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Universal Kempo Club
5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Rochester, New York
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
- 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 universalkempoclub.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (585) 210-0386
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM–12 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM–12 PM, 5:30–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Her ability to break down complex movements into clear, achievable steps makes training accessible for beginners while still challenging for more experienced students.”
Styles taught here
What students say
“They break down everything from Kempo techniques with incredible detail, using a compressed, step-by-step approach that makes a world of difference for a beginner.”
“I owe Sensei my deepest gratitude for her dedication to and concern for my son’s health and wellbeing.”
“Love the location and the instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly”
“They break down everything from Kempo techniques with incredible detail, using a compressed, step-by-step approach that makes a world of difference for a beginner.”
From the reviews
I’ve been training with Sifu & Dante for about almost a month now, and their Instructional clarity is second to none. They break down everything from Kempo techniques with incredible detail, using a compressed, step-by-step approach that makes a world of difference for a beginner.
A Truly Exceptional Martial Arts School Universal Kempo Club is exactly what a modern martial arts school should be — welcoming, disciplined, and deeply committed to helping students grow both physically and mentally. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the positive energy!
Sifu Emily worked with our son for over 10 years to achieve his black belt in Kempo. He actually learned alongside her son Dante and they achieved their black belts together. To this day they are still friends. Sifu interacted with a variety of students from all walks of life.
My teenage son studied kempo and tai chi with Sensei Barnes for several years in Northport, NY and became a very strong, and highly skilled, martial artist. More importantly, he also developed the virtues of a martial artist such as kindness, courtesy, respect, courage, and self-discipline.
New to tai chi? Start at Universal Kempo Club
Universal Kempo Club 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 Universal Kempo Club
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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