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Eight Step Mantis Kung Fu & Taiji
5 ★★★★★ 4 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in San Mateo, California
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
- 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 eightstepmantis.org — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (650) 730-0960
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
What students say
“Both of them are extremely knowledgeable and great teachers, and I learned so much about Kung fu and tai chi under the Eight Step System.”
“Additionally, they are both extremely kind people and will ensure that you feel safe, respected, and part of the Kung fu family.”
“Their teaching style is super clear and detailed.”
From the reviews
My wife and I have been training here since 2014 and it’s been a big part of our lives. We've studied Tai Chi here since we started, and also spent some time training in mantis kung fu. Sifu Alan and Sifu Jenny are amazing teachers and have become very close friends. They really care.
I trained with Master Jenny and Master Alan for 10 years in their children’s program. Both of them are extremely knowledgeable and great teachers, and I learned so much about Kung fu and tai chi under the Eight Step System. Their classes taught me both self-defense and self-discipline.
Taiji is a wonderful martial art to practice in this hectic times. Slows down mind and body through a slow paced activity. Sifu Jenny is a kind, intelligent, masterful mover, that loves to teach this art (Taiji is art in motion). No denying it takes time to learn, but the satisfaction that comes with it is great.
I had a safety incident which led me to learn a full suite of self defense skills from Sifu Jenny. I will never forget what she told me: just having the mindset that "nobody has the right to hurt me" already boosts safety statistically.
Your first tai chi class at Eight Step Mantis Kung Fu & Taiji
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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