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San Rafael Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in San Rafael, California

Certified Seniors welcome

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule sanrafaelmartialarts.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone (415) 459-5425

Hours

Monday 3–8 PM
Tuesday 3–8 PM
Wednesday 3–8:30 PM
Thursday 3–8 PM
Friday 9:30–11:30 AM, 3–8 PM
Saturday 9 AM–3 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 San Rafael Martial Arts, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

Styles taught here

Tai chi grew into several family styles. Here's the lineage students mention learning at San Rafael Martial Arts — 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 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 3 mentions

“Besides being a great martial artist, he is also an excellent teacher with great patience.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 2 mentions

“Health benefits to start with, and you can add the great spirit of the class due to he high level of kindness and knowledge of Sifu.”

From the reviews

We started tai-chi when Sifu opened his studio in San Rafael. We just signed up for another year. We got so many benefits in so many ways from his class that we are dedicated students... Health benefits to start with, and you can add the great spirit of the class due to he high level of kindness and knowledge of Sifu.

★★★★★ — Micheline, Mar 2015

Sifu had been our guru in spiritual and physical beings for the past 7 years. My 2 children and I went to his Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes, and we have benefited tremendously through Sifu Thornton's mindful discipline.

★★★★★ — Elisa, Jan 2018

Sifu Terrance Thornton not only has over 25 years of training in martial arts but he also possesses an outstanding way of sharing his knowledge and experience thru his teachings. The number of awards, trophies or certificates only confirms his commitment to all that he has learned and accomplished.

★★★★★ — Barbara, Aug 2017

I've known Sifu Thornton for over 20years from the martial arts arena. Throughout the years, I've met many instructors and sifus, but not too many stood out. Sifu Thornton is one of the few that I am impressed with. Besides being a great martial artist, he is also an excellent teacher with great patience.

★★★★★ — Benson, Jul 2014

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

Your first tai chi class at San Rafael Martial Arts

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 San Rafael Martial Arts

861 4th St, San Rafael, CA94901

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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.