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New Orleans Shaolin
5 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in New Orleans, Louisiana
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
- 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 nolashaolin.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (504) 509-5310
Hours
| Monday | 5–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 9–11 AM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–12 PM, 5–7 PM |
| Thursday | 9–10 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Because of my schedule, I am sometimes missing for weeks and then pop right back in and pick back up as a perennial beginner.”
“The balance of tradition and convention is also refreshing, providing a comfortable yet challenging practice that caters to each individual.”
“I appreciate that New Orleans Shaolin has both online classes and outdoor (distanced and masked )classes right now.”
“After attending several tai chi classes I did feel much improvement but I also got much more interested in the meditative aspects of the practice.”
“I love that the class is accessible and challenging to all ages and body types”
Styles taught here
What students say
“Supportive and patient teachers, great community (both in the adults class and kids' class students and families) and just generally a great place to study martial arts.”
“I had little experience when I started; Sifu Sam, the other teachers, and everyone in the classes are all incredibly welcoming and patient.”
“The balance of tradition and convention is also refreshing, providing a comfortable yet challenging practice that caters to each individual.”
“If you are considering learning traditional martial arts for any reason, I'd highly recommend coming for a class and checking it out!”
“The balance of tradition and convention is also refreshing, providing a comfortable yet challenging practice that caters to each individual.”
“Supportive and patient teachers, great community (both in the adults class and kids' class students and families) and just generally a great place to study martial arts.”
From the reviews
I've been practicing at New Orleans Shaolin-Do for two and half years now and can't say enough about how much the program and the instructors have helped me improve my health, strength, balance and mind.
I had no prior martial arts experience two months ago when I started taking tai chi & kung fu classes at New Orleans Shaolin. I have done some casual yoga over the years, but I wanted something that was more dynamic & also had more of a community feel.
My son has been attending the children's class for a year and a half and it has been a wonderful experience. I first approached the school because they were very clear about their schedule and monthly fees. I have seen my son really blossom under the training of the head sifu and other instructors.
I absolutely loved the tai chi classes and the NOLA Shaolin. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the practice. Sifu Sam is a great teacher who makes students feel comfortable and confident participating among people with more experience. And he has a great sense of humor!! I enjoyed the levity he brought to classes.
New to tai chi? Start at New Orleans Shaolin
New Orleans Shaolin 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 New Orleans Shaolin
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.
More tai chi classes near New Orleans
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🤲 Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention — check their schedule
