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Southwick Black Belt Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 78 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Ammon, Idaho

Certified Beginners welcome 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
  • Private lessons one-on-one lessons available — a focused way to learn the form at your own pace; ask about availability and rates
  • 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 southwickacademy.com — see the live class schedule and book
  • Phone +1 208-406-8960

Hours

Monday 3:30–9 pm
Tuesday 3:30–9 pm
Wednesday 3:30–9 pm
Thursday 3:30–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9–11:30 am
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 Southwick Black Belt Academy, drawn from students' own reviews and the studio's info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“I will always recommend anyone who wants to get back into martial arts, or try them for the first time, hit up Southwick, blackbelt academy, we had a ton of fun, and learned much.”

All studios that run beginners →

👤 Private Lessons 3 mentions

“Even to work with the students one on one to make sure they know and understand the drills.”

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🔄 All Levels 3 mentions

“I would definitely recommend this academy for great martial arts classes for all ages.”

All studios that run all levels →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 78 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“I will always recommend anyone who wants to get back into martial arts, or try them for the first time, hit up Southwick, blackbelt academy, we had a ton of fun, and learned much.”

⚖️ improved balance & health 3 mentions

“We singed our son up for Little Dragons (he's 5) at Southwick Black Belt Academy last fall to give him an outlet for his energy and I am so happy we did.”

🤝 strong, friendly community 12 mentions

“From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re welcomed into a community that feels more like a family than just a martial arts school.”

From the reviews

We’ve enrolled our girl a month ago and the results we’ve seen have been phenomenal! She enjoys it so much, has meet new friends, and is consistently trying her best to learn the curriculum. She works out her mind & body; fulfilling all her needs as a young 4 year old.

★★★★★ — Anna, Jun 2024

Southwick's is the best! The staff wants to see the students succeed. The staff become invested in the students, adults, and children. Even to work with the students one on one to make sure they know and understand the drills. I know this is their business, but if you have a good reason, they will work with you.

★★★★★ — Natalie, Dec 2025

My family and I absolutely LOVE Southwick Black Belt Academy! They are so very patient, kind, and extremely well trained in all of their martial arts they teach. All of their instructors are top notch and make us feel welcome every time we walk through the door.

★★★★★ — Amanda, Jul 2024

Our experience at Southwick Black Belt Academy has been nothing short of life-changing. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re welcomed into a community that feels more like a family than just a martial arts school.

★★★★★ — Deanna, Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 78 reviews →

New to tai chi? Start at Southwick Black Belt Academy

Southwick Black Belt 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 Southwick Black Belt 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 Southwick Black Belt Academy

3485 Rawson St, Ammon, ID83406

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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.