My Story

I first encountered Tai Chi in Lancaster, England, in 2007.

On my return to Cape Town I trained Tai Chi and Qi Gong under Shifu Jeronimo de los Rios, a teacher in Shifu Dr. Jeff Lan’s International Kim Loong Wushu Centre in Cape Town.

On annual trips to Toulouse, France, I train with Shifu Massimo Giordani at Kwoontao, a centre for Qi Gong and Chinese martial arts.

In 2019, I crossed paths with Shifu Dr. Michael Lan of Jing-an Wellness Sanctuary in Hout Bay, a martial arts instructor and doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Under his guidance, my training advanced significantly, particularly in mastering the inner aspects of the practice. I completed a year-long course on Healing and Transformation and subsequently undertook teacher training for beginner Tai Chi. The teacher training program typically spans three years but Dr. Lan deemed my progress sufficient to begin instructing after one year. I have been teaching Tai Chi and Qi Gong since then, whilst continuing advanced teacher training under Dr. Lan’s mentorship.

I currently teach Tai Chi and Qi Gong in my own space, Living Tao, in Hout Bay.

What students say about the classes

“Diane offers a peaceful space to explore Tai Chi and Qigong. She teaches core principles and practices with attention to finding the quiet within ourselves. Diane also emphasises the integration of what we learn in class into daily life. I found her foundational emphasis so valuable to developing my own understanding and practice”. Linda

“Diane is an excellent Tai Chi instructor - very patient, very calming. She presents Tai Chi as a world view which enables the mind and body to find meaning in the slow meditative movements”. Clementina

“Diane is a professional, competent and compassionate instructor. Very patient and understanding of my chronic back condition. I can highly recommend her”. Marianne

“Diane is very committed to her teaching and provides a relaxed and welcoming space to learn Tai Chi and ponder the meaning of our practice.” Belinda

“Qigong and Taichi with Diane has been a wonderful re-introduction after a long while of not practicing. Diane’s serene space has a relaxed and uncomplicated atmosphere where I can safely access her knowledge and understanding of the ancient art. She is constantly learning from the limitless pool of Qi wisdom, and then generously shares her excitement with her students. Julie