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Lau Kune Do Santa Barbara Temple of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Santa Barbara, 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
- 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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule laukunedosb.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone +1 805-452-1446
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
The classes they run
“In my personal experience, the teaching has not only increased my knowledge of martial arts, but also increased my strength, balance, flexibility, and overall good health.”
“The instructor, Sifu Rafal, is a highly respected practitioner of Qi Gong, Tai Qi and Kung Fu.”
“He conducts both group and private classes with care and dignity.”
What students say
“I have gained flexibility and strength as well as practical self defense skills through Sifu’s kind, patient, and knowledgeable teaching.”
“In my personal experience, the teaching has not only increased my knowledge of martial arts, but also increased my strength, balance, flexibility, and overall good health.”
“In my personal experience, the teaching has not only increased my knowledge of martial arts, but also increased my strength, balance, flexibility, and overall good health.”
From the reviews
I have been training with the temple since the age of 5, and at 22 years of age I must say it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. Great place to seek fitness, wellness, and knowledge of your own body.
Sifu is an extraordinarily capable and patient teacher. He conducts both group and private classes with care and dignity. One becomes not only a student, but a person with greater focus, better health and a desire for self-improvement.
This is a wonderful martial arts temple specializing in Lau Kune Do offering Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Strength Training classes. I have gained flexibility and strength as well as practical self defense skills through Sifu’s kind, patient, and knowledgeable teaching.
Lau Kune Do martial arts temple is truly one of Santa Barbara's hidden gems. The instructor, Sifu Rafal, is a highly respected practitioner of Qi Gong, Tai Qi and Kung Fu.
New to tai chi? Start at Lau Kune Do Santa Barbara Temple of Martial Arts
Lau Kune Do Santa Barbara Temple of 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 Lau Kune Do Santa Barbara Temple of 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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🤲 Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention — check their schedule