Welcome to the Australian branch of Great River Taoist Center and the academy of Chinese Swordsmanship

The Australian division of GRTC is located in Canberra and is led by Apprentice student David McLeary. With over a decade of training in Taijiquan and Chinese swordsmanship under the guidance of Center director Scott M Rodell, David has become Rodell Laoshi's first and sole apprentice in Australia. Laoshi David conducts weekly classes in Canberra and offers seminars in collaboration with affiliate groups throughout Australia, including those in Sydney and Melbourne.

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Great River was established in 1984 by a dedicated group of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) enthusiasts. For nearly thirty years, the center has been committed to showcasing the full spectrum of this art, encompassing both its meditative and martial elements. Consequently, Great River provides comprehensive classes that cover essential body mechanics through form practice, interactive push hands training, practical self-defense through full-contact sanshou, and strength conditioning with traditional weapons and historical swordplay. Center Director Scott M. Rodell has trained under esteemed masters such as Wang Yen-nian, T.T. Liang, and William C.C. Chen. Over the past 28 years, the center has evolved from a local community into an international institution, with branches and affiliated schools throughout the United States, Canada, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Australia. Currently, Scott M. Rodell and senior students conduct regular weekly classes in Washington and lead more than 25 seminars annually across Europe, Australia, and America.