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Iron Fist Chinese Martial Arts & Fitness
4.6 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Gaithersburg, Maryland
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule martialartsgaithersburg.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (240) 424-5726
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I recommend US Martial Arts for all kids of all ages.”
“The school is located in a beautiful, brand new facility with spacious, fully-equipped rooms for both self-defense and fitness.”
Styles taught here
What students say
“Shifu Rich Benassi is an excellent instructor.”
“Discipline, physical and mental strength and self-defense are some of the things you'll learn from Master Joe Dunphy.”
“It's worth the time and effort to learn and practice tai chi forms with Iron Fist staff.”
From the reviews
Kung-fu and Tai'chi school (Tien Shan Pai). Discipline, physical and mental strength and self-defense are some of the things you'll learn from Master Joe Dunphy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My son has been training at Iron Fist Chinese Martial Arts for the past four years, and I can’t say enough about the positive impact it has had on his life. His confidence, perseverance, discipline, and overall development have grown tremendously through his time here.
USM&F is a martial arts school that will bring you physical fitness, positive peer interaction, personal growth, leadership opportunities, and of course real Kung Fu! Master Dunphy, Shifu Gabe and the other leaders find ways to inspire each student no matter what level they are at. Come by and give us a try!
It's worth the time and effort to learn and practice tai chi forms with Iron Fist staff. Shifu Rich Benassi is an excellent instructor. Patient, of course, dedicate and skilled.
New to tai chi? Start at Iron Fist Chinese Martial Arts & Fitness
Iron Fist Chinese Martial Arts & Fitness 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.
Your first tai chi class at Iron Fist Chinese Martial Arts & Fitness
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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