Been with the school for about 6 years!? Lost count but good times do fly by. Can say for sure I've been with Sifu Shirley through COVID, the location moves, the re-structures, and still now. The only thing that remained consistent is and always improving is Sifu Shirley. This is the Tai Chi martial arts school that I love and plan continue and wok to master through my old age. Love the art and the people. Come to learn and improve yourself in both alignment and fitness. read more

Pleasant and friendly group, very good teacher and instruction. Nice space for practice.

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Shirley in person or training Tai Chi with her, but I've watched many of her videos--first when she was with Aiping Tai Chi, and now with her own Tai Chi United. I've learned a lot from the way she presents Tai Chi, especially how she makes her videos both educational and visually appealing. The fact that she consistently creates content that resonates with viewers and goes viral is impressive and inspiring, and it motivates me to bring the same level of clarity and creativity to my own work. If you're looking to learn Tai Chi for its cultural depth and health benefits, Shirley at Tai Chi United is absolutely someone to turn to. She brings those elements forward in a way that makes them accessible and meaningful for anyone. read more

Everyone begins learning Tai Chi for their own reasons. In addition to regular gym exercise, I began studying about 2 years ago with once weekly classes, as a tool for stress management. I soon increased to twice weekly. Within a short time, I began to understand why Tai Chi is sometimes called meditation in motion. During practice I was so completely engaged in maintaining correct posture, having awareness of body weight position, and moving the whole body as a single unit, that I realized that I was no longer aware of the presence of others around me in the room. With continued practice, I found that I was physically and mentally relaxing as though I never had done so previously. This relaxation allowed me to improve my practice, which in turn further enhanced my ability to relax. As I continued practice, I found myself in class 4 times a week, and then 5-6 times a week. What became apparent was a new-found ability to manage challenges and changes in my day-to-day activities, by yielding to external pressures, then redirecting them so that they neutralize themselves, while expending little or none of my own energy. Not only did I feel it, but coworkers, colleagues and family remarked to me that "something had changed" in a positive way. Without realizing it, I had begun incorporating some the basic principles of Tai Chi into my life. In fact, as practicing Tai Chi at The Aiping Tai Chi Center has been so helpful to me personally, I have engaged Shifu Shirley to come my business regularly to teach Tai Chi based mindful relaxation to my entire team. They find it so helpful that after each session the team asks when the next session will be. The environment at the Aiping Tai Chi Center, fostered by the caring and supportive teaching of Shifu Shirley, Shifu Jonas, and the other instructors, is cordial, pleasant, professional and non-judgemental for all students, regardless of their practice level, age, or physical capability. The instruction on Tai Chi and its movements is further enhanced by the incorporation of the history and philosophy behind the ancient art, allowing students to learn to "feel" the energy and intention of the forms. Overall, the study of Tai Chi at The Aiping Tai Chi Center has allowed me to personally evolve on many levels, for which I have tremendous gratitude. Simply stated, regardless of your reasons for trying Tai Chi, you will achieve your goals, and so much more by learning from Shifu Shirley, Shifu Jonas, and the other instructors at The Aiping Tai Chi Center. I leave this review with respect and gratitude read more

The Aiping Tai Chi Center has the best pedigree in Connecticut. The founder, Grand Master Aiping, was chosen to present Chinese Tai Chi to the U.S. in 1974. There is a picture of the founder shaking hands with President Nixon in the Whitehouse Rose Garden in 1974. (It's an amazing story, you can check it out on their website.) The current instructors trained under Master Aiping, and have a deeper understanding of Tai Chi than you can find anywhere else in Connecticut. But don't worry, they break that knowledge down into small relaxing steps for their students. I come home smiling. The wonderful instructors learned my name the very first class and I feel like I am part of a team. The school has regular demonstrations and social celebrations. If you want to meet new people, this is the place. It has been a great addition to my life. read more

Around 4 years ago, I was looking for martial arts school to help get me away from a computer for a while. I have a few medical limitations and looked at variety of schools, none who would adjust the program to accomidate my needs. Then I went Aipings. The school is small (but growing). Honestly I am the complete and total opposite of a Martial Arts Natural, but Master Jack and Aiping are patient, understanding. Aiping is a true champion. Even as she gets older you can see the grace and simplicity of a lifetime of training. Master Jack, the other fulltime instructor, also comes with great credentials as well, and is a pleasure to work with. As for there kids courses, I've seen quite a few kids grow up there over the past few years, and they nuture talent well. I only wish I started there sooner. read more

This is the best place for learning the practice of tai-chi. Shifu Shirley and Shifu Jonas are truly masters of the art and are patient, kind, and inspirational in their teachings. Students learn so much more about tai-chi than just the basic choreography. read more