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Keefe's Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Stoneham, Massachusetts
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
- 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
- Website & schedule stonehamkick.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone +1 781-281-9410
The classes they run
“Started training private lessons in Tai Chi with John at 'Keefe's Martial Arts'.”
“During Covid, I highly appreciated that Sensei John provided online classes as well as outdoors sessions.”
“During Covid, I highly appreciated that Sensei John provided online classes as well as outdoors sessions.”
What students say
“John is an amazing teacher (who has had amazing teachers) who practices and teaches with great humility and kindness.”
“Sifu John not only is friendly and welcoming ,but very patient with his students and breaks down every stance you learn.”
“Anyone would be wise to choose this small focused setting to learn self defense and traditional martial arts over large factory farm schools who are just in it for the money.”
“He has many strengths, but the one that stands out for me is his ability to tap into each, individual child’s motivation and watch them thrive under his guidance.”
“Sifu John not only is friendly and welcoming ,but very patient with his students and breaks down every stance you learn.”
From the reviews
Their is so much I can say about my experience at Keefe's Martial Arts, all of it positive. I have been studying various kinds of martial arts at schools around the area and this has been my best experience.
This is not a "black belt" factory, but a Martial Arts Studio. I walked in skeptical having had a negative experience at a supposed MA "school." What I experienced from John Keefe is a committed and approachable teacher.
5+ stars, highly recommend. I started my 10 year old son in the kids karate class after the new year. Shihan Keefe has a great way with the kids. Seeing him teach seven or eight kids at three or four diffent skill levels at the same time, and keeping each moving forward has been inspiring.
Sifu [Chinese-for-teacher] Keefe is an excellent teacher who adjusts teaching style to the students. He also explains some of the theory and meaning behind the words.
New to tai chi? Start at Keefe's Martial Arts
Keefe's 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.
Your first tai chi class at Keefe's 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.
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