Shao-Lin Kung Fu & Tai Chi

I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 because I know absolutely nothing about Kung Fu, Tai Chi or any other Chinese martial art besides what I’ve seen in movies — so I have nothing to compare the Shao-​Lin Center to.
That being said, I love it there.
I’ve been wanting to learn Tai Chi Chuan for years. I had no idea where to start or how to go about learning so I never pursued it seriously. Community Ed classes are all fine and good but I’m the person that wants to find the *best* instructor and place to learn wherever I am. Call me a snob but if I’m spending money to learn something, you better know your shit.
I heard about the Shao-​Lin Center through a friend who’s studied there for years. He told me that my first month of classes was free with his referral so took the leap and showed up on a Thursday night for the 6pm Tai Chi class. The Elder Masters that founded the center are nothing short of badasses. They are «old school» and definitely hold to the Chinese philosophy and traditions behind the martial arts. This is not learning how to fight to be flashy or learning Tai Chi because it’s trendy. It’s the real thing.
A trained dancer and yogini for 15+ years, I found the class very enjoyable and easy to follow. Master David and Master Sharon are sensitive to new faces and divide the class into beginners and more advanced students after preliminary stretches and going over different Tai Chi positions and moves. A few subsequent classes were not very good with a student leading the beginners — they knew the material but were pretty poor instructors and ended up confusing people. But everyone is friendly and more than willing to give pointers if you ask. Master David and Master Sharon trade off leading the Tai Chi class — sometimes it’s Master David and sometimes Master Sharon but I enjoy their unique perspectives on the body motion, a visual embodiment of Ying and Yang.
The facility is modest and functional. Nothing fancy but it has a family/​neighborhood feel that I enjoy. I’ve really liked my first month attending and plan on keeping it up. I’d highly recommend it for someone looking for an authentic taste of Tai Chi or Kung Fu.