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Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, LLC

4.9 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Windsor Heights, Iowa

Tai chi studio Tai Chi for Arthritis Certified Seniors welcome Beginners welcome Qigong 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

  • 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
  • Qigong & breathing qigong and breathing practice — gentle "moving meditation" — taught alongside the tai chi form
  • Online & Zoom classes live online or Zoom classes you can follow along with from home
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule shadowfistkungfu.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone +1 515-380-5590

Hours

Monday 6–9 pm
Tuesday 9 am–12 pm, 5–9 pm
Wednesday 6–9 pm
Thursday 9–10 am, 5–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9–11 am
Sunday 5–8 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 Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, LLC, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Thai Chi has friendly, supportive and non-judgmental instructors They are very open to working with beginners like my husband and me.”

All studios that run beginners →

⚖️ Fall Prevention & Balance 4 mentions

“I've been studying tai chi at Shadow Fist for a year now, and I've learned a lot about balance and stability.”

All studios that run fall prevention & balance →

🌬️ Qigong

“Second month of qigong/tai chi, have barely scratched the surface and already seeing benefit.”

All studios that run qigong →

💻 Online Classes 3 mentions

“I love the in person classes and the Virtually online classes for the days I can’t make it from working late!”

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🔄 All Levels 2 mentions

“The instructors are knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive in classes for all ages and abilities.”

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Styles taught here

Tai chi grew into several family styles. Here's the lineage students mention learning at Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, LLC — mined from their reviews and the studio's own info.

🌊 Wu Style

“Take your pick from Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu, sparring, Wu Style Tai Chi, Yoga, stretching and conditioning, traditional lion dancing, and more to come!”

Other studios that teach wu style →

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 41 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 patient, skilled instructor 4 mentions

“After searching for another style of martial arts to learn I came across Robert,Matt, and Sifu Aaron which are very Knowledgeable in the art of Kungfu.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Tai chi has helped me keep moving and confident, and Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi provides a welcoming, supportive environment that encourages my continued growth.”

🌿 calming, low-stress atmosphere 4 mentions

“The Tai Chi classes are great for focus and relaxing while the Kung Fu helps get you moving and using muscles you probably did not know you had.”

🧓 great for seniors & mobility 3 mentions

“I've been studying tai chi at Shadow Fist for a year now, and I've learned a lot about balance and stability.”

🏮 authentic, traditional style 6 mentions

“Take your pick from Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu, sparring, Wu Style Tai Chi, Yoga, stretching and conditioning, traditional lion dancing, and more to come!”

⚖️ improved balance & health 13 mentions

“Kung fu has helped a ton for my recovery after having a child and has been so much fun in the process, great way to burn calories, help with flexibility and get in better shape.”

From the reviews

I look forward to class every week! Classes are engaging, fun, and help develop skills and techniques needed for Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Wu Tai Chi. The instructors are knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive in classes for all ages and abilities.

★★★★★ — Lyssa, Apr 2024

Kung fu has helped a ton for my recovery after having a child and has been so much fun in the process, great way to burn calories, help with flexibility and get in better shape. This has also been helping with basic pain management! I really can’t wait until my child is old enough to begin!

★★★★★ — Julianne, May 2021

Great studio with talented martial artists. The programs are excellent for beginners and advanced students. Kung fu and Tai Chi are great ways to get in shape, learn self defense and calm the mind. Check them out!!!

★★★★★ — Jenny, May 2021

I've been a student of this system on and off since 2008. The physical space of the school is fantastic I feel like that was something that really held us back in the old location. Aaron Giddings, Matt Moline and Robert sanda are all very patient and super talented instructors.

★★★★★ — Gillum, May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 41 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, LLC

Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, LLC 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 Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, LLC

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 Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, LLC

7676 Hickman Rd, Windsor Heights, IA50324

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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.