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Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky

4.8 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Hillsborough, North Carolina

Tai chi studio Certified Seniors welcome Beginners welcome

Certified instruction — reviews and the studio's own info point to a recognized tai chi program or lineage (think Tai Chi for Health / Dr. Paul Lam, the Taoist Tai Chi Society, or a named family-style teacher). If credentials matter to you, ask which program the instructor is certified in and which style they teach.

Plan your first class

  • Great for seniors welcoming to older adults, with slow, low-impact movement for balance, mobility and fall prevention
  • Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule openskymartialarts.com — see the live class schedule and book

Hours

Monday 9–10 am, 6–8 pm
Tuesday 6–8 pm
Wednesday 7–8 pm
Thursday 7–8 pm
Friday 7–8 pm
Saturday 9–11:30 am
Sunday 11 am–2 pm

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and seasonal outdoor sessions — worth a quick check before a special trip, and class times can differ from the studio's front-desk hours.

The classes they run

Tai chi and qigong classes on the schedule at Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

Styles taught here

Tai chi grew into several family styles. Here's the lineage students mention learning at Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky — mined from their reviews and the studio's own info.

Styles are mined from reviews and the studio's own info — they show what students mention learning, not a formal guarantee of the current timetable. If you specifically want a certain style, confirm the schedule with the studio.

From the reviews

Open Sky Aikikai has been a great place to train. They're affiliated (USAF) United States Aikido Federation. The student,sempai, and sensei have been amazing and friendly. The instructor are very knowledgeable and recommend anyone wanting to practice aikido this is the place. The dojo is a beautiful place.

★★★★★ — Elliot, Oct 2022

Open Sky is an amazing community for Aikido and Tai Chi practice. There is a core group of members with a lot of experience, and the dojo continues to offer opportunities for newcomers.

★★★★★ — David, Jan 2026

Steve Kauffman (sensei, teacher) has a loving dojo (school). He is Aikido! Anyone, it regardless of age, or experience can learn from him. He is not . Mean, or cruel some people give Aikido a bad rap. O'Sensei would be proud of the work this man has done for Aikido. His prices have remained.

★★★★★ — Timothy, Jul 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky

Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky comes up as a beginner-friendly studio, going by its listing and students' reviews. If you've never tried tai chi, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first session. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — the movements are slow and gentle, you set your own pace, and many can be done seated if standing is hard. Second, there's nothing to buy and nothing to keep up with — wear comfortable clothes and flat, flexible shoes, and simply follow along. Third, all ages and abilities really are welcome — ask whether there's a dedicated beginners or all-levels class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most studios are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first tai chi class at Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky

Nervous about walking into a tai chi class for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a gentle warm-up, then learning a few slow movements of the form, step by step — no pressure to get it perfect, and you can rest or sit whenever you need to. What to wear: loose, comfortable clothing you can move in, and flat, flexible shoes (some studios practice in socks or bare feet). What to bring: water, and that's about it — there's no equipment to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to say hello to the instructor and mention it's your first class. It comes together faster than you'd think — most people feel far more at ease by their second or third visit.

Tai chi is gentle and low-impact, but it's still exercise, and the health notes here are general information, not medical advice. If you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them to the instructor before class, and check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Where to find Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky

131 Boone Sq St, Hillsborough, NC27278

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Teach here or own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.