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Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 76 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Des Moines, Iowa

Tai chi studio Tai Chi for Arthritis Certified

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 515-858-0455

Hours

Monday 2–8:30 pm
Tuesday 2–8:30 pm
Wednesday 2–9 pm
Thursday 2–8:30 pm
Friday 2–7:30 pm
Saturday 8 am–1 pm
Sunday Closed

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 Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

⚖️ Fall Prevention & Balance 2 mentions

“It’s a great way to not just stay in shape but establish a mind body connection, work on balance, and appreciate an art form.”

All studios that run fall prevention & balance →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 76 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 6 mentions

“Master Bishop is skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate; He always meets the students where they are, is patient, but also firm.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Master Bishop has high expectations for all of his students while fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 4 mentions

“If you are looking to get your kids involved in something to improve their self confidence as well as physical and mental health.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 4 mentions

“He is one of the most humble and kind individuals that you will meet, yet he will hold you to a high standard to challenge you and keep you accountable to help you do your best.”

From the reviews

We enrolled our seven year old son in Bishops Elite Martial Arts Academy and have been so happy with his experience. He's enthusiastic about the activity, has been working hard on memorizing the Student Creeds, and is excited about earning more stripes on his white belt, and figuring out how to tie the belt in the…

★★★★★ — Ryan, May 2024

Two of my sons were taught by Master Bishop. He’s an outstanding, trustworthy, and caring person and teacher. High standards. His martial arts skills are crazy impressive. Always striving to grow himself and to help his students do the same. Master Bishop gives his all 100% to each of his students.

★★★★★ — Amy, Sep 2024

Highly recommend BEMA! Master Bishop is an amazing Taekwondo instructor! His skill and passion for Taekwondo is shown in every class. At BEMA each student has personal attention no matter their belt rank which helps motivate our son and keeps his attention. The atmosphere is great and the program is well rounded.

★★★★★ — Christy, Jun 2023

I have know Master Bishop for over 10 years. He is amazing teacher and friend. His passion for Taekwondo and teaching had impressed me in classes and tournaments.

★★★★★ — Judy, May 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 76 reviews →

Your first tai chi class at Bishop's Elite Martial Arts 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.

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 Bishop's Elite Martial Arts Academy

2706 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA50310

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.