School Director, Academy Instructor

Laird discovered Tai Chi in 1996 when, on a lark, he took a course with Laoshi Sergio Arione to improve his coordination. His love affair with the martial arts took off from there. At that time he began learning the Yang style of Tai Chi as taught by Master Tsun-Kuen Ma.

In 1998 Laird attended his first seminar with Master Yang Zhenduo when he and his grandson Yang Jun visited Montréal and at that time Laird began learning and practicing the Yang Family Style of Tai Chi Chuan. In 2001 he began teaching classes under the tutelage of Laoshi Sergio Arione and in the spring of 2007 was awarded full Certified Instructor status with the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.

As a Certified Instructor, he enjoys helping others discover the many benefits of Tai Chi and promoting Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. In the summer of 2011 Laird was awarded the rank of Silver Tiger by the Association. Laird has experience in teaching Tai Chi and Qigong to a wide range of clientele, including seniors, second world war veterans and appreciates how Tai Chi can be tailored to meet the needs of a given individual.

Laird was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario and currently resides in Canada’s capital city Ottawa. He was trained in organic chemistry and in his day job Laird used these skills to perform his duties as a full time research scientist to discover new breakthrough medications at a major pharmaceutical company. In 2011, he left the pharmaceutical industry to follow his passion to teach Tai Chi Chuan full time.

In addition to Tai Chi, Laird also teaches and practices the Choy Lee Fut system of Lohan Qigong as taught by Grand Master Chen Yong Fa.

Email: laird@yangfamilytaichi.com
Phone: 613.286.2799
Website: www.taichiottawa.com