Huan's Tai Chi and Kung Fu - Cambridge — Local services in Cambridge

I've been learning Yang-style tai chi from Huan for over 4 years, and will continue for as long as I have the opportunity. Huan is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about tai chi (as well as some other Chinese martial arts like Tong Bei and Bagua). He is also a patient and encouraging teacher who wants his students to achieve their goals -- whether that is improved health and fitness, martial arts training, relaxation, or some combination of everything. He teaches the traditional, authentic tai chi forms and techniques, emphasizing the underlying principles and martial applications (which are helpful for context and deeper understanding even if you're not planning to get in any fights!). I started taking classes from Huan mainly to relieve muscle tension, but I've gotten so much more out of it: the martial, physiological, and cultural aspects have been fascinating and rewarding. Somehow I learn something new and improve my technique every class, even if we're reviewing a basic move I've done a thousand times.

I should add that during covid, Huan has made a surprisingly effective switch to online classes. I didn't imagine that online tai chi lessons could work well, and of course the ability to feel how things work with a partner is missing, but Huan is good at seeing and correcting our mistakes through Zoom, and he uses breakout rooms and other videoconference features to capture quite a bit of the in-person class experience. If you're thinking about trying tai chi but are skeptical about doing it online, I would give it a try anyway...

I first started learning tai chi from Huan almost two years ago, mostly for physical exercise and stress relief. But when he spent our whole first class teaching me a single move, explaining all its nuances, and going into the greater philosophy of tai chi, I realized that this tradition—and this teacher—offered a lot more. Besides his amazing passion, skill, and expertise in a wide range of martial arts, Huan is a really remarkable instructor. He teaches through patient step-by-step demonstration, detailed explanations including cultural and historical context and practical application, close observation of and dialogue with individual students, and precisely calibrated corrections. He also has several longtime experienced and dedicated students who are always happy to help newer students. Practicing with Huan is a highlight and a cornerstone of my week—it keeps me totally focused and engaged for that one hour, and also brings more energy, balance, strength, and care into the rest of my life. It sparks not just physical but also cognitive, emotional, social, and even artistic growth. And...

Huan’s Tai Chi and Kung Fu is an excellent school for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Master Huan Zhang has an in-depth understanding of Tai Chi, Xin Yi, Pa Gua, Tong Bei, and many other styles. He offers a rare opportunity to study a variety of styles at a deep and practical level.

The forms he teaches are carefully selected from different traditions and are highly effective, efficient, and unique. His teaching approach allows for continuous learning, with deeper insights unfolding over time—provided you have the patience and consistency required for any internal style.

I have practiced Kung Fu for many years, but my understanding of Tai Chi and Xin Yi has reached an entirely new level under Master Zhang’s guidance.

Huan’s school also has an exceptional community of students, making it a pleasure to train in such a supportive and inspiring...