When the local Belgrave Tai Chi team stepped onto the competition floor in Wudang, China, representing Australia, it wasn’t just about medals, it was the culmination of months of dedication, teamwork, and a shared love for the art of Tai Chi. (wait)
The team was led by coach Su Legato, who’s also the founder of the Legato Tai Chi School in Belgrave. They returned home with silver and gold medals, Ms Legato said the experience meant far more than trophies.
“I’ve been competing since 2000, but this competition is really special, friendly, challenging, and full of energy,” Ms Legato said.
“I encourage my students to have a go. This year, our team of six, five Australians and one American, learned a brand-new form called Wudang Nine, and we came second – for first-timers, it was an incredible achievement.”
Individually, Paul Finn won Silver for his barehand routine (Wudang 28) and Silver for his weapon routine (Fu Chen Feng).
Suellen Cook won Silver for her barehand routine (Wudang 9) and Gold for her weapon routine (Fu Chen Feng).
Jayne Florence won Gold for her barehand routine (Wudang 9) and as a team, they won Silver for their group barehand event (Wudang 9).
Ms Legato said the journey wasn’t easy; the team trained almost daily for months, often hiring a hall themselves to practice.
“Group routines are completely different from solo performances,” she said.
“You have to move as one, think as one. It’s not just about your own form, it’s about harmony.”
Eight people traveled to China, with Ms Legato as coach, two observers, and five team members.
She said, beyond the competition, the team immersed themselves in the culture and history of Wudang.
“We visited the weapon shop, bought our own swords and a fuchsin, a traditional horsetail whisk and trained with masters in the mountains,” Ms Legato said.
The team also hiked a five-hour climb to a Taoist temple to reach the Golden Peak, to take in the breathtaking scenery and ancient rituals.
The trip was transformative for everyone.
“Competing in China was nerve-wracking and exciting, all at once, I felt proud, challenged, and connected to something bigger than myself,” one of the team member, Cornelia de Rochefort said.
Another team member, Paul Finn said, “learning the Wudang Nine form and performing together really pushed me. It gave me a new appreciation for what it means to be part of a team.”
Suellen Cook described the experience as life-changing.
“From training to competing to exploring Wudang, it was life-changing. I felt more focused, more present, more connected to the art of Tai Chi,” she said.
Jayne Florence echoed those sentiments.
“Winning medals was amazing, but the highlight was experiencing the culture and sharing the journey with such a dedicated, supportive team,” she said.
Another team member, Angela Iaquinto said, “Tai Chi teaches you to slow down and be mindful. This trip made that philosophy real. I returned home feeling renewed.”
Ms Legato, who has been practicing Tai Chi since the early 1980s and teaching since 2000, said watching her students grow was the ultimate reward for her personally.
“Seeing their faces when we scored a 9.06 was unforgettable, they couldn’t believe it, and neither could I. That joy, that moment is what makes it all worthwhile,” she said.
Ms Legato said the misconception that Tai Chi is only for older people couldn’t be further from the truth.
“For seniors, Tai Chi is wonderful, it’s a real godsend. Unlike yoga, it’s not just about attending a class once a week; it’s something you learn and apply in daily life. From posture and balance to focus and concentration, it shapes the way you move and live,” she said.
“But I’d encourage people to start much earlier than retirement, slowing down, paying attention to your body, and taking care of yourself is something we all need.”
Now back home, Ms Legato is continuing to teach four classes a week, with 10-12 students per session, while training herself daily.
And the team’s sights are already set on their next adventure.
“We’ll be returning to China in 2026, and we hope to bring Master Xiao to Australia in 2027 so even more people can experience his incredible training,” she said.
