Brian Gregson has chalked up three decades as a teacher of tai chi after starting as a student a few years previously.

He said that, along with the benefits to mind and body from the practice, he’d also met “so many genuine and friendly people”.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to teach as long as I have: I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years ... it’s just been so rewarding,” he said.

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Mr Gregson was living in Sydney – and working for a publishing company at the time, he believes – when he saw classes advertised and decided to attend.

“It was just a good outlet away from work, just to feel relaxed [and] just enjoy it and the many benefits,” he said.

“I became a teacher because I wanted to enhance my knowledge of it and learn more about it, and see how I could help others.”

He established Country Wide Tai Chi College after returning to his old home town of Tamworth.

Tai Chi Association of Australia NSW representative Steve Heard said reaching 30 years was “very notable”.

“You wouldn't last 30 years if you weren't any good, and I've seen Brian and his tai chi, and he is very good,” Mr Heard said.

However, any pursuit would have its ups and downs during that stretch of time, and Mr Gregson said tai chi was no different.

“Back in the ’70s and ’80s it was very, very popular, especially in Sydney and the capital cities … in recent years it seems to be waning,” he said.

“I think we live in a very stressful society and people find it very hard to slow down.”

However, Mr Gregson still teaches three days a week and even hopes to revive a regional following.

He has taught in Gunnedah, Quirindi, Armidale, Coonabarabran and Narrabri, among other places.

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