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Cloud Hands Tai Chi and Qigong

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Bow, Washington

Tai chi studio Tai Chi for Arthritis Certified Seniors welcome Beginners welcome Qigong Private lessons Online classes

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Online & Zoom classes live online or Zoom classes you can follow along with from home
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule cloudhandstaichi.org — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone +1 360-757-4212

Hours

Monday 9 am–5 pm
Tuesday 10 am–6:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am–4 pm
Thursday 9 am–4 pm
Friday 10 am–3 pm
Saturday 10 am–12 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 Cloud Hands Tai Chi and Qigong, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“I can recommend him without reservation whether you are new to Tai Chi or have practiced for many years.”

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⚖️ Fall Prevention & Balance 2 mentions

“My balance has improved and I feel better in general because of Bob's Tai Chi and Qigong classes.”

All studios that run fall prevention & balance →

🌬️ Qigong 6 mentions

“He takes good care of all his students and makes QiGong doable for anyone, including the 96 year old in our class.”

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💻 Online Classes

“Bob conducts a Qigong class on Zoom 3 days a week.”

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🧘 Meditation & Mindfulness 4 mentions

“Thank you Bob for these Qigong classes and for providing a perfect morning meditation.”

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What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 7 mentions

“He is a patient teacher with a sense of humor, who makes learning a pleasure.”

🌿 calming, low-stress atmosphere 4 mentions

“His emphasis on how to breath while exercising has increased my sense of relaxation.”

🧓 great for seniors & mobility 2 mentions

“My balance has improved and I feel better in general because of Bob's Tai Chi and Qigong classes.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 5 mentions

“My balance has improved and I feel better in general because of Bob's Tai Chi and Qigong classes.”

📘 clear, well-structured classes 2 mentions

“Being a complete Tai Chi novice I was worried about the learning curve but Bob was very thorough with those of us with no previous training.”

🌬️ qigong & breathing work 7 mentions

“He takes good care of all his students and makes QiGong doable for anyone, including the 96 year old in our class.”

From the reviews

Bob Shapiro, the instructor, is amazing. His knowledge is top notch given that he has truly dedicated his life to studying tai chi. One will find many instructors that have practiced part time for 10 years and that is fine but Bob has literally done Tai Chi full time for decades.

★★★★★ — Chris, Jun 2023

I am writing this for another student. I first started taking Tai Chi lessons From Bob Shapiro about 12 years ago. He is a patient teacher with a sense of humor, who makes learning a pleasure. His knowledge of the martial art has given me a different perspective of exercise.

★★★★★ — Mariann, Jun 2023

I broke my arm in January. The physical therapy exercises left me very sore and I had very few gains. Since doing Qigong with Bob 3 times a week for 6 weeks I have gained so much mobility. The practice is easy to follow and I have no back lash of soreness.

★★★★★ — Deborah, May 2020

I recently completed a 7 week course Bob taught in Anacortes. Being a complete Tai Chi novice I was worried about the learning curve but Bob was very thorough with those of us with no previous training. The man obviously loves what he does and his joyful attitude is contagious. Great class.

★★★★★ — Darren, Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Cloud Hands Tai Chi and Qigong

Cloud Hands Tai Chi and Qigong 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 Cloud Hands Tai Chi and Qigong

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 Cloud Hands Tai Chi and Qigong

17045 Llama Ln, Bow, WA98232

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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.