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John T. O'Connor Senior Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 154 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Knoxville, Tennessee
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
- 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
- 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 knoxseniors.org — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone +1 865-523-1135
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I am a member -- one of 80+-- of its Singing Seniors, who performed a patriotic program at the downtown Historic TN Theatre, July 3, 2023, one day before the holiday.”
“Gentle fitness suits my mobility needs, bingo nights spark quick connections, and meals are hot, hearty, free—far better than storage-unit basics.”
What students say
“I am a member -- one of 80+-- of its Singing Seniors, who performed a patriotic program at the downtown Historic TN Theatre, July 3, 2023, one day before the holiday.”
“An awesome SAIL class, enjoyed the exercise moves to strengthen my body and improve balance.”
“With my service dog Mack, staff led by Director Sarah welcomed me warmly—no judgment, just practical guidance like CAC Reach program referrals for housing case management.”
From the reviews
Lots of fun, interactive programs, and resources for seniors. The memberships are free, and there is so much to do. Pool tables, ping ping, sewing, language classes, computer rooms, ballroom dancing, line dancing, arts and crafts, greenhouse, cooking classes, and so much more.
Many activities for seniors...voice your choice. Heavy senior traffic at this place to be. I was there for toe nail clipping. Great service every other month for 12 bucks. Scheduled by appointment.
As a new member at the John T. Connor Senior Center in Knoxville, I'm already impressed—straight 5 stars after just getting a feel for the place.Rolled in recently during a tough stretch: disabled, homeless after eviction, and navigating arbitration against MoneyLion fraud.
A wonderful resource for seniors with classes, presentations, exercise and fitness availability including water aerobics and gym on site. We enjoyed an original script who-done-it on stage followed by a nice array of goodies and drinks before we left. Plenty of parking and great, knowledgeable, friendly staff!
New to tai chi? Start at John T. O'Connor Senior Center
John T. O'Connor Senior Center 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 John T. O'Connor Senior Center
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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