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Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Bloomfield, New Jersey
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
- Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention gentle, joint-friendly classes — often based on the Arthritis Foundation / Dr. Paul Lam program — that may help with balance and stiffness; check the studio's schedule
- Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule albenderskungfuacademy.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone +1 973-743-7544
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 6:30–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He has learned how to appreciate self discipline, balance and that "time and effort" is a key principle that shapes long term goals through incremental steps.”
Styles taught here
What students say
“Sifu Al is a patient and generous teacher with a wonderful sense of humor.”
“However, before I knew it, I found a place as a student and a member of a warm and welcoming Kung Fu family.”
“He has learned how to appreciate self discipline, balance and that "time and effort" is a key principle that shapes long term goals through incremental steps.”
“Their adult program is a traditional Kung Fu curriculum that is both functional as a real life self defense and beautiful to watch.”
“Sifu Al is truly a force of grace, humility, and strength in all aspects of his teachings (“soft,” as he likes to call it, but we can all see the shine of steel).”
“However, before I knew it, I found a place as a student and a member of a warm and welcoming Kung Fu family.”
From the reviews
As a student, you learn to defend yourself, but that's just the beginning. The training challenges you to do more than that - to do things that you may not have thought that you could; to become not only a better martial artist, but also a better person - more focused, more disciplined, more patient.
One day, my son and I were at a bakery. We were talking about trying out different martial arts schools/styles. We had already agreed to check out certain ones when Sifu Al walks into the bakery. He overheard our conversation and introduced himself. We were in shock because we know things happen for a reason.
Came to this school in 2016 after moving to the area, looking to expand my scope in martial arts and maybe make some new friends. With a previous background in Taekwondo I was nervous about joining and adjusting to a new school/style.
My child has been studying under Si Fu Al Bender for about a decade The benefits go well beyond learning Self Defense, and Kung-Fu. He has learned how to appreciate self discipline, balance and that "time and effort" is a key principle that shapes long term goals through incremental steps.
New to tai chi? Start at Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy
Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy 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.
Your first tai chi class at Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy
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.
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