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THUNDER KUNG FU ACADEMY
4.9 ★★★★★ 56 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Dublin, 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
- 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 thunderkungfu.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (510) 660-3333
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 3–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 3–9 PM |
| Friday | 3–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–6 PM |
The classes they run
“Shifu Gao and Shifu Ning have the amazing ability to balance strict instruction and brevity in the classes, which keep the students focused and entertained at the same time.”
“They also offer adult classes and private lessons, as well as the opportunity to join the more competitive team (performing at competitions and Warriors games).”
What students say
“Shifu Gao and Shifu Ning are amazing teachers and can judge each student well on their abilities and work with them on improving their capabilities.”
“Shifu Gao and Shifu Ning have the amazing ability to balance strict instruction and brevity in the classes, which keep the students focused and entertained at the same time.”
“He is traditional strict, but also knows very well how to gauge his students and their abilities, which not all teachers I've come across know how to.”
“The atmosphere of casual and fun but intense training has led to the best experience I've ever had both in exercise and in developing coordination and flexibility.”
“The class starts with warm up exercises, and then Kung Fu basic drills.”
“Sifu s work with each student with his/her own pace, so the students do not feel pressurized to rush through the Belts progression.”
From the reviews
Great place for kids and adults to learn Kung Fu. I always wanted my son to learn traditional Martial Arts to build a good foundation. Sifu Gao, Sifu Zhao, Sifu Ning, and all Sifu s are amazing with kids and balance each session/class very well. Best part is that they pay attention to detail to bring in perfection.
Thunder Kung Fu Academy is a local Kung Fu school I highly recommend to adults and young kids.The class starts with warm up exercises, and then Kung Fu basic drills. Each student is assigned a Kung Fu form and to train with Shifu. The instructors are very friendly.
My son has been at Thunder Kung Fu for about two years now. He started in the kids class when he was already in middle school, and was able to belt up into the intermediate class with more kids his age fairly quickly. The training program for the kids is very well done.
My 8yo daughter has been going to Thunder Kung Fu for almost 7 months, and we love it! She always looks forward to attending. There is flexibility in the amount of days and which day of the week you want to attend. Shifu Gao is the owner, and he has two other instructors who assist in class.
New to tai chi? Start at THUNDER KUNG FU ACADEMY
THUNDER 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.
Your first tai chi class at THUNDER 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.
More tai chi classes near Dublin
Taichi Wellness
MW Taichi & Wellness
🤲 Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention — check their schedule
Champion Wushu & Art Center
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