PEOPLE & COMMUNITY
About
Mark Peters.
A lifetime of practice, teaching and exploration—and the story of how Kai Ming began.
Mark’s work spans Tai Chi practice and teaching, competition, the development of Kai Ming, and community and health-related programmes. Roles and appointments below are described in their historical context.
Finding Tai Chi
Mark’s martial arts journey began with Aikido and Kung Fu before he discovered Tai Chi through a book by Danny Conner. In the late 1980s, he joined Nigel Sutton’s Zhong Ding school and went on to train with John Higginson. His studies took him to Malaysia and Singapore, where he trained with teachers including Tan Ching Ngee, Ko Ah Tee, Wu Chiang Hsing, Liang He Ching and Tan Seow Theng.
In 1992, Mark opened a Birmingham class at the request of Nigel Sutton and John Higginson. He later served as acting head of Zhong Ding while Sutton was abroad. He competed in national events and represented Britain at the 1994 World Championships in Orlando.
Establishing Kai Ming
In 1995, Mark and colleagues established the Kai Ming Association for Taijiquan. “Kai Ming” means open-minded, reflecting the association’s intention to focus on Tai Chi while exploring ways to understand and develop the art.
Mark’s international involvement continued, including leading the British team at a 1998 competition in Taiwan. That year, he was appointed a vice-president of the World Tai Chi Federation. The association developed its own curriculum and maintained connections with teachers in Asia.
Teaching, research and community work
Over time, Mark shifted his focus from competition towards developing Kai Ming and deepening his practice. Peter Ralston and Willie Lim are among the teachers who influenced him. He and Kai Ming colleagues have written for Tai Chi and martial arts publications and produced instructional videos and books, including View from the back of the class.
Mark’s work extended into Tai Chi for falls prevention and adapted programmes for people living with chronic conditions. He delivered projects with health services, trained NHS staff and appeared in television programmes including the BBC’s Doctors and Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.
Mark continues to develop his practice and share Tai Chi in different settings. Kai Ming’s wider work also includes community classes and inclusive activity through Painting the Rainbow ↗.