Close

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 Ireland 


Ross Cousens (Lead Representative)

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 in Malahide, Clontarf, Ranelagh and Dundrum and a day class in Malahide.

Contact:

t: 0877 527 013

e: ross@masterdingacademy.com

Contact
Brian Bergin

Brians first experience of Tai Chi Chuan was learning Cheng Man Ching style in the mid nineties  and changed to Master Dings Yang style in 2008.

He completed his instructor training, and took over as instructor in Master Ding Academy North Kildare in 2013.

Brian’s class is relaxed, informal and inclusive. Students practise at their own pace and work within their own range of abilities, making the class suitable for everyone.  

Brian teaches an evening class in Leixlip, Co. Kildare.

Contact:

t: 087 215 7231

e: bpbergin@gmail.com

Contact
Chris Davala

Chris has been training with Master John Ding since 1996 and has over 20 years experience in Tai Chi Chuan. He previously trained in Wado Ryu Karate. In addition, Chris is a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, providing acupuncture and Chinese herbs at his private clinic.

Chris teaches an evening class in Glenageary

Contact:

t : 01 2801740

e: cdavala@hotmail.com

Contact
Claire McGreevy

Claire has been training under Master Ding since 2008 and qualified as an instructor with the Master Ding Academy in 2011.  Based on the Northside of Dublin, Claire teaches both daytime and evening classes in a number of locations.

Claire is also qualified in traditional Chinese medicine and practices herbal medicine and acupuncture from her clinic in Clontarf.  For those who may be interested in learning tai chi at their own pace, private one to one classes can be arranged by request. 

Claire teaches classes Clontarf, Donnycarney and the Donahies, Dublin 13.

Contact:

t: 086 3355118

e: mcgreevyclaire@gmail.com

Contact
Declan Mills

Declan Mills started his Tai Chi Chuan journey in 2011 looking for a healthier lifestyle and to deepen his experience of movement and meditation. He holds an MA in Theatre Studies from Mountview Academy (London) and the University of East Anglia.

Declan teaches day classes in Fairview, Ringsend Irishtown and Santree, and an evening class in Terenure.

Contact:

t: 087 294 2234

e: declanmills@gmail.com

Contact
Mark Brady

Mark has been an instructor with the Master Ding Academy since 2006. He has also studied other martial arts, including Karate, Judo, Wing Chun and Aikido.

Mark teaches an evening class in the city, D2.

Contact:

t: 086 3555369

e: markbrady77@gmail.com

Contact
Nicole Mills

Nicole took up Tai Chi in 1993 in Tuebingen, Germany, and in 2005 began to train as an instructor with Master Ding. In 2008, she taught Tai Chi as part of an adult education/rehabilitation programme. In 2014 she moved to Dublin. 

She teaches day and evening classes in the city, D3, D8 and D1.

Contact:

t: 086 397 5979

e: Nicole.mills@posteo.ie

Contact
Robert Waterhouse

Robert began learning Tai Chi with Master Ding Academy in 2008. After experiencing considerable health benefits from daily practice of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, he decided to take the step of training to become an MDA instructor and qualified in 2017.


Robert has been working full time as a multiple disabilities and mental health rehabilitation training instructor since 1992 in London, UK and Ireland. He has a BA (Hons) in Training and Education from NUI Galway and currently runs a daytime Mental Health Wellness and Recovery programme in Co. Kildare.

Robert teaches a morning class in Sallins and an evening class in Naas, Co Kildare 

Contact:

t: 085 749 1719

e: robwat0123@gmail.com

Contact
Sean Aylward

Sean has been training with Master John Ding since 1993. He is an executive member of the Irish Martial Arts Commission, as recognised by the Irish Sports Council. Sean has also studied Bushido, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kendo and Kickboxing

Sean teaches an evening class in Lucan.

Contact:
t: 087 967 0933

e: seantaylward@gmail.com

Contact

Start your Journey

Choose an instructor and book your introductory course