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MadMonk Tai Chi
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Ridgewood, New Jersey
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
- Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
- Online & Zoom classes live online or Zoom classes you can follow along with from home
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule madmonktaichi.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (201) 508-7257
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He explains concepts in a clear, accessible, and encouraging way, and meets each of his students where they are, whether they are a complete beginner or have an advanced practice.”
“Learning Tai Chi here improves health, balance, flexibility, focus, and calm, but it’s also a good way to spend time with thoughtful, friendly people.”
“I have been very impressed with his ability to pick up on subtle issues – even while teaching on zoom during the pandemic.”
“His ability to explain movements with clarity, patience, and insight makes the practice accessible for all levels.”
“Jody has a deep understanding of Tai Chi and explains each movement with clarity and purpose, always emphasizing balance, breath, and mindfulness.”
Styles taught here
“Started on the Taijiquan, or Tai Chi, journey back in 2007.”
What students say
“Jody is an amazing tai chi teacher, he is knowledgeable, patient, and can clearly explain and demonstrate complex movements he is a true master.”
“He explains concepts in a clear, accessible, and encouraging way, and meets each of his students where they are, whether they are a complete beginner or have an advanced practice.”
“Learning Tai Chi here improves health, balance, flexibility, focus, and calm, but it’s also a good way to spend time with thoughtful, friendly people.”
“Learning Tai Chi here improves health, balance, flexibility, focus, and calm, but it’s also a good way to spend time with thoughtful, friendly people.”
“From day one, he teaches real Tai Chi, not just choreographed movements, but awareness, breath, structure, and mindfulness.”
“He consistently strives to bring new ideas and energy to classes, preparing notes for us, suggesting visualizations, and paying close attention to each student’s form.”
From the reviews
Started on the Taijiquan, or Tai Chi, journey back in 2007. Primarily Yang family long form. Met up with Jody end of 2023. Why Mad Monk? Why Jody? You will rapidly learn Yang style Tai Chi as developed by Professor Cheng Man Ching. With 37 soft movements that lift up mind and body.
I began studying Tai Chi with Jody in the fall of 2018. In the years I have continued my studies, I’ve found Jody to be an inspirational and creative teacher, endowed with a great deal of patience and insight.
I highly recommend Jody’s MadMunk Tai Chi! His teaching style is both calming and empowering, creating a welcoming space for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Jody has a deep understanding of Tai Chi and explains each movement with clarity and purpose, always emphasizing balance, breath, and mindfulness.
I decided to study Tai Chi for meditative purposes. It turned out to be much more than I expected. My mind is clearer and more focused. My body is more flexible and balanced. Jody is an amazing instructor who takes his time to teach and still keeps it challenging and rewarding.
New to tai chi? Start at MadMonk Tai Chi
MadMonk Tai Chi 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 MadMonk Tai Chi
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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