HomeTennesseeJohnson City › Olson's Martial Arts Academy

Olson's Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 237 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Johnson City, Tennessee

Certified Beginners welcome Private lessons Online classes

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

  • Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
  • 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 olsonsma.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone +1 423-926-9161

Hours

Monday 11 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday 11 am–8:30 pm
Wednesday 11 am–8:30 pm
Thursday 11 am–8:30 pm
Friday 4–7 pm
Saturday 9 am–1 pm
Sunday Closed

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 Olson's Martial Arts Academy, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“A quick sense of camaraderie forms between students and staff, creating the perfect training facility for all skill levels.”

All studios that run beginners →

👤 Private Lessons

“My daughter has absolutely enjoyed the personal instruction she receives and the quality of the program.”

All studios that run private lessons →

🔄 All Levels 2 mentions

“A quick sense of camaraderie forms between students and staff, creating the perfect training facility for all skill levels.”

All studios that run all levels →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 237 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“The entire staff creates a safe, welcoming and diverse atmosphere for all of their students, young and old.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 9 mentions

“We highly recommend Olson's if you are looking for a safe, caring environment where your kids can get some energy out and learn much bigger life lessons.”

From the reviews

My daughter ❤️ 💕 💖 's the classes and her instructors. She's continuing to build new skills and increase her confidence daily!!

★★★★★ — Wesley, Jul 2024

New location creating new opportunities! This beautiful state of the art facility, roughly six months old, is sure to impress with its wide open lobby, well spaced out observation area and *three* full sized workout floors (one dedicated to Jr and Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the other two hosting Adult and Jr.

★★★★★ — Jk, Feb 2017

My 6 year old son has been attending Olson’s for about six months. In that time he’s advanced from a white belt to a yellow belt (and he’ll be earning green soon)! He absolutely loves it. He has learned so much, and not only martial arts moves and techniques.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Jul 2024

UPDATE: We had to take a break from Olson's when Covid happened. We have been back a little over a month now and we love it. My grandson benefits from the structure and discipline with each class. Our family benefits from the support we receive from each instructor.

★★★★★ — Tena, May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 237 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Olson's Martial Arts Academy

Olson's Martial Arts Academy 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first tai chi class at Olson's Martial Arts Academy

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 Olson's Martial Arts Academy

316 Marketplace Blvd, Johnson City, TN37604

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More tai chi classes near Johnson City

Shaolin Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy, Inc.

5 ★★★★★ 17 reviews

3501 W Market St, Johnson City, TN

🤲 Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention — check their schedule

Tai chi studio Tai Chi for Arthritis Seniors welcome Certified strong, friendly community

2.0 miles away

Neuma Martial Arts Center

5 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

1617- B W Market St, Johnson City, TN

Tai chi studio Certified clear, well-structured classes

2.3 miles away

All tai chi classes in Johnson City, TN →

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.