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Martial Arts Institute
5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico
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
- 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
- Online & Zoom classes live online or Zoom classes you can follow along with from home
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule martialartsinstitutesantafe.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone +1 505-310-8356
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–2:30 pm, 5–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–3:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
What students say
“Master Walker is both extremely patient and knowledgeable.”
“Since then my mother has also joined the Tai Chi class and loves it.”
“The community is lovely, I really enjoy the relationships we are forming and the energy that the parents, students, and teachers bring.”
“The community is lovely, I really enjoy the relationships we are forming and the energy that the parents, students, and teachers bring.”
From the reviews
I have been an adult student at Martial Arts Institute in Santa Fe since 2021. The Taekwondo style taught is called Moo Duk Kwan, Korean for "School of Martial Virtue", and virtue is highly apparent here. I have never encountered a more positive and encouraging learning environment than Grandmaster Walker's dojang.
I have known and been a student of Grand Master Daniel Walker for over 30 years! There is no better person or martial artist that I know. I highly recommend his school and am privledged to call myself his student. Chun-Ki!
Ive been doing martial arts, Karate and jui jitsu, my entire life, but the instruction I received with Grand Master and at the institute was next level! I highly suggest you go check it out!
Master Walker is a great leader to the children. We had to pause our membership and Master Walker ensured to credit us and do right by the membership, which he didn’t have to. He is an excellent business man and a gift to the community.
New to tai chi? Start at Martial Arts Institute
Martial Arts Institute 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 Martial Arts Institute
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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🌳 Free or donation-based community class — check their site
