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School of Martial Arts-West LA
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Los Angeles, California
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
- 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
- Free / donation / in the park free, donation-based, or outdoor park classes — a low-cost way to try tai chi; confirm times on their site
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule schoolofma.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (310) 442-0888
Hours
| Monday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30–10:30 AM, 6–7 PM |
The classes they run
“I attended Sifu Ryan Scott's free meditation class at the School of Martial Arts in West LA last Thursday with my husband, and it was our first time!”
“From the moment we arrived, Sifu Scott, the instructors, and the senior students greeted us with warmth and encouragement, instantly making us feel at home.”
“One of the most memorable and rewarding experiences was during COVID, when classes were held outdoors at Clover Park.”
“I attended Sifu Ryan Scott's free meditation class at the School of Martial Arts in West LA last Thursday with my husband, and it was our first time!”
What students say
“Sifu Scott is the best teacher I have had (both inside and outside of academia) and truly thrives on his students' success.”
“I attended Sifu Ryan Scott's free meditation class at the School of Martial Arts in West LA last Thursday with my husband, and it was our first time!”
“The studio, known as the dojo, features a Zen-inspired décor with water fountains and spiritual books, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.”
“From the moment we arrived, Sifu Scott, the instructors, and the senior students greeted us with warmth and encouragement, instantly making us feel at home.”
“From the moment we arrived, Sifu Scott, the instructors, and the senior students greeted us with warmth and encouragement, instantly making us feel at home.”
From the reviews
Sifu Scott is an incredible teacher! The students that attend the school are great partners no matter what size you are or what shape you are in athletically. We take classes with all adults but they have kids classes as well.
I've never felt as welcomed in a dojo than when I stepped (bare)foot into the School of Martial Arts. Sifu Scott has a great passion for his craft and instills this love for the martial arts in his students, regardless of their age or skill level.
A fantastic school with fantastic students and staff. If you live in the L.A. area, any amount of traffic is worth it to arrive to Sifu Ryan Scott's dojo. His martial arts will change your life and I have trained for years with some of the senior students there!
Such a wonderful school. Great workout, fun and energizing class. Sifu Scott is a generous and engaging teacher. The students all look out for each other and are always helpful. I tried a million different work outs, and this is the only one I've stuck with.
New to tai chi? Start at School of Martial Arts-West LA
School of Martial Arts-West LA 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 School of Martial Arts-West LA
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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