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MDA Instructors

MDA Instructors

All MDA instructors are required to undergo professional development through ongoing training and assessment by Master Ding personally.

MDA Ireland Instructors are also members of IMAC, the Irish Martial Arts Commission, fulfilling the IMAC requirements for coaching, first aid, child and vulnerable adult training, alongside full insurance and Garda vetting.

Branch Representatives

Find the right teacher and half the battle is won. 

Here are your contacts for Master Ding Academy activities in Cork

John Buckley

John began his Tai Chi journey in 2001 while involved in competitive sport.  The allure of the depth of Tai Chi led him to pursue the instructor training with Sifu in 2005.  Nowadays, John likes to balance family life with his 2 young girls with teaching and attending workshops to continue developing himself and his students in a mutually beneficial way.


Previously John was a Gaelic Footballer, representing his county (Cork) at all levels as well as his club, division, school and college.

John teaches beginner and intermediate/advanced classes on Tuesdays at Turner’s Cross Community Centre

Contact:

t : 086 8058533

e: taichicork@gmail.com

Contact
Maurice Shanahan

Maurice has trained with Sifu Ding since 1995 and qualified as an instructor in 1998.

He is also a member of IMAC (Irish Martial Commission)

Contact:

t: 086 1714634

e:  mauriceshanahan@hotmail.com

Contact
Mary Niles

Mary has been studying Tai Chi Chuan since 2002 and instructor training since 2005. Mary also works as a therapist specialising in Holistic Massage (Deep Tissue & Indian head), Reiki and Reflexology. 

Mary teaches classes in Bandon.

Contact:

t: 087 2492921

e: marybniles@gmail.com

Contact
Maria Exposito

Maria took up Tai Chi training for the first time in 2008 but after 3 years she took a break to go into her Shiatsu studies.  She has been training with Master Ding since 2016, qualifying as an instructor in 2018.  Maria works as a Shiatsu practitioner and is the secretary of the Shiatsu Society of Ireland.  Maria hails from Leon in Northwest Spain and has been living in Ireland since 2002. 

Contact:

t: 086 0522224

e: mexposito.cores@gmail.com

w: https://zendo.ie

Contact
Ross Cousens (Lead Representative in Ireland)

Ross has been training under Master Ding since 1997 and assisting him with classes, seminars and retreats across Europe since 2001. Ross’s teaching aims to integrate the life-affirming principles found within the ancient Chinese practices of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, with the hectic lifestyles we lead today. This fusion of the ancient and modern worlds is attained through the mindful practice of Tai Chi and Chi Kung on a daily basis. This inner discipline results in the much sought after Strong Body and Still Mind, as often described by Tai Chi texts.For those interested in the martial aspects of the art, an introduction to the practicalities of postures and movements is included. Once basic skills are attained, Tai Chi Chuan can be explored as a fighting art

Ross teaches evening classes across Dublin and visits Cork to provide workshops. Private and corporate groups and one on one training are also available. 

Contact:

t: 0877 527 013

e: ross@masterdingacademy.com

Contact

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