Inducted into the A.M.A.H.O.F. (Inc) and W.K.U.H.O.F. for 2024
Continual Excellence and Service to the Australasian Martial Arts Community
Website: taichiclass.com.au
Shireen Dindar began her Tai Chi journey in August 1987 with Master Lim Tem Foo, she learnt many different styles of Tai Chi Chu’an and developed a passion for the weapons forms. She is an extraordinary individual who leaves an indelible mark on both individuals and communities. With nearly 40 years dedicated to her Tai Chi journey, Shireen is recognised as a Sifu in Tai Chi and holds the rank of teacher in the Brazilian martial art, Capoeira. Her martial arts expertise is highlighted by a winning a gold medal in the internationally judged WACWAAI Taiji 42 step competition form and a commendable 2nd runner-up placement in the 2017 Pan Pacific Capoeira competition.
Running her own school for more than 35 years, Shireen has not merely been an instructor but a pioneer, leading a professional Tai Chi performance team that has helped introduce the Tai Chi culture to the Western world. Renowned among Chinese Tai Chi masters, she imparts cultural and philosophical teachings to Western society, and is known for her impeccable technique. Notably, her student, Sifu Vince Cordeiro, was inducted into the 2020 class of AMAHOF.
In 2016, Shireen pioneered a distinctive fusion of Tai Chi and Capoeira called Capoeira Drift. This fusion enriches expression, breathing, and flow, culminating in a sequence of movements that are applicable inside the sparring circle of Capoeira. In 2019 the form was presented at an International Capoeira event for the benefit of a panel of formidable Capoeira Masters. The feedback was nothing short of remarkable, with comments that she had created “The New form of Capoeira”
Beyond accolades, Shireen’s impact extends globally. She has reached out to diverse communities, teaching street kids in Brazil, demonstrating self-defence to victims of domestic violence leaving them with a sense empowerment, and orchestrating the largest Tai Chi performance in Australia for primary school children.
Shireen’s commitment to empowering individuals is evident in her influence on people’s lives. She has worked extensively with at risk youth, using principles from Tai Chi and Capoeira. Through Tai Chi programs, she has empowered traumatized teenagers facing mental health issues, enhanced the bone density of elderly individuals with osteoporosis, created an armchair Tai Chi for a student whose hips did not work anymore, helped an MS sufferer find her balance again and has freely dedicated her time to helping newly arrived people feel a sense of community.
Beyond martial arts, Shireen has distinguished herself as a mental health counsellor, uniquely positioning her to empower others. Her passion lies in helping individuals shatter their own barriers, overcome trauma, and unlock untapped potential.
Moreover, Shireen is currently working as an elite performance consultant with boxing World Champion Louisa Hawton in her pursuit to become unified 3-time world champion 2024. This collaboration represents a dynamic intersection of mentoring, martial arts, counselling expertise, and the innovative fusion concept of “Drift.” Together, they embark on a journey to push boundaries and empower individuals to break free from limitations, embodying Shireen’s legacy of discipline, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of empowering others.