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Earth and Wood Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 3 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Milford, Connecticut

Certified Seniors welcome Beginners welcome Qigong Private lessons

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

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule earthandwoodmartialarts.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone (203) 623-0999

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 6–10 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 Earth and Wood Martial Arts, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Sifu Bob is the real deal able to teach both beginners with no experience as well as advanced students with a background in Asian martial arts.”

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🌬️ Qigong

“I first saw Sifu Bob Shannon at a World Tai Chi & Qigong Day as part of Master Aiping Cheng's school.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“Unlike many inexpert instructors, too many to count regrettably, he has studied the movements found in the forms through real-time contest and of one-on-one applications.”

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Styles taught here

Tai chi grew into several family styles. Here's the lineage students mention learning at Earth and Wood 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 3 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 3 mentions

“Our highly experienced and patient teacher creates a serious, light hearted, respectful and drama free environment.”

🏮 authentic, traditional style 2 mentions

From the reviews

This form of tai chi is lively and fun! Our highly experienced and patient teacher creates a serious, light hearted, respectful and drama free environment.

★★★★★ — Nicole, May 2025

I've been associated with Chinese and Okinawa martial arts for over 50 years. An active and aggressive career sidelined me for a while but when I returned I looked for Sifu's with authentic martial arts principles and skills that I recognized from my prior years of study.

★★★★★ — R, May 2025

Bob and Neil are great teachers! If you're interested in genuine Chinese sword forms and techniques, Earth and Wood is the place to learn, practice and improve your skills!

★★★★★ — Mike, May 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 3 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Earth and Wood Martial Arts

Earth and Wood 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 Earth and Wood 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 Earth and Wood Martial Arts

21 Robert Treat Pkwy, Milford, CT06460

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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.