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Ethereal Arts Self Defense

4.9 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Stow, Massachusetts

Tai chi studio Certified Seniors welcome Beginners welcome 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 etherealartsselfdefense.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone (978) 897-8585

Hours

Monday 12–9:30 PM
Tuesday 12–9:30 PM
Wednesday 12–10 PM
Thursday 3:30–9:30 PM
Friday 5–9:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM–2:30 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 Ethereal Arts Self Defense, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“This school is excellent for children, beginners, to people who have been doing martial arts their entire lives.”

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💻 Online Classes

“Our online classes worked well during the Covid era, but it's not like having lots of practice space in a dojo.”

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Styles taught here

Tai chi grew into several family styles. Here's the lineage students mention learning at Ethereal Arts Self Defense — 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 51 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 5 mentions

“Grandmaster Eric is an excellent and well rounded teacher and adjusts his style to the individual student.”

🧓 great for seniors & mobility 2 mentions

“My learning style is different from some of the other students, and he is able to balance my needs with those of the other students.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 2 mentions

“My learning style is different from some of the other students, and he is able to balance my needs with those of the other students.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 5 mentions

“It is not just a self-defense class it is also a great way to get fit, watching the kids after the warm up session tells you that they are all working hard.”

📘 clear, well-structured classes 3 mentions

“He not only thoroughly explains the moves, but the theories behind each move for both health and defense.”

From the reviews

My 11 year old daughter and 5 year old son have both attended Ethereal Arts for just over a year now. My daughter attends the Kids Kenpo Karate class and my son, the Little Griffins, they both enjoy every minute. The tuition given by Master Frost and Sensei Mike and Jeff is excellent in my opinion.

★★★★★ — Brookes, Mar 2015

In addition to being well skilled in teaching kids in Kenpo karate, Sensei Frost and his team (including the senior back belt students who coach at times) provide a highly positive, nurturing environment in the dojo.

★★★★★ — Vasumathi, Jan 2024

I have been studying Tai Chi at Ethereal Arts since 2006. Master Frost is an outstanding teacher. He not only thoroughly explains the moves, but the theories behind each move for both health and defense. Each student is allowed to develop and learn at their own pace. Great experience.

★★★★☆ — Beth, Sep 2018

Both of my kids practice at Ethereal Arts Self Defense in Stow and they love it. The after school program is fantastic - with pick up direct from school and an afternoon of activities before the evening class.

★★★★★ — Megan, Nov 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 51 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Ethereal Arts Self Defense

Ethereal Arts Self Defense 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 Ethereal Arts Self Defense

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 Ethereal Arts Self Defense

118 Great Rd, Stow, MA01775

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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.