Hello. My name is Ian Sinclair. I am a Canadian tai chi teacher in Orillia, Ontario.

When I began the directory in January 1998 I did not expect that this casual past-time would become a full-time labour of love. In the process of acquiring information about tai chi schools and study groups around the world, I have learned a lot about the art and its practitioners, and broadened my understanding of the World in general. On May 1, 2009 the directory reached a goal of more than one thousand active listings. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. I know that there are many more schools out there.

I update the site daily by checking for broken links, and adding information submitted by school owners. I also do my best to add relevant tai chi related information so that search engines don't mistake this site for a link farm.

Part of this work also includes looking for schools in unlikely locations. Around the world there are many good schools which, for one reason or another, cannot achieve any meaningful internet presence. By adding them to the directory, we help their fellow citizens to find teachers, and to spread the benefits of the art. It also gives the rest of us a better understanding of the true reach and potential of tai chi, and helps to connect us all together as human beings. For myself, I enjoy the opportunity to learn about foreign languages and cultures. I have found schools in war zones, and in isolated communities. I am currently searching for verification of a tai chi group in an Antarctic research station.

When I get a request for information about tai chi schools in a particular country, I first go through my personal network to ask for information. If that yields no results, I use other channels. I am learning to be more creative in finding information. But I could certainly use your help.

It has become clear to me that the Tai Chi Community needs this directory. It can serve to promote the art, to publicize individual schools, and to help support interaction between taijiquan players around the world.

Please help:

* list your school (click here)
* list any upcoming taiji-related events
* ask your friends and associates to do the same.
* link to http://www.taichicentral.com so that search engines realize that this site is not just a link farm.
* suggest articles or videos for this site


I would also appreciate help with translations. I have a smattering of knowledge if various languages, and I try my best with various types of translation software. But I am only truly literate in English.

- Ian Sinclair