Our Founder

Headwaters School of Tai Chi was founded by Michael Kirwin in 2010. We continue to honour his principles.

Our founder, Michael Kirwin, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2019.

Michael was qualified by the Canadian Taijiquan Federation and served as a member of the board for the organization. He was a man of many talents — an actor, a teacher, and a writer — and incorporated many different elements of qigong and tai chi styles into his classes. His goal was to help to maximize the health benefits that the study and practice of tai chi gave his students.

Michael spent a number of years studying with Chinese wushu master, Ting Seng Hung, focusing on the Yang style, including short and long forms, as well as spear, sword and push hands forms.

Over the last 20 years, he dedicated his life to an exploration of the various facets of tai chi and the ways in which it could enhance our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

In 2010 he established the Headwaters School of Tai Chi and never looked back. Today the school offers regular classes, meditation and health recovery sessions, as well as classes that explore several different tai chi styles.

Michael believed that we should always be prepared to share our knowledge and give encouragement and guidance to new students.

We miss him dearly and continue to honour his principles.

Learn more about the health benefits of learning and practicing tai chi.

© 2023 Headwaters School of Tai Chi