Knowledgeable instructors teaching a variety of classes for both beginners and advanced students…read more Atmosphere is caring and supportive.

I am a Qigong/Tai Chi student and have been looking for a local place to practice, I've found that…read morehome here. The teachers are knowledgeable, patient and dedicated to their practice. The Center is located in the Merlino Arts building and the energy of the place contributes to the welcoming atmosphere of the center. I highly recommend it!

Stumbling across this class is one of the best things that happened to me this year. The…read moreinstructor, Vadim, is the real deal, with several decades of deep experience. This isn't westernized "McDonalds" qigong, this is the genuine practice, the teachings passed down by Chinese masters of the art. As a beginner, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Vadim made me feel immediately welcome, patiently reviewing foundational practices like Ba Duan Jin. I'm thrilled he emphasizes standing practices (e.g. Zhan zhuang), deceptively powerful exercises often overlooked by lesser teachers. He's great at demonstrating proper form, explaining WHY we're learning particular practices, and patiently correctly mistakes in our form. After my last class (a real workout for body and mind!) we got tea and talked about life. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an accomplished and generous teacher. Hope to see you in class one day!

Vadim is an excellent teacher, he demonstrates the movements and provides clear instructions on…read morebreathing, energy flow, and mental focus. I always feel energized and relaxed after class. It's wonderful to be outside and breathing fresh air.

I was overworked for many years and my body got to the point of feeling tired everyday from head to…read moretoe. For some time now, I have stopped working and I've been trying to rest/heal myself. During this time, I have tried meditation, yoga, swimming, etc. None of them got me very excited. I found Uplift Yourself through a meet-up website and decided to give it a try. I learned that they are a non-profit organization, so anyone is welcome to join their class, regardless of the tuition. Also, I was fortunate to spend some time alone with one of the Qigong teachers, Kathy Fogarty. The individualized attention I received from her was truly a blessing. I also noticed that I have had less stress and tension in my body whenever I am in this place. I think I finally found something that I will enjoy doing and gives great benefit to myself mentally and physically.

Uplift Yourself was a gem to find! The practice of Qi Gong has helped calm my mind, relaxed me and…read moregiven me tools to use when I begin feeling stressed. The group of teachers and staff at Uplift Yourself are incredibly welcoming, friendly and intelligent. Their monthly Open House events are an easy "in" to learn more, and wonderful that they are free for the community!

Tiger Dragon was very dedicated and knowledgeable in his practice of Chinese herbs and acupuncture…read more He was very focused on my daughters issues and I highly recommend him to those that want to heal naturally and live a clean natural better quality of life. Its was a little odd as he practised out of his home and I had always been in more of a traditional setting of a business type office....but the trade off is he is well worth it ! Plan on seeing him time and time again

I have been taking Vadim's Chen Tai Chi classes for several months now and have benefitted greatly…read more The class is two hours and gives students quality time for learning and practicing. It amazes me that the gentle movements work my entire body and gives me strength and flexibility that had been diminishing, not to mention the mind and spirit connection. Being outdoors and exercising is a refreshing experience and contributes to the enjoyment of learning this ancient art. Vadim is a kind and thoughtful teacher and really knows his stuff. I always leave the classes happy that I made the commitment to my health and well-being with Vadim's help. I am so thankful to have found Vadim and that he is in Woodinville, available to share his many talents with us!

It has been my good fortune to have been studying with Gord for over four years now. He is a…read morepatient and gifted teacher. The health benefits were immediate--I am stronger and far more flexible--and after the disappointment of having attended the classes of others who taught this art as little more than sophisticated hand waving, it is a pleasure to be learning from someone who possesses real martial abilities. Gord is willing to share all that he knows, and I would recommend studying with him to anyone. Sincerely, Craig Murphy

From the owner: We specialize in teaching Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qi Gong…read more Our Head Instructor, Gordon Muir, began his studies in 1981 and has continuously upgraded his knowledge and skills with such prominent masters as Zhang Xue-Xin, T. T. Liang and Liu ChengDe. Gordon has been called one of the most highly skilled teachers in Canada.

Andrea has been a God send for me and I mean that literally. My spine is fused and I have other…read morehealth issues. Her specialized Tai Chi that she will format to your health is so wonderful and she listens and cares and will continue to make changes as things change with your body. She has also been helping me with pain management through visualization & other relaxation techniques for my blood pressure, it is now 124 over 78. Thank you! Namaste Andrea Diana N.

Andrea was a great teacher! I had four virtual lessons with her, and I learned so much. She helped…read moreme with balanced posture and taught me some new forms. She coached me through the most healthful body positions for core, and arms and legs while doing forms. With a focus on smooth flow and breathing, she offered ways to modify forms for my individual needs by being aware of what feels right for my body. Her encouragement made me feel very positive and optimistic about my continued journey forward into learning more tai chi. She's a great person to reach out to if you need some expert guidance in confidently undertaking tai chi.

I cannot say enough good things about TSI! The qigong…read moremethods have been transformative for my health, and I have seen them benefit everyone in the community. The space is fantastic and is always a perfect space for training. Don't forget to visit the forest monastery connected to the school! It's in Snohomish and is the most peaceful spot on Earth!

I've been training at the Taoist Studies Institute since 2018, and it has completely transformed my…read morelife. Under Shifu ZhiCheng's guidance, I've learned sitting, standing, walking, and lying down meditation, Taiji, Qigong, and practical Taoist psychology. These teachings have not only helped me release physical tension--already life-changing on its own--but have also deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection and how to move through stuck emotional and mental patterns. What sets Shifu ZhiCheng apart is his ability to meet each student exactly where they are, guiding them toward profound insights experientially, not just intellectually. Through his mastery of internal cultivation and transmission, I've realized that life can be incredibly simple when we stop carrying unnecessary baggage. This isn't just theory--it's something I've come to understand through practice, thanks to his teaching. Because of this school, I'm a healthier person with better relationships and a more genuine version of myself. I truly wish everyone in the world could access these teachings. On top of his skill, Shifu ZhiCheng is also the most inspirational person I've ever met--his dedication to these arts is so deep that he even founded a monastery for full-time training. To say this school is 5/5 stars is an understatement. If you're looking for authentic internal cultivation, there is no better place.