Stirling Tai Chi Society
West Town
(8)
West Town
(8)
8 customer reviews
Peg Swanton
Great instruction. Stirling makes it easy to learn tai chi.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Angela McElwain
An excellent T'ai Chi studio, Stirling is the real deal. Theo's pretty cool too.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jeff Aigner
Stirling Tai Chi society is the best in Chicago, bar none. Master Stirling has decades of experience both in Tai Chi and as a teacher. I went in for a free class and was convinced immediately -- and I can't stop coming back!If you are thinking about starting Tai Chi, or just looking for a new place to learn and practice, come in and check it out! You won't be disappointed!I hope to see you there soon :) More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Laura Linhardt
I am new to Chicago. I wanted to try tai chi because I have always been interested in it, but had not previously taken classes. I could not have made a better choice. The instructor is phenomenal! This school is a small, inclusive community in a big city. All the people are welcoming and helpful. I would suggest to anyone to come and try a class. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Michelle C.
I was recommended to try Tai Chi as a way to relieve stress, help with physical balance and strength, and for overall health. I've been coming here a couple months, and cannot say enough about the class structure and instructor. Since I'm a way beginner, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, this workout is different from classes I've taken for yoga, Zumba and most cardio-type class structures, since I didn't have to just "pick up" where the class was at. The class instructor (Stirling) is excellent, and takes time to show you each move and guides you every step of the way. He is very thorough, non-critical, peaceful, skilled and patient. It's a class you can take at any level and not feel lost or behind. If you're advanced, Stirling has been doing Tai Chi since the 70s and is skilled in the various forms, such as sword form. He has a lot of students that are at advanced levels and can also provide instruction. If you're a beginner like me, the practice is so fascinating and you don't necessarily need practice/knowledge to start, since you will definitely learn and "feel" when the moves are correct. There are a lot of underlying principals when it comes to perfecting the form - learning these has had a huge impact on my progress. Â Learning how each move can be used in combat is so empowering!Benefits I've gotten: A lot of energy as opposed to lethargic, physical and mental balance and strength, reduced stress/increased calmness, greater ability to focus, and stronger legs, arms and core More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Jm Amy
I have been coming here for over a year now, and this is a great place to learn Tai chi. People are really friendly. Stirling is an excellent instructor who studied under Master Hsu one of the original people to spread Tai chi in USA. Progress in Tai chi is measured in months and years instead of days, so sometimes it takes patience, but it is great for mood, concentration, strength, and balance. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Amy Y.
I have been coming here for a few months now, and I really enjoyed the experience so far. I was previously in different yoga studios but for whatever reason, I thought maybe Tai chi would be good for helping me work with my mind. First, let me say that taichi is a slow process. It takes 3 months just to learn the basic forms and 3 years to get that right. However, you don't need to perfect the forms to start feeling it. After several months I still feel like a beginner - which I am - but also feel more centered and more energy.Stirling is an excellent teacher and this is a good place to learn. As beginner you get a lot of individual instructions. Many of the practioners here have been doing this for years and they all help the beginners out. Environment is relaxed and friendly. The people are from all different backgrounds, levels, ages, etc. Stirling himself was student of Master Hsu, one of the early founders of taichi in US. I had chance to meet Master Hsu and the man is in his 80s but look more spirited than most 40 year olds. In summary, I highly recommend this place. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
John K.
First off: Tai Chi is awesome! Â It's yoga, meditation, and kung fu all at once, and it makes my body feel good and my mind feel calm. The art seems infinite on physical, mental and spiritual levels, but it can be challenging and enjoyable at any depth (so far, in my limited experience). (Btw, I used to roll my eyes at such lofty claims, but it really is something you need to experience. It's heavy.) Secondly, and more importantly, Stirling is an excellent teacher. I have been going to classes 3-5 times a week for a bit over a year, and I am constantly learning new and deeper aspects of the art without ever feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. As a teacher myself, I understand the knowledge, restraint and patience required to instill this feeling in a student. Not only have I learned Tai Chi from Stirling, I've also learned how to teach more effectively. Finally, class is a great hang. The atmosphere is super relaxed and all the students (a diverse cross section, to be sure) are friendly and helpful. Often Stirling makes Chinese tea before class or on break and we talk about what we've been focusing on, what we've noticed in each other's forms, or whatever else comes up. It's good times. I can't imagine how this practice wouldn't improve anyone's life. Highly recommended! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
