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Martial Art Fitness Center, Inc

5 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Rochester, Minnesota

Tai Chi for Arthritis Certified Qigong Private lessons

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
  • 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
  • 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 mafci.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone +1 507-358-3484

Hours

Monday 5–9:30 pm
Tuesday 5–9:30 pm
Wednesday 5–9:30 pm
Thursday 5–9:30 pm
Friday 5–9:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–1:30 pm
Sunday 2–9:30 pm

Hours shift for holidays, workshops, and seasonal outdoor sessions — worth a quick check before a special trip, and class times can differ from the studio's front-desk hours.

The classes they run

Tai chi and qigong classes on the schedule at Martial Art Fitness Center, Inc, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🤲 Tai Chi for Arthritis

“) I have suffered from several serious injuries in the past, as well as arthritis, hypertension, and PTSD.”

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⚖️ Fall Prevention & Balance 3 mentions

“It helps with learning how to focus and negate the opposition that the mind and body may experience, to bring balance into physical form.”

All studios that run fall prevention & balance →

🌬️ Qigong 2 mentions

“Along with practicing Taichi, we also learn Qi gong which is an ancient Chinese meditation using the body's energy and movement for healing.”

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🧘 Meditation & Mindfulness 5 mentions

“Practicing Tai Chi with Gretel at the Martial Arts Fitness Center has greatly improved my mindfulness, stability, and flexibility.”

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Styles taught here

Tai chi grew into several family styles. Here's the lineage students mention learning at Martial Art Fitness Center, Inc — mined from their reviews and the studio's own info.

Styles are mined from reviews and the studio's own info — they show what students mention learning, not a formal guarantee of the current timetable. If you specifically want a certain style, confirm the schedule with the studio.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 31 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 4 mentions

“Sifu Gretel is an amazing instructor and person, she not only practices, but lives Taichi every day in all things she does.”

🧓 great for seniors & mobility 3 mentions

“It helps with learning how to focus and negate the opposition that the mind and body may experience, to bring balance into physical form.”

🏮 authentic, traditional style 2 mentions

“The Martial Arts Fitness Center offers a wide range of traditional martial arts taught by a variety of instructors.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 7 mentions

“It helps with learning how to focus and negate the opposition that the mind and body may experience, to bring balance into physical form.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 3 mentions

“We love the dedication of the start, including Fred and all of the teachers, the discipline and friendly supportive environment.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 3 mentions

“Good prices for families and small groups for focused feedback.”

From the reviews

Our 9yo daughter started Taekwondo with Master Fred, Sifu Gretel, and staff in October. She loves attending class here. She has learned discipline and confidence. We see so much more benefit to martial arts than we did gymnastics, or cheerleading. She is learning many life lessons and skills.

★★★★★ — Michael, Apr 2025

Tai Chi: I have done Judo for years and lost my Rochester Club. A Judo hand technique showed in a class of Sifu Gretal. She showed me in 15 minutes what fifteen years did not advance. Her extensive experience and knowledge are revealed in gems understood and instructions followed. I am not a good follower.

★★★★★ — Gordon, Jul 2025

The Martial Arts Fitness Center has made an extraordinary impact on my life and that of my two sons. Under the exceptional guidance of Master Gomels, we've not only learned martial arts but also valuable life skills. My sons have grown so much under Master Gomels' teaching.

★★★★★ — Noland, Oct 2023

I practice 3 styles of martial arts here. Today I am discussing Taichi Chaun with Sifu Gretel Quiñones. I started practicing Taichi with Sifu Gretel in March 2025. Sifu Gretel is an amazing instructor and person, she not only practices, but lives Taichi every day in all things she does.

★★★★★ — Jonathan, Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 31 reviews →

Your first tai chi class at Martial Art Fitness Center, Inc

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.

Tai chi is gentle and low-impact, but it's still exercise, and the health notes here are general information, not medical advice. If you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them to the instructor before class, and check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

Where to find Martial Art Fitness Center, Inc

2849 Broadway Ave S #5517, Rochester, MN55904

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More tai chi classes near Rochester

7.5 miles away

All tai chi classes in Rochester, MN →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Teach here or own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.