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Blue Heron Stillness
5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in North Adams, Massachusetts
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
- Qigong & breathing qigong and breathing practice — gentle "moving meditation" — taught alongside the tai chi form
- Private lessons one-on-one lessons available — a focused way to learn the form at your own pace; ask about availability and rates
- Free / donation / in the park free, donation-based, or outdoor park classes — a low-cost way to try tai chi; confirm times on their site
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule blueheronstillness.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (508) 280-2814
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I initially approached Michael about a class studying Daoist philosophy and scripture, and ended up expanding into learning Qigong and Taiji out on the red deck.”
“Michael’s one-on-one teaching is flexible, respectful, and highly personalized using a conversational style.”
“His outdoor practice space is beautiful and he is constantly cultivating it and refining it.”
“"Taiji is life," he will tell you, and he's right - Michael teaches not only a movement practice, not only a meditation practice, but a life practice.”
Styles taught here
What students say
“Michael is a patient teacher, and his lessons don't consist solely of learning the movements of the tai chi sequence but also his words--and he doesn't mince words.”
“Since I started learning from him, I have noticed improvements in my overall health, focus, and flexibility.”
“Michael is an extraordinary teacher, patient, warm, and wise.”
“I initially approached Michael about a class studying Daoist philosophy and scripture, and ended up expanding into learning Qigong and Taiji out on the red deck.”
From the reviews
I have been a student of Michael McGrath of Blue Heron Stillness since January 2020. In my opinion, Michael is an excellent teacher and is very knowledgeable in Taiji, QiGong, and Meditation. Since I started learning from him, I have noticed improvements in my overall health, focus, and flexibility.
I have been playing taiji with Michael for about 6 weeks and it has been a great experience. Meditation, exercise, martial arts, and philosophy all in one! If anyone is interested in learning taiji I can honesty recommend Michael at Blue Heron Stillness!
Michael McGrath is truly a unique man. His dedication to living and teaching the Tao is tangible in his presence. I would drive an hour and 15 minutes each week for my Tai Chi classes (he also taught me some Qi Gong) and it was totally worth it.
Michael is an extraordinary teacher, patient, warm, and wise. "Taiji is life," he will tell you, and he's right - Michael teaches not only a movement practice, not only a meditation practice, but a life practice.
Your first tai chi class at Blue Heron Stillness
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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