When I was 18, I read Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao Te Ching. It blew my mind,…read moreresonating with thoughts I had only dimly been aware of having. I really wanted to follow the Tao, but the book was maddeningly silent on how, practically, you do that. So over the years I would vacillate between thinking the Tao was self-evident and thinking the Tao must be for someone else's planet. But at Toward Harmony, they (my teacher is Dan Winter) teach you how to begin to practice the Tao, directly and smartly. There is no cultural dross you have to sort through, no ceremonial surplusage to endure and no reverence for or attachment to any particular concepts. I study qigong with Dan, which is a physical exercise that doubles as a meditation; so it is a perfect antidote to my stressful, sedentary career. It is more mindful than Hatha yoga and more physical than Buddhist meditation (as I've experienced them taught in New England). Just right.

From the owner: We are no longer offering introductory classes. We still offer classes for our long-time students…read more To join these classes one must have sufficient background in the specific lineage of tai chi and qigong that we teach. We specialize in teaching tai chi and qigong for health, healing, and meditation. Our teachers are professionals committed to offering patient, high-quality instruction. The practices we teach are drawn from a 2000-year-old lineage of the Taoist Water Tradition. Exploration of these arts can help you learn how to relax, let go, and flow--like water--with life, nature, and change.

Robin has been able, in very few sessions, to alleviate a lot of my back pain. I am sold on what…read moreshe does. She is thorough, personable, painless and, above all, knowledgable. She takes her time and is unhurried.

From the owner: Country Well offers to work with you toward health and vitality, peace and bliss. Relax, open and…read morereceive healing through natural and non-invasive, ancient and time-tested therapies. Take part in your own healing: Classes in meditation, tai chi and qigong.

I enjoyed class & the clear, individualized, & supportive instruction. I had some joint pain…read more(prior sports injury) the day I attended & they helped me adapt. I will sign up for another workshop because this one was well done. The studio is also lovely & bright. You can see the pond from the workout area & there's a welcoming vibe that helped me get over shyness around movement challenges. Positive examples from black belt women... helping those in class believe in ourselves.

My daughter and I found this school and began training when she was eight years old. The experience…read morewas transformative. While no longer participating, we both learned skills of self protection, courage, and self awareness that remain with us today. The community is supportive and compassionate. The teachers are among the most skilled in the world of martial arts and introduced us to a wide network of empowerment programs. You will not regret one class or a long term commitment to this school.

Very fun and engaging classes. 3 different adult classes offered and at great schedules.read more

From the owner: Traditional Kung Fu and Modern Wushuread more

This is great for all ages! such an wonderful way to easy the mind and body while making great…read morefriends.

From the owner: taylora.com/profile/robin-betton…read more Yang style Taijiquan for martial arts and self defense. Grandmaster Huang Sheng Shyans 37 form, 5 Loosening sets, push hands sets, martial applications and Standing Neigong. Build fascia and elasticity of the body to develop high degrees of internal power. The principles from this teaching can be applied to martial arts, elite sports, yoga, energywork, meditation, healing, physical therapy and many other fields.

great appointment. excellent care - traditional chinese medicine is amazingly helpfulread more

Dr Wu and his team work miracles that western medicine medicates! Just walking into Wu healing…read morecenter brings peace to let the healing begin. Also being there, I learn so much from all who attend and teach about healthier living and remedies.

My son, 9, is active and athletic. Every year, we have been sending him for different sport…read moreactivities, such as baseball, soccer, basketball, swimming, ... Most of the time, he was passive about the training. I've never thought Wushu is "his thing" until one day he visited CMAA. He has been so dedicated to the sport that he doesn't want to miss any training - very much proactive. As the result, he has excelled well and won gold medals in recent regional and national competitions. I have been trying to figure out the "hooks." First of all, the amazing coach. Lucas is the owner and instructor. He's Caucasian, but he knows Chinese martial arts no less than Chines athletes. He studied in China for a few years and is able to read the Kong Fu code book that most Chinese could not even comprehend. Above all, he knows how to teach. He motivates not pushing. He paces each student's progress based on individual readiness. He not only teaches moves, but ethics and discipline. My son constantly paraphrases the words Lucas uses, like "early is on-time, on-time is late, and late is unacceptable...""virtuosity is doing common things uncommonly well..." The training facility is new (a year and half) and tastefully decorated. The schedule is flexible and you can find proper time slots easier than many other schools. The students there are also amazing. My son is friend with almost every student; some of them are years older. In class, they help each other. After school, they are buddies. Considering after almost a year training at CMAA, my son is still so crazy about Wushu, Lucas must be doing something right!

I started training in Tai Chi at a later point in my life. What I've found is that tai chi…read moreenhances most aspects of my daily life. Specifically, my balance and coordination have improved allowing me to do other sports with more confidence and success. My other sports include cycling and skiing. In addition, the Qigong practice helps me with calmness, clear thinking and patience as I go through each day. I highly recommend the Chinese Martial Arts Academy because of the experience, caring and kindness of the people who provide teaching there. It is a very friendly and homey environment for all.

First of all .....Sifu Gary is "the man". He has spent the last 20 years building and developing…read morehis talent and reputation in the business and martial arts community. He is a genuine person and excellent teacher. Sifu Gary teaches Thai chi and chi gong at local senior centers around Worcester county in addition to running his school. By the way, did I say he was "the man", if you don't believe me stop by the Millbury, Sutton or Holden senior centers,the people LOVE him. In April he hosts world Thai Chi day, which is an incredible event. Stop by the school, bring your son, daughter, better half or grandmother. The floor is usually filled with all types, shapes, sizes and off course personalities LOL .

I wish everybody could attend this school. When I joined, I had been thinking about learning…read moremartial arts for a long time, and finally got the guts to set up a free trial class here. That was almost three years ago. I still remember walking in the door and seeing the big smiles on everybody's faces -- that wasn't what I was used to seeing on Main Street in Worcester. The atmosphere is fun and we laugh a lot, which is amazing considering how intense the training can be. The community is super welcoming and everybody helps everybody -- that includes the black sashes, who go out of their way to draw you in and help you succeed. Sifu Gary is a natural teacher, and meets everybody where they are at, while challenging them to become better. Basically the school is a huge part of my life now, and at 30 years old, I'm in the best shape of my life so far, and I feel more comfortable in my skin than I ever have. It's a wonderful place.

I recently started a Tai Chi class through the Tai Chi Center in Saratoga. It is an interesting…read moreway to learn about other cultures and how to deal with your own body's stress. Do I have stress? I didn't think I did until I joined this class and realized that I could relieve many muscle aches that are caused by stress. Who knew? The Center is located on Phila Street in a small building near Ben and Jerry's. Parking is plentiful in the public parking lot across the street. My friend and I have been lucky enough to find parking on the street near the building. Just a note: if you experience cold feet, wear clean / non-street shoes - I found the floor to be very cold.

From the owner: The Tai Chi Center offers many programs on Chinese energy work, meditation and internal martial…read morearts. Classes are offered for all levels and ages. There are ongoing classes, as well as, special workshops. All classes are taught in an open, relaxed environment.

I initially found this place from a suggestion of my acupuncturist to help recover from a separated…read moreshoulder. I have to say I recovered in some pretty record time! A great place to do tai chi, meditation or any martial arts. They have kids martial arts as well as adults and the instructors are very knowledgable and offer an environment that is comfortable and easy to learn in. They offer Tai chi (many styles), qigong, bagua, nagong, dao yin (Chinese yoga), do yee (Korean yoga), kempo, Kung fu, shaolin karate, Ching I, and probably some more that I don't know about. My son does the kids shaolin and loves it! I do the qigong, Thai chi (yang and Chen), bagua, daoyin, doyee and meditation. VERY BENIFICIAL for your internal health and strength! Give it a try, first class or two is usually free to get you started.

It's rare that people find something that they are truly passionate about and rarer still that they…read morehave the ability to effectively share that passion with others. The Taoist Arts Center is a rare example of just such an instance when a passion and teaching of that passion are perfectly united. Sloane Franklin, the master instructor and owner, deftly wields a knowledge of that entertains and draws you in as the student, and leaves you rejuvinated and eager for the next class. His explanations are well-informed and articulately delivered and his deep belly laughs are contagious. As someone, who has never been terribly interested in martial arts training, I can whole heartedly endorse this center for anyone interested in improving their health and physical and emotional well-being.