Tradition Meets Evolution – The Lineage Behind Open Palm Taiji

Luke Shepherd’s Tai Chi journey began with Jay Jones, whose calm presence inspired him to practice. In London, he studied precision and mechanics with Adrian Murray, and later trained for 13 years under Richard Farmer, founder of Rising Dragon Tai Chi, focusing on meditation and applying Tai Chi principles to life.

 Luke began teaching in New Zealand in 1991 and spent seven years studying under HWL Poonja in India. From 1995 to 1999, he ran Rising Dragon’s Cardiff branch, teaching over 150 students and training in Qigong and BuQi with Dr Shen Hong Xun.

 In 1996, Luke met Patrick Kelly, a pivotal moment that transformed his understanding of Tai Chi. Patrick, a direct student of Master Huang Shen Shyan, deepened Luke’s exploration of internal principles. Around this time, Luke also met Wee Kee Jin, another key student of Master Huang.

 In 1999, Luke founded Open Palm Taiji in Devon to continue his development and share Tai Chi’s internal wisdom. He has taught at Tai Chi Caledonia and currently trains under Wee Kee Jin while offering online courses, workshops, and private sessions. 

Advice from Luke’s 38 years of training:

“Enjoy your practice and reconnect with the quiet inside. Taiji helps us simplify, know ourselves, and drop unnecessary struggle.” 

Luke balances teaching, personal training, sculpting, and bronze casting. His latest project is i-Chi, an online Tai Chi course. 

Lineage:

Luke studies with Patrick Kelly and Wee Kee Jin, both students of Master Huang Xiangxian (1910–1992), who trained under Grand Master Zheng Manqing and practiced for nearly 70 years. Patrick systemized Master Huang’s teachings, while Wee Kee Jin offers direct, experiential training.