Yi Li Fa & Tai Chi Yi Li Fa Academy is dedicated to teaching the Chinese Arts of Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Qigong & Internal Kung Fu (Neijia Gong Fu). The principal of Yi Li Fa academy is Bru Bowden. Bru is a Registered Nurse, (Div. 1), with Graduate Diplomas in Nursing and Hospitality & Tourism. Other qualifications include a Diploma in Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Certificates in Traditional Chinese Massage and St. John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate. He is currently undertaking a Master of Health Science thesis researching aspects of Tai Chi. Bru is a 'professionally certified martial arts teacher' with the International Martial Art Alliance (IMA). Bru first started studying Tai Chi (Taijiquan) over 24 years ago. Schools and Masters that Bru has studied Tai Chi with include: Chen Fei (deceased) (Yang Style), 'Rocky' Kwong (Wu Style of Wu Jian Quan),  Australian Academy of Tai Chi (Yang Style), Yau Yee Kay (Yang Style), Professor Lin Tzi Chiang (Yang & Palm Styles), Wu Tan School (Wu Style of Wu Jian Quan), Wu Chi School of Arts (N.Z.) (Yang Style), Peter Wu (Chen & Wu/Hao Styles), Liu De-ming (Sun Style), Wu Lin School (Combined Styles Form of Chen Pan Ling & Chen Style). Bru is a member of, the: Tai Chi Association of Australia (TCAA) Australian Kung Fu (Wu Shu) Federation (AKWF) - the government recognised peak body regarding Tai Chi International Martial Art Alliance (IMA) - a leading promoter of martial arts - Bru is 'professionally certified as a martial art teacher' by this orgaisation  Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Sunbury Tai Chi

What does Yi Li Fa mean? Yi (pronounced Yee) = Mind/Intent. Li (pronounced Lee) = Strength or Power. Fa (pronounced Far) = Methods. So as a phrase, Yi Li Fa refers to ways that lead to the creation of strength or power using the mind as part of the process. The Yi Li Fa Academy teaches methods that lead to the unification of Mind & Body. The methods are included within Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Qigong and Internal Kung Fu (Neijia Gong Fu). Whether for Health & Well-being or Self-defence, the methods are integral in the studies undertaken at Yi Li Fa Academy. Indeed, all 'Internal' methods may be deemed Yi Li Fa, whether martial or not. The strength or power created through the methods may be expressed in mental or physical ways.  By strengthening the body's energies individuals live in improved health with increased feelings of well-being. Gisborne Tai Chi

Having a broad background in Tai Chi (Bru has studied all the major styles and various sub-systems of those styles), Yi Li Fa Academy is in a position to offer a depth of teaching that only time, effort, understanding and research can give. After so many years of studying different styles, Bru now teaches only two styles of Tai Chi (Taijiquan) and those are; Yang Style and Sun Style. While Bru is able to teach other styles, he considers that these two best express the uniqueness and qualities inherent within the principles that represent Tai Chi (Taijiquan). YANG STYLE:  Is deemed to be the softest of all Tai Chi systems. It was the first system to be introduced to the general public with the emphasis on Health and Well-Being. The methods taught by Yi Li Fa Academy centre on the teachings of Yang Cheng Fu, the grandson of the great Yang Lu Chan (first in the lineage of Yang Tai Chi). Professor Lin Tzi Chiang is the master who had the most influence on Bru and so the methods of Yi Li Fa Academy reflect the teachings of Professor Lin. However, over the years other influences (both masters, styles and methods) have been active in moulding Bru's Tai Chi and these are also inherent in Yi Li Fa Academy's teachings. SUN STYLE:  This system is very interesting, in that, it is historically removed from the development of the Yang Style. Although its origin can be traced back to Wu Yu Xiang who studied under Yang Lu Chan, it was strongly influenced by small frame Chen Tai Chi of Chen Qing Ping. In performance Sun Style looks quite different from Yang Style. Sun who was already a master of two other Internal Martial Arts; Xingyiquan and Baguazhang, prior to learning Taijiquan, integrated the essence and theories of the other two arts into his Tai Chi. This enabled his new art to be practiced in different ways. While essentially Tai Chi, Sun's Forms, through their structure, can be practiced with the mind of the other systems resulting in subtle differences. Each style has unique qualities which can be appreciated in different ways. At the Yi Li Fa Academy, Yang Style and Sun Style are both taught. Both systems can also be taught as self-defence methods and Bru is able to teach the applications and push hands methods if desired by select practitioners. Woodend & Macedon Ranges Tai Chi