Institute of Tai Chi Arts (ITCA) was established by the late Master, Tom Tang in 1992. It is a…read morefederal-registered non-profit organization whose mission is to promote Tai Chi Chuan and help members improve their health and learn an ancient martial art in its pure form. The Hwa-Fu chapter of ITCA includes Cheng Man Ching's 37 form, Yang's long form, sword, push hand, san shou, and joint exercise. Members meet at Wootton High School on Sundays, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, from September through Memorial Day. There is also a summer camp. Hwa-Fu's membership fee is very inexpensive, $45 for one semester (September to January). All of the instructors and support staff are volunteers, receiving no compensation. The instructors are dedicated to passing on the knowledge of the late Master Tang. Membership is open to the public and all are welcome. Experience in Tai Chi Chuan is not required. Tai Chi is an excellent form of exercise for everyone, particularly seniors. For those interested in studying an ancient martial art, Tai Chi offers significant benefits and applications. It can also complement other martial arts studies.

I had been training both Tai Chi and Qigong before I started training with Paul. Within the first…read morecouple of lessons I realized what a wealth of Knowledge Paul ( my teacher at Clear Circle) had. I also quickly realized what a fabulous teacher he is.... a true Master. Little adjustments to my posture and suddenly I was feeling that my body was both connected and grounded in each tai chi movement. Simple explanations of the applications of each stance gave my a depth of insight I had never had. For those like me who are interested Paul also teaches the meditative aspects of Tai Chi ..... something we can all use in these times. Clear Circle has a great Tai Chi Master in Paul, but also a group of lovely people who train under him. David Francisco.... Tai Chi student

I highly recommend Wong People Kung fu association to learn Chinese culture in depth and it's free!…read moreYou get to learn tai chi, Kung fu, kick boxing, bag won and much much more! Including Lion Dancing for traditional cultural authentic experience and much more! Who can ask for all this when it's free in DC!

In the past I always struggled to motivate myself to regularly work out, but that completely…read morereversed when I started coming to N-Flux: I just wish I had more hours in the week for more N-Flux. First of all, the classes are challenging and engaging. The instructors do a great job pushing you just the right amount, so as you learn one thing, there is a new technique to improve. If you're like me and get bored at a regular gym, classes at N-Flux are great because you are building up to something and there is more to think about (although I'll admit my brain gets pretty slow by the end of an intense class, so I can't say *much* thinking happens at that point...). The second thing that makes me excited to get out as much as I can is that the community is incredible -- supportive, kind, funny, diverse, interesting. You definitely don't feel inadequate as someone new and inexperienced: more experienced students are always willing and eager to help out. The instructors work hard to cultivate an environment that is welcoming and supportive. So here I am, probably in the best shape of my life after just a few months, and it felt so easy! Well, not the classes, which are hard in the best kind of way, but I would take heading over to N-Flux any day over tv, social media, reorganizing, or browsing funny animal videos on the internet. If you want to learn martial arts, get in shape, and have fun doing it -- look no further, N-Flux is where it's at!

I came to N-Flux to find a hobby and ended up finding a passion and a home away from home. Yes,…read moreit's a gym, and the new facility in the bottom level of 1722 I Street will blow your mind with all the new equipment and toys (no more stripper poles, just tons of mats, gloves, pads and other goodies). But more importantly, this place is a community. N-Flux has the best instructors and classes you will find anywhere in DC if you're interested in taking Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and all sorts of other martial arts and combat sports. Chris and Colleen are the best instructors I've ever seen. They don't just want you to get skills, they teach concepts, conditioning, and character. Part of the training is how to be a good classmate, and experienced students help newer students and welcome new people. As a result, you're not just coming for a workout, you walk away welcomed and encouraged to be the best you can be -in everything. The classes are challenging in the best way, even their Yoga classes (and I hated yoga before I took N-Flux yoga with the amazing Scott and Maicie!). Chris and Colleen are tough and push you to be your best. Since starting, I've lost 25 pounds, gained 25 new friends, and according to my work colleagues, "am the happiest I've ever been." This place is way more than a gym and you won't know what you're missing until you come try it for yourself.

The instructors are the ones who make this school amazing. My kid has been taking classes here for…read moreyears. The school has an incredibly warm and welcoming family atmosphere, but kids will learn the skills that are going to be useful to them for the rest of their lives. The school offers a wide variety of adult classes as well for all ages including women's self defense option that is invaluable for every woman out there.

Really a lovely neighborhood place for kids to learn. Master Don, and Instructors Mobi and Latif…read morehave a terrific combination of patience and strictness. The kids have a lot of fun, but also get a good workout, and learn positive habits like respect, discipline, and determination. My son is a red belt now, and we have been here for several years and plan to stick with it. Especially the older kids' class is a really terrific diverse group of kids. It always makes me happy to see that a group like this can exist. Good for both girls and boys. Sweet family run place. A moment that warmed my heart from a recent belt advancement test was when one of the instructors noted a girl who initially wanted to quit because she couldn't do a sit-up, and it who just did 60 to pass her test. Nice to see kids grow in this way

Highly recommend! Have been working out here for over a year. Welcoming gym community. Aaron, the…read moreowner, is knowledgeable and patient. Beginners and skilled fighters are all welcomed. You can show up during gym hours and there is a routine listed on the chalkboard, including warmups, jump rope, shadow boxing routine, and a routine for the heavy bags. Then the coach on duty works with you on the mitts. If you are a beginner the coach on duty will walk you through everything and teach you proper form. More seasoned fighters have opportunities for sparring, if interested. Pricing is reasonable, and you can pay month-to-month. Happy to have found such a great spot, definitely recommend it!

Without a doubt the most rewarding and enjoyable workout experience I've ever had. Been a member…read more(no contract; pay-as-you-go) for 4+ years now. I lost 30 pounds and have kept it off. Went from running an 11-minute mile pace to a best of 7:28 per mile largely because of the endurance and breathing techniques I've developed through boxing. I had never boxed before I joined this gym, but I was a competitive athlete until college. I joined because I wanted to get fit again after too many years of sedentary lifestyle, and now I'm in the best shape of my life. I feel happier and more confident. I love the sense of community this gym offers. A lot of the same folks, young professionals, men and women, have been coming here for years. New folks are always welcome. We help each other. Group workouts mean we suffer together. :-) Having a trainer creates a sense of accountability, too. I find it motivates me more than a regular gym. Our trainer knows what he's talking about, and he invests in every member, no matter the experience level or gender, any of that. As a testament to the quality of his training, we have three guys who have won belts and accolades like "All American." (Sparring is optional, though, and most people don't spar.) He runs this gym by himself, too, a small business owner. Offering trials or customized sessions would take his attention away from members, which wouldn't be fair. ** Yelpers may also notice from reading reviews that DBC has a loyal following of athletes who love this gym and our trainer. Negative reviews tend to come from salty people who have not spent real time at the gym and, quite frankly, have no idea what they are missing in terms of community and fitness. More bag time for the rest of us!

Adding onto the bounty of good reviews below. I started doing yoga at home to find peace and time…read morefor myself in a hectic and stressful life. The random ten minute videos on YouTube were fantastic starters, but I realized that I wanted something more so I found Grace, a studio local to me. The first session was free, so it was a good way to get introduced to the place and the people there. So let's start there. I almost had enough time to say hello to the receptionist when she recognized that I was a new face, smiled, and introduced herself to me. She offered a tour to me, which was friendly, but I was surprised that another attendee offered to take me on a tour herself! It was clear to me then that the friendliness was contagious. I really appreciate that the equipment is available at no cost. Having the mats, the blocks, the bands, and even blankets there meant that I could participate at the same level that more experienced yogis could. This first session, I rolled out in the back as Jade started speaking. The whole experience was wonderful, but something she said stood out to me: when someone's phone rang and they apologized, Jade responded with a smile and said "Don't be sorry. This just means someone's thinking of you." And then I knew that the community was eager to share their wisdom and peace with others. On the community board (which highlights members, friends, and local services) I saw that the first month was available for a reduced price, and after such a wonderful first experience, I knew I was going to sign up. I'm almost done with this month and have practiced under different instructors but have found them all incredibly welcoming. I also appreciate the ability to participate from home, which I've done on several occasions, and an equal level of engagement from the instructor. I've had a really positive experience thus far and am excited for many more months of good yoga and community!

I've attended several classes at this studio…read more Lenore's sunrise strength class was a great way to wake up my muscles while watching the sun come up through the studio's picture windows. I've also taken rise and rest yoga with Lenore. This was a relaxing way to wind down from a busy day. I recently competed a yoga strength class with Amy. This was an all-level class and she offered us options to modify or intensify each move. Amy played a nice mix of songs from her phone during the class; however, the music kept being interrupted by notification dings, which was distracting. Overall, I found Grace Studio to be a decent place for a yoga workout. The studio is equipped with mats, weights, blocks, resistance bands, and bolsters. Instructors offer verbal assists rather than hands-on adjustments for yoga moves. Instructors are welcoming, the studio is bright and inviting, and classes are not crowded.

Perhaps this is great studio for some, but if you have physical disabilities, this is not the…read morestudio for you. If you are trans, this is *explicitly* not the place for you. Sifu Paul Ramos called me a "primadonna" for respecting the limits my physical therapist had suggested given severe muscular issues. That alone would be rude, but sometimes people are rude. However, something to consider if you have injuries or disabilities that prevent you from moving in the way he expects you to be able to move. Sifu Paul Ramos, also, in what was simultaneously to my novice eyes a masterstroke of tàijíquán and literally illegal, said this to me as I was angrily explaining to him that he violated DC law governing public accommodations for trans people by repeatedly referring to me, a very femme trans woman, as male on three out of the four times I attended. If it weren't illegal, it would have been excellent technique; redirecting my anger back at me towards a vulnerability he knew I had about my physical impairment. Then, as my anger grew, he passive-aggressively wished me well "with the chip on my shoulder." Again, excellent technique. The classes seemed nice and generally very accessible to beginners such as myself, so maybe it's the right place for you. It grieves me that Sifu Paul Ramos went out of his way to ensure it was not the right place for me.

Sifu Paul is an outstanding teacher in the truest sense of the word. He is patient, highly…read moreknowledgeable, skilled and wise. He gets the very best out of each student. Please ignore the post by Emily. Her version of what occurred in class is highly inaccurate. I started classes with Paul two years ago with two bad knees, two bad shoulders and a bad back. I am now in the best shape of my life.