I've been attending classes at Great River for only a little over two months, but even so I found my appreciation of Taiji as a martial art has grown leaps and bounds. I went in without really much understanding of Taiji; I'd had no prior martial arts training at all, and the only things I knew of Taiji were from movies and books, a mix of myths and legends. However, at Great River, Scott Rodell laoshi makes it very easy to understand that Taiji is not about mysticism but a very down to earth and practical martial art. Learning from Rodell laoshi has been a great treat. He is a master of the craft, but is always patient with new students and takes great care to help us learn. He always emphasizes the fundamentals and the basis behind every form; it's never flash over substance, but rather slowly building up from a firm foundation. He takes a lot of time to explain exactly why a stance or form is like the way it is: its utility and the physics behind it. That way you never feel like you like you're doing things just for the sake of doing things, but have a real purpose for everything. Whether you're interested in Taiji in particular, or martial arts in general, or just want a fun way develop your balance, flexibility and strength, Great River is a great place to be. I would highly recommend this class to everyone. read more

When I walked in the door at Great River, I thought tai chi was a form of moving meditation for relaxation. What I found was a dynamic, powerful martial art that not only trains the body to produce better alignment, health, and strength, but also helps the mind become more calm and centered. I've been practicing tai chi quan (taijiquan) at Great River for over nine years, so I'm obviously a little biased, but of all the places I've taken or watched classes, I really think Great River is the best. They teach the Yang style forms with a strong emphasis on proper body mechanics and tai chi's functional application as a martial art. That way, you understand the moves of the form from the get-go and can really judge your progress. The Center teaches the complete tai chi system, from forms to pushing hands exercises to free sparring and weapons training. So many places I've practiced at or seen only teach parts of the system, which can really slow down or even inhibit your progress. Center Director Scott Rodell has a very high level of skill and, just as importantly, is a talented teacher who communicates tai chi principles clearly. I'm very glad I found both this practice and a great place to study at. read more

I started at GRTC four years ago because I my job was stressful and I wanted something relaxing to do on my way home. I was also getting sick every other month and wanted to improve my health. I tried taking yoga classes, but didn't get much out of the classes beyond some stretching. Tai chi has been a better alternative and more effective for me because it goes beyond memorizing some movements to do slowly at home. Learning the public form at this school includes learning applications, breathing, and qi circulation. Tai chi is taught as a martial art here, but don't let that scare you away if you're interested in the other benefits it can offer. Tai chi has taught me how to be more relaxed and confident during the more difficult points in my life. I also rarely get sick anymore. In addition to the public form, I also take push hands, sword, and nei gong classes. (Nei gong is a type of meditation.) I've loved learning tai chi here and would recommend it to anyone. read more

GRTC is a awesome Tai Chi martial arts school! It's a positive place that is my oasis from thehecticnessand chaos of my life. After training, i feel i approach i little calmer. I'm a nut-case so i need all the help I can get. It's a relaxed calm environment, but at the same time it's comprehensive and not watered down at all. teachers welcome questions and give easy to understand instructions. The Schools Instructor Scott Rodel is very knowledgable and I appreciate the time and dedication he is put in to acquire the knowledge and skill he has. At the same time he is approachable genuine and humble I've trained at the school for about the past 3 years. I've done different types of Chinese martial arts for 10 years Sholin for the first 5 then i started to branch out in search of the less flashy gymnastic types to the more strait forward techniques that work the best. Great friendly place. I love Tai Chi Chuan! read more

Great River Taoist Center stands in stark contrast to the suburban strip mall belt factories that are so common on American main streets today. It is in the heart of the DC area and it is a place where you will get to truly learn the art of Tai Chi Chuan. You will learn that Tai Chi Chuan is so much more than moving meditation. The quality, depth of knowledge and experience at Great River is second to none and covers all the facets of traditional Tai Chi Chuan training. And Great River is great community where you will develop true camaraderie with your fellow classmates. I have been a student of Great River for nearly twenty years, and now I teach classes myself. When my students come up to me and say "wow, it's great to learn the meaning and structure of the movements", it's because of the education I got at Great River Taoist Center. read more

Many of my friends are surprised to hear that tai chi quan is a martial art and I have never planned to get involved in one. But after searching for a physical exercise that encompasses inner practice and mindfulness, I have been attending classes at GRTC for over three years. Push hands practice is gentle enough and is an opportunity to see how centered and balanced I am on that particular day and how precisely or loosely I am following the movements and positions. It is the perfect feedback that I would miss if it was not offered. In fact, I looked into tai chi quan twice in my life before and the form on its own never made quite sense. It finally does when practicing in the larger, original context. read more

We sometimes forget that Taiji was originally a martial art. It has NOT been forgotten at Great River Taoist Center. If you want to learn taiji from experts in the martial aspects, then GRTC director and main teacher Scott Rodell Lao shi (teacher) and his senior students/fellow teachers are the real deal. The whole system-- from solo form through push hands, sparring, and weapon--is taught here, and the teaching is top-notch. I have been studying at CRTC for almost 4 years and have not regretted a single moment. Taiji competence is a long path, but this is one of the best places to begin your journey. Jeff R., Maryand read more

I've been an avid student here at Great River(GRTC) for 11 years, and also teach beginner's classes. GRTC is a unique school that teaches and trains in the system of Yang style tai chi in a very practical, down to earth, and light-hearted style. Students interests range from casual form practice to tournament fighting, and everything in-between. While Center Director Scott Rodell is internationally known as a martial artist and swordsman in the Yang tai chi tradition, the school maintains a laid-back, 'neighborhood' feel. read more

I've been a student of Great River for around ten years. I've studied various martial arts over the years (Karate, Tae Kwon Do, JKD, PaKua), and Taiji is by far my favorite. I don't consider myself a hard core martial artist. A lot of my Taiji practice is medtative, but without the martial aspects, Taiji would become a martial dance. My martial arts skills have improved greatly since studying at Great River. Our Lao Shi, Scot Rodell, is top notch. Great River is top notch. read more

I've been attending classes here for years. I found GRTC years ago by accident and am very glad I did. The school's director, Scott Rodell, is an excellent teacher. His traditional instruction approach really worked for me. Through him I came to understand that taiji isn't just an old-person's exercise but instead is a fully capable martial art. My tai chi practice has helped not only strength my body but reduce mental tension and made me a calmer, more even-keeled person. read more

One of the few real, traditional schools around that teaches the whole art, without trying to ignore that taijiquan (taichi) is a martial art, or watering it down. Likewise, GRTC is one of the few places in the country where you can study the entire system, most schools only offer form & perhaps a little push hands. Great River offers classes in everything form Beginners Form, thru Push Hands to Sanshou, as well as Traditional Chinese Swordsmanship. read more

What I have always enjoyed about GRTC is the camaraderie of the students & teachers. And that it is one of the few places around that teaches the complete system, from the meditation aspects to the martial applications & not as therapeutic exercise for old people. read more