About Us
Sarnia Instructor
Founded by Master James Carrothers, North Star Tai Chi welcomes beginners and experienced students alike. Learn the traditional Yang Style 108 Tai Chi Set and explore much more in a friendly, supportive environment where you can move, relax, learn, and grow at your own pace.
With schools in Sarnia and London, Ontario, North Star Tai Chi provides consistent, high-quality instruction at both locations. Our shared teaching methods ensure that every student receives a comprehensive and professional Tai Chi education.
North Star Tai Chi offers the Ten Levels of Achievement to Mastership, a structured program designed to establish clear and consistent requirements for progressing toward Mastery. This program provides each student with a clear path for development while allowing them to pursue their personal goals within the art and progress at their own pace.
In addition to our regular classes, North Star Tai Chi offers Seminars for the general public and Workshops for organizations and community groups. These sessions provide an enjoyable introduction to Tai Chi and a meaningful way to support health, well-being, and an active lifestyle for employees and members.
Want to learn more? Come experience North Star Tai Chi for yourself. Join us at one of our classes and discover the benefits, enjoyment, and lifelong journey that Tai Chi has to offer.
YOUR FIRST CLASS IS FREE!
Master James Carrothers
As the founder of North Star Tai Chi, Master James Carrothers brings more than 60 years of experience in the Martial Arts and over 50 years dedicated to the study and teaching of Tai Chi.
He teaches Aiki Ju Jitsu and Tai Chi Chuan at several locations throughout Sarnia, sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion for the martial arts with students of all levels.
Master Carrothers facilitates seminars throughout Southwestern Ontario in both Aiki Ju Jitsu and Tai Chi Chuan. His engaging teaching style appeals to students of all ages, combining a wealth of knowledge and practical instruction with just the right touch of humour.
London Instructors
Perry Kloibhofer
Perry studied Kenpo Karate (Tracy System) for three years before beginning his Tai Chi journey with North Star Tai Chi under the guidance of Master James Carrothers in the fall of 1995. He has since progressed to Level VII toward Mastership in Tai Chi Chuan.
In 1998, Perry and Ron Dewaele opened the London school, teaching North Star Tai Chi Yang Style under Master Carrothers’ supervision. Perry’s teaching style is adaptable and student-focused, allowing him to tailor instruction to each individual’s needs while creating a fun, relaxed, and supportive atmosphere.
His goal is to help students appreciate the depth of Tai Chi—an art that can be both complex and rewarding, while remaining enjoyable at every stage of the journey.
Ron Dewaele
Ron’s journey in the Martial Arts began in the early 1980s with three years of Goju Ryu. Years later, after suffering a back injury, he turned to Tai Chi alongside chiropractic treatment as part of his recovery. Within a year, his chiropractor recognized the positive impact Tai Chi was having on his recovery. As his condition improved, he no longer required further treatments and was encouraged to continue his Tai Chi practice.
Under Master Carrothers’ guidance, Ron has achieved Level VII toward Mastership in Tai Chi Chuan. He enjoys helping students along their journey, encouraging them to discover their progress and the many rewards of Tai Chi.