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Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Rochester, New York

Tai chi studio Certified Beginners welcome 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

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule rochesterkungfu.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone +1 585-329-1120

Hours

Monday 11 am–9 pm
Tuesday 11 am–9 pm
Wednesday 11 am–9 pm
Thursday 11 am–9 pm
Friday 11 am–9 pm
Saturday 11 am–9 pm
Sunday 11 am–9 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 Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“From the moment I walked into the school for the first time, I knew that it was something that I wanted to be a part of.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“I've been to a few fitness classes where that 1 on 1 assistance is just absent, and I found it here.”

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🔄 All Levels 2 mentions

“A rewarding endeavor for people of all ages, sizes and skill levels.”

All studios that run all levels →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 23 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 3 mentions

“My kids love seafood best teacher he is great with 1 one 1 or with the group it all start with a lil faith and dedication .”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“From the moment I walked into the school for the first time, I knew that it was something that I wanted to be a part of.”

🏮 authentic, traditional style 5 mentions

“Rochester Shaolin Training Academy is an amazing school that teaches authentic northern style Shaolin Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu.”

📘 clear, well-structured classes 2 mentions

“Sifu Bateman and his students helped me to become the best martial artist I could possibly be, as well as a more clear minded and disciplined person.”

From the reviews

Excellent work out routines for all ages and abilities . Friendly and knowledgeable instructors who make you feel very comfortable while learning the new routines. It is well worth your time to come and check the facility.

★★★★★ — Patty, Apr 2019

Rochester Shaolin Training Academy is an amazing school that teaches authentic northern style Shaolin Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. I have been a student there since 2000 and highly recommend joining our kung fu family.

★★★★★ — Justin, Nov 2018

Though I previously studied two forms of Karate as well as Aikido, I really found a home here at the Rochester Shaolin Training Academy. The style itself has a lot to offer for both beginner and advanced students.

★★★★★ — Brian, Nov 2018

The Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu Academy has been tremendous. Coming into the fold from another discipline could have been difficult, but it has been an amazing experience. Everyone from instructors to other students have made me feel welcome. I look forward to attending and feel very included and free to ask questions.

★★★★★ — Jeff, May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 23 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu 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 Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu 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 Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

2376 Lyell Ave Ste 3 Suite 3, Rochester, NY14606

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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.