MDA Instructors
For quality Traditional Tai Chi Chuan
Introducing our team
Mike Watson
I began studying Tai Chi Chuan in 1994 and became an instructor under the Master Ding Academy in 1997.
Since 2005 I have developed Tai Chi Chuan throughout the North East of England and currently teach classes in Stockton, Darlington and Hartlepool.
I encourage all of my pupils to develop their personal potential in all aspects of life : Physically, Mentally and Spiritually.
Susie Entwistle
My name is Susie and I am a Tai-Chi Chuan instructor based in West Yorkshire.
I started my journey with Tai-Chi in 1999 in London. Years passed and I realised how much I enjoyed practicing Tai-Chi, so I was inspired to do more. I began attending Mike Watson workshops and then Master Ding Academy. In 2017 I was awarded my Advance Level One Teaching Certificate.
I began teaching Tai Chi part-time alongside my full-time job as an Architect Technician. In 2018 I left my full-time job to start teaching Tai-Chi.
I felt that I found my true calling in life and now it is my passion to teach and see all the benefits that tai-chi brings to myself and to all my students. It is such a beautiful art form and it is so powerful for those who practice regularly for our minds and our bodies (inner strength and calmer minds).
Instructor
David Robinson
My name is Dave Robinson and I am a full time Tai Chi Chuan instructor, teaching in the Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland area. I began my training in martial arts with Karate in 1974 and in 1996 after attending a Tai Chi class at my local gym, I was hooked from day one, and began learning the simplified 24 step Yang style Tai Chi Chuan.
In 1999 I gained my assistant coach award with the Wu Kung UK and began teaching part time whilst working in local authority as a Landscape Architect.
In 2001 I attended a workshop by Master John Ding and was so impressed by the authenticity and depth of the teaching that I began to train in Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan with Master Ding Academy instructor Mike Watson. In 2007 I was awarded my Advanced Level One Course Teaching Certificate and began teaching full time in 2012.
Training in the the martial arts has been a constant theme running through my life, bringing health, well being and a positive attitude toward life. My aim is to promote the art of Tai Chi Chuan and inspire others to practice this holistic art to bring harmony of mind, body, spirit, and well being to their lives.
t: 07909715202
e: davidc16@virginmedia.com
Instructor
Nicky Clarkson
Nicky Clarkson has been training with Master Ding since 2005, before which she trained for ten years in Shotokan Karate.
Instructor
Andrew Knox
Hello, I’m Andrew Knox. Little did I realise when I first attended the “10-week Tai Chi course” over 20 years ago how much of a change would come into my life. The benefits, both physical and mental, never cease to amaze me – it just feels “right”. The most concise answer I can find when people ask what I get out of it is that I notice the difference when I don’t do it, and that is what prompted me to take the study further and qualify as an Instructor.
One of the things I love about teaching Tai Chi is helping people to realise that they are capable of far more than they thought. But most important of all is the fact that it is fun.
Instructor
Chris Scaife
Hi,
I’m Chris Scaife and as a Tai Chi Instructor, I am fully committed to teaching and helping others learn and enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung.
I started practising Tai Chi in 2008 and gained my Health Instructor certification in 2011, going on to qualify at Advanced Level One Teaching Instructor certificate the following year.
In June 2013, I paired up with Andrew Knox, when we commenced our Yarm Tai Chi class, firstly at Yarm Social Centre and then at our present location at Conyers Secondary School gymnasium.
My greatest enjoyment is seeing our students enjoy practising Tai Chi and Chi Kung and also encouraging their development. When their enthusiasm shines through and they grasp the teachings within Tai Chi, then I feel that I am doing something right.
Instructor
Sally Thompson
I have been practicing the art of Tai Chi for around 15 years. Nine years of those I have been a student with MDA. I attend classes in Harlepool with Mike Watson and Master John Ding on occasions. I also attend instructors’ courses and other weekend workshops with Master John Ding.
I first became interested in Tai Chi because I was diagnosed with asthma and wanted some control over the symptoms. I did not realise that it was going to take me on a wonderful journey, where I would meet lots of new people and make some great friendships. The social side of Tai Chi is like being part of one big family.
Since taking up Tai Chi, I have become healthier, physically fitter and a more confident person. As a result of practicing Tai Chi I am a calmer person and my asthma is under control these days.
Instructor
Ruth Adams
t: 07973 306484
e:rherrington@sky.com
I started my Tai Chi training 2007 and have trained with Master Ding since 2010. I have been teaching Tai chi since 2018. I enjoy sharing the positive benefits of Tai Chi to both physical and mental health.
Instructor
Prideaux McLeod
I have been doing Chi for 15 years with the Master Ding Academy and been an instructor for the past 11 years