Program Host: Vicki Dello Joio
November 12th, 2026
8:30 - 9:30 PM Eastern
Most people want to learn Tai Chi moves, but Rod doesn’t want to teach ‘Movements’ as such. Applied Tai Chi is based on principles, like: “Balance and Stability”, “Stillness and Flow”. “Applied Tai Chi Qigong - Distilling the Essence to a Practical Usable Context” is a protocol designed to provide a variety of advantages related to energy balance and the harmony of body, mind, and breath. The program emphasizes key concepts such as Qi (Chi), Yin/Yang, Tao, and Zen. By adhering to these concepts, participants can reap the many health benefits associated with the mindful practices of Tai Chi and Qigong. Stillness gives you an opportunity to detect tension in your body, to mindfully fine tune your alignment, and strengthen the body for efficient movement. From a physical and a neurological perspective, it has to do with learning how to engage the most powerful internal parts of our body. Whenever you feel awkward, it is because your balance is disturbed, your connection to the ground is weakened. You are clumsy and vulnerable, energy blocks up; when blocked, you cannot utilize flow, it drains your power and it weakens your spirit. The direct translation of ‘Tai Chi’ or ‘Taiji’ is the name of the ‘yin/yang’ diagram is ‘The Supreme Ultimate’ or as Rod would say in English: ‘the most important thing is balance.
Another important aspect is being in harmony, internally and with our environment or the ‘Tao’ the balance of nature. We practice ‘Yang-Sheng Qigong’ i.e. to lift our spirit and to nurture our life energy for healthy aging. It is a joy living in the present.
ROD FERGUSON’s journey began with a deep interest in Chinese martial arts which led him to study at the Australian Academy of Tai Chi & Qigong (AATC) in 1976 under the guidance of Grandmaster Gary Khor. In 2008, Grandmaster Khor conferred upon Rod the title of "Master" in recognition of his accomplishments.
Rod is a celebrated Tai Chi performer; recognized globally for his skills. He has won several awards, including a Gold Medal in China in 1986 and bronze medals in the USA in 1987 and 1994. He was presenter at the 1st and 2nd International Yang Family Tai Chi Symposiums held in Nashville 2009 & Louisville 2014, and at the NQA Conferences in 2024 and 2025.
After more than 45 years of a wide and deep commitment to Tai Chi and Qigong, here are a few highlights of Rod’s achievements:
• With a rich legacy in Tai Chi, Rod stands as a beacon of excellence in both traditional and Applied Tai Chi Qigong.
• Currently, Rod is the National Director of Training & Chief Instructor with AATC. A full-time professional instructor since 1978, he manages 45 locations throughout Queensland. As well as conducting Traditional Academy Tai Chi classes, he trains Traditional & Applied Tai Chi instructors and ‘non-expert’ group leaders for Applied Tai Chi. Rod personally teaches more than 800 students on average per week.
• Rod has been instrumental in integrating Tai Chi into community wellness programs, collaborating with local and state governments to provide free and low-cost classes. His innovative ‘Applied Tai Chi’ model, celebrated by Tai Chi enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrates his skill in adapting Tai Chi for varied needs, from Olympic athletes to the elderly in aged care.
To learn more, please visit these links:
http://www.taichiqueensland.com/about/about-master-rod-ferguson/
https://www.taichiqueensland.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/guitar56rf
https://www.facebook.com/AustralianAcademyofTaiChiandQigong/
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