whether that's to compete, enhance sporting performance or simply to improve their overall health and fitness.

Alan Austin