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Davis Square Martial Arts

4.6 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Somerville, Massachusetts

Tai chi studio Tai Chi for Arthritis Beginners welcome Qigong Private lessons

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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule davissquaremartialarts.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone (617) 591-9656

Hours

Monday 9:10–10:10 AM, 3:20–9 PM
Tuesday 3:20–8:30 PM
Wednesday 9:10–11 AM, 3:20–9 PM
Thursday 3:20–7:30 PM
Friday 1–7:30 PM
Saturday 9 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 Davis Square Martial Arts, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“As a 50+ year-old student learning martial arts for the first time, I've regained flexibility and dexterity, and I've learned self-defense skills.”

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⚖️ Fall Prevention & Balance 3 mentions

“As a tai chi student, classes are focused on stretching, improving mobility, and movement.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“I take the parents' class, which is an inspiring mix of martial arts, self-defence, personal training, and parenting therapy.”

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🔄 All Levels 4 mentions

“The adult classes are great for all levels of experience and fitness, and instructors are welcoming to everyone who attends.”

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Styles taught here

Tai chi grew into several family styles. Here's the lineage students mention learning at Davis Square Martial Arts — 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.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 29 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 3 mentions

“The instructors are excellent teachers, but what I love most is their commitment to each student.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“As a 50+ year-old student learning martial arts for the first time, I've regained flexibility and dexterity, and I've learned self-defense skills.”

🌿 calming, low-stress atmosphere 3 mentions
🧓 great for seniors & mobility 3 mentions

“As a tai chi student, classes are focused on stretching, improving mobility, and movement.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 11 mentions

“Their teachers impressed with their patience, energy, clear instruction, their knowledge of both kung fu and child development, and their respect for each individual student.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 16 mentions

“It is very welcoming to beginners, I love the community, and all the instructors are very patient, friendly and knowledgeable.”

From the reviews

I have been going there for about 8 years, and everything about DSMA is great! It is very welcoming to beginners, I love the community, and all the instructors are very patient, friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend it to anyone with any level of experience to go here!

★★★★★ — Kathia, Sep 2023

I did a introductory class it was fantastic but the warmups were long over a half hour i guess you have to get used to that

★★★★★ — Dale, Jul 2019

I started off here in my thirties as a complete novice in the adult class (as in -- the only exercise I used to get was by accident) and I found the instructors and community both welcoming and willing to meet me where I started.

★★★★★ — Elizabeth, Sep 2023

My son started at DSMA when he was 6 years old. Now at 17, he is preparing for his black belt test. Training at DSMA has improved his strength, flexibility, and focus and has given him confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and an appreciation that there's a joy to be had in taking on physical and mental…

★★★★★ — Karen, Sep 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Davis Square Martial Arts

Davis Square Martial Arts 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 Davis Square Martial Arts

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 Davis Square Martial Arts

408 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA02144

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🤲 Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention — check their schedule

Tai chi studio Tai Chi for Arthritis Seniors welcome Beginners welcome Qigong Private lessons Online classes Certified patient, skilled instructorwelcoming to beginnerscalming, low-stress atmosphere

Friendly studio for classes incorporating yoga, Tai Chi and meditation to improve flexibility, energy levels and balance.

2.0 miles away

All tai chi classes in Somerville, MA →

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.