I have been a student of Master Zhang for nearly 10 years. I have really embraced TaiChi and would…read morelike to truly master Xinyi and inner spiritual health. He provides not only context and authenticity to his teaching, he adjusts his teaching to the needs of his students. So whether you are just trying out martial arts for health, or looking to truly become a master, Master Zhang has the skill, patience and aptitude to guide you in your martial arts journey.

I have been studying tai chi with Huan for almost four years. He teaches the traditional Yang…read moreStyle (85 movements) as opposed to the shorter forms that are around today. Because tai chi is a martial art, Huan teaches applications also. This is something that is not always taught to the beginning student of tai chi. Huan learned from masters in China. He is part of the wonderful lineage of this moving form of meditation. Stop by and see how tai chi can change your health.

Charlie's group is great. His tai chi method is very insightful. I enjoyed my interaction with him…read moreand his group over the months I was near Cambridge. I would recommend this tai chi group.

I have been studying at Fresh Pond Taiji with Charlie for 1.5 years and have advanced substantially…read morefrom my previous surface understanding of the Yang style, which was limited to the choreography. Through pushing hands I have learned to sense the energy of my partner right into their feet. The five loosenings that each class begin with have transformed my posture for the better and released longstanding muscle tension in my neck and shoulders. My back, which I used to tweak every few months, is totally pain-free from the spinal alignment work. I recently had independent confirmation of this when I took a massage and the massage therapist remarked that, unlike 99% of her clients, I had no muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or lower back. Yay taiji!

Body and Brain feels like home! It is a practice that focuses on the harmonizing of the body and…read morebrain/mind, as well as the power of the heart. The Masters are skillful, compassionate, supportive. We learn about the different energy channels in the body, or techniques that target specific physical issues. We focus on releasing and strengthening. It is a holistic practice, really. I truly recommend it for anyone who is a serious seeker of balancing the body, mind, and heart.

I was a member of (Dahn yoga) for three years many years ago and absolutely loved it. My work/home…read morelife prevented me from continuing. My schedule has since changed and this past summer I remembered my wonderful experience with the practice so I rejoined Body& Brain, and I have to say, I'm enjoying it even more this time around. Master Cho is inviting, kind and each and every class is different. Not only are the classes different each time, we now have the benefit of added classes and instructors because of zoom. I never miss a class unless I am working. I love the different styles each of them bring to the class. I'm fully committed in my quest for better health and am determined to remain in this practice for years to come as I've already noticed a big change, mentally and physically. I can't recommend it enough. Do not hesitate, you will not regret it!

First, this address on Salem Street is incorrect. Apparently this school closed years ago. It is…read morenow located in Somerville in a gym. Next, I've gone to a lot of different tai chi classes over the years, and this was not traditional at all. It was in a room where people were practicing martial arts, so there was a lot of grunting and fast movements as well as a few collisions as I was standing, trying to do tai chi. If you're OK with that sort of chaos, it might be entertaining to you, but don't expect anything traditional. I did however appreciate that they found a teacher for me, even though I was almost a half hour late after hunting for the correct location. That was nice.

If you're looking for a movement method that will keep you in shape, keep you motivated, give you a…read moremoment of peace in an otherwise hectic life, and give you incredible new skills, this is the place for you. Oom Yung Doe combines movement and meditation in a balance to create individualized programs for each and every student. The instructors are very knowledgable and give individualized attention, as well as are flexible in their schedules. Not only are there classes every weekday in the afternoon and evening, plus on Saturdays, but more than once, when I could not make it in for a class, an instructor has moved his schedule around so I could come in. If you are dedicated to the school, the school will be dedicated to you. Movement-wise, students study forms in eight different types and styles of martial arts, including many different weapons. While there is not an emphasis put on sparring, there are frequent self-defense portions of class so that students can defend themselves if faced with a bad situation. Students are also taught movements to help in medical issues they might have coming in, or to help prevent issues from coming up in the future. I have never been in better shape in my life. On top of it all, the school puts an emphasis on helping others in your every day life. While the message can get repetitive, it is always a good reminder that while you are helping yourself, you can always spend a little extra effort to help a fellow human being. Overall, I would highly recommend this school.

During my glory days in Tae Kwon Do at age 12, I really loved the physical activity and stress…read morerelief that came with punching and kicking. So recently I've been looking to get back into martial arts. I found Oom Yung Doe on Yelp because of its great reviews and its proximity to my house. I'd never heard of this form of martial arts, but the website claimed I could take a complimentary introductory lesson. Why not? I called on Sunday afternoon and was signed up for a free class the next day at 8 PM. That was quick. Not knowing what to expect, I showed up to the small studio in workout clothes, looking very out of place among the robe-clad martial artists. I signed a liability waiver and was led into the practice room by the instructor, John. There were a few people practicing individually in the room with wooden swords and fans. I had no idea what they were doing, but they sure looked cool! Where were the other students in this introductory class though? John starts by explaining the many benefits of practicing Oom Yung Doe. It focuses on connecting the mind and the body. He used to have asthma and back pain, and now they're gone. It improves your strength, flexibility, and focus. With regular practice, people start excelling in other parts of their lives as well (high GPA,s promotions, the works). Sounds great! Turns out I'm the only one in the class. Unexpected, to say the least. And pretty intimidating. But John was very supportive and great as leading and explaining each movement. We started out with some breathing excercises, then moved to some strength and flexibility movements, punches and kicks, holding positions, and finished with some self defense training. At the end, he did two full forms, a beginner and a dragon form, to demonstrate what you will work toward. He's been practicing for 7 years so is very committed and pretty incredible at it. The entire lesson took almost an hour, and it was completely free. The individual attention and professionalism was so impressive. From experiencing this class, I'm wondering if this form of martial arts is for me. I'm definitely lacking some of the strength, focus, and flexibility required, but I'm sure those are all things you work toward. I'm also not sure I'd be able to work it into my schedule, as John told me that they encourage people to come at least 3 times a week in order to improve. The introductory month is $150, which includes 3 private lessons and unlimited classes at the studio afterward. I liked seeing the space, learning more about the practice, and witnessing the personal connections the instructor has with the others practicing. It seems like a great environment to try something new and improve your physical and emotional well-being. I very much enjoyed the introduction and encourage anyone to try it out. What do you have to lose? (Except maybe your dignity.. if you care about looking like an idiot as you tremble trying to hold difficult positions or unsuccessfully fend off a fake attacker.)

Starting training in traditional martial arts is the best thing i've done for myself. The…read moreinstructors here are patient, knowledgable, and warm. Movements are challenging but results are almost immediate, no doubt there was a huge improvement by the end of one month. Just like all exercise , consistency is key and instructors are good at reminding you of this without being intrusive or self promoting. This place makes me feel i belong there and i am so glad i've brought it into my life

The Wah Lum Athletic Association is one of the oldest full-time kung fu schools operating in…read moreBoston's Chinatown. It's main goal is to promote the study of the Chinese Martial Arts and for the development of physical, mental, and general well-being of students. Training includes kung fu exercises, hand forms, weapons forms, self-defense applications, sparring, as well as the philosophical aspects of Wah Lum Kung Fu. Students are taught at the rate of their own abilities, and in this respect, a high standard of quality is maintained.

I absolutely loved the sound bath and yoga session last month. Liz was exceptional in guiding…read moreeveryone through meditation. It helped me quiet my mind. This was definitely one of the most relaxed savasana's I have had in awhile. I can't wait for future sessions!

Liz is by far one of the most compassionate and knowledgable individuals in her industry. Not only…read moredoes she instruct with patience and attention to detail, she is also an incredible teacher. Don't be afraid to try a new practice with Liz as she works with her clients every step of the way at their own pace. I couldn't recommend Aligned Meditation enough for both seasoned vets and beginners alike!