Unforgettable Tai Chi Retreat Experience

I’m a current Yang style 85 form Taichi student of teacher Li Yen’s. My foray into Taichi began in April 2025 when I took the beginner Yang 38 course which I completed in April 2026 and continued on to take the Yang 85 course.

It was after an eye opening Taichi retreat with Laoshi Bao and teacher Li Yen to Henan, China that motivated me to pursue Taichi more intently as we immersed ourselves in the history, art, philosophy and finer skills of practice during the week long retreat which included visits to the birth place of Taichi, Chen village, Shaolin temples, Longmen Grottoes and the Yuntai Geopark where we stayed and did Taichi exercises and hiking everyday.

The retreat had a lasting impression on me from the finer details of the practice to the mental aspect and philosophy of Taichi, to the sense of belonging as part of the Hua Ying family and overcoming personal mental barriers when challenged by the Zhuyu Peak.

There’s always an encouraging word from Li Yen who’s always there to ensure as close to perfection of the programmes as is possible which we weren’t even expecting.

There is no measure of worth to the retreat except the inner transformation that has taken root in me that I am finally a Taichi practitioner and not merely a Sunday Taichi class student.

After the unforgettable retreat my interest in Taichi grew and I took private classes with teacher Li Yen upon returning and it’s the best decision I’ve taken in my journey of learning. Although we were taught the principles and moves in group classes it was during the private classes that I began to gradually understand my posture specifically, how it related to the way I’d been moving of which I didn’t have the self awareness previously.

Teacher Li Yen was extremely observant and patient in correcting my flaws and instructing me on the proper way to enter into each form. Now having been set on the correct path I’m more mindful of my form in executing each step. The difference is immediately felt as I find myself engaging my core more resulting in a more “connected and fluid” movement. With each practice I’ve become more self aware and mindful of the proper technique.

It’s an ongoing journey of learning and one that’s extremely fulfilling. I feel blessed and privileged to be a student of Hua Ying . Both Laoshi Bao and my teacher Li Yen are genuinely passionate about sharing the art of Taichi with us.

–  Pauline Lee