Tai Chi, Martial Arts & Meditation


Improve relaxation, balance, strength and awareness for body and mind.  Harrogate weekly public classes.  Hybrid online with monthly seminars for those further a field

What We Practice

Tai Chi form practice by the side of the river Nidd, Knaresborough, Harrogate

Applied Tai Chi

Applied Tai Chi classes are not your regular Tai Chi classes! Learn a short form, then explore the conditioning and partner practices to develop strength, structure, relaxation and deep awareness. Tai Chi is a principle based martial art providing a great cross training opportunity.  Especially valuable as time or injury gets in the way of your regular practice.

Practicing Escrima Sinawalli vs Staff near Pately Bridge

Escrima, Tai Chi Staff & Stick

Traditional training from Pilipino Escrima, Tai Chi Staff and Chinese stick systems, with practical instruction for an engaging experience. Get fit, integrate mind and body, improve hand eye co-ordination and work towards a flow state while discovering Asia's rich cultural heritage through the mastery of the most primitive of tools.

Meditation and breath work in the Yorkshire Dales

Tai Chi, Meditation & Neigong

Tai Chi practice and meditation, breath work and internal strength practices from a number of asian traditions.  Great for physical and mental health. Run as courses though out the year to give you a practice to take away for life.  These are not martial arts classes and focus on balance, health and fitness. 

Benefits of Practice


Flexibility

Tai chi and martial arts practice for flexibility

Almost everything we do includes some stretching and loosening.

Strength

Develop functional strength especially in the legs and core with traditional training methods

Functional strength and stability, especially of the torso and lower  body.

Balance

Tai Chi practice for balance

Build  strong ground connection and center your structure over it.

Structure

Use Tai Chi and traditional weapon practice to feel and test the alignment of your structure.

Use your body in the efficient way it was intended to be used.

Focus

Practice based training to focus the both mind and body via Meditation and Tai Chi practice

Through mindful movement improve concentration and focus

Relaxation

Relax with Tai chi form practice, meditation and breath-work

Soften your mind and body and stop working against yourself.

Awareness

Train awareness through the application of Yin and Yang in natural environments with tai chi and traditional weapon flows.

From focus comes awareness of the body and mind.

Flow

Tai Chi, Escrima, stick and staff help you to train a flow state in Harrogate classes

Move almost subconciously in a state of light relaxed awareness.

Where We Practice

Harrogate Valley Gardens

The Sun pavilion in Harrogate Valley Gardens close to where the Sunday Tai Chi class

Valley Gardens in Harrogate is a beautiful venue for both Tai Chi breath work classes and applied Tai Chi classes. Which are practised every Sunday morning in the Rotunda down the colonnades from the Sun pavilion next to Cornwall Road.

Valley Gardens Classes

Leeds Martial Arts Hut

Martial Arts Hut Alwoodley location for the Bamboo Forest Leeds Tai Chi classes

The Martial Arts Hut is a custom fitted martial arts venue with a matted floor, various hung bags and lots of different training equipment. It has its own carpark, toilets and kitchen area. Bamboo forest runs regular classes on a Tuesday night. Note due to the large mattered floor outdoor shoes are not allowed in the training space.

Martial Arts Hut Classes

O'Connor's Chiropractic

Studio at O'Connors Chiropractor Harrogate location for Beginners Tai Chi classes

O’Connor’s Chiropractic provides additional health and wellness services beyond the Chiropractic care. We hire a space there to provide introductory courses and classes that fit their ethos. Initially Tai Chi and breath work classes but keep an eye out for the other courses covering strength, conditioning and mindfulness.

O'Connor's Chiropractic Classes

Existing Students Reviews


Andy Howell profile pictureAndy Howell
12:56 04 Nov 25
I was looking for something to provide both mental and physical strength and sustainability. Paul's Tai Chi class was the perfect mix of mediative physical activity and a calming mental atmosphere. His knowledge and expertise are most evident and provide a sense of confidence in the learning process. A most enjoyable and important journey to take. I am continuing with this after my first course. Excellent class, so worth getting involved with.
Patricia Appleby profile picturePatricia Appleby
17:49 30 Oct 25
I was recommended by a neighbour, went along to the beginners class and found it such a lovely experience, the insight to Tai Chi, the movements and mindfulness of each of the moves. Paul is a great teacher and very patient. I feel calm and relaxed after each class and happy with my progress.
Darren Rees profile pictureDarren Rees
18:49 29 Oct 25
A great club and an exceptional instructor. It’s been a while since I was involved with Martial Arts and had tried many different styles over the years. I wanted to learn Tai Chi as it’s a “gentler” form in comparison with “full contact” styles. Perfect for me.

Paul, the instructor, is very experienced, calming and patient. He works really well with the students and it’s always a pleasure to attend. I thoroughly recommend Bamboo Forest Martial Arts.
Jo Tucker profile pictureJo Tucker
17:31 29 Oct 25
Had a fantastic beginner course with Paul. Small class sizes and Paul's patience made it easier to get to grips with the moves. Having the weekly videos helps with practicing in between classes. I'd thoroughly recommend the course to anyone!
Julia profile pictureJulia
12:34 24 Oct 25
The beginners Tai Chi class with Paul has been amazing. Looking forward to part 2 .
Its been so beneficial for my physical and psychological well being .
A small group , very relaxed and so supportive.
Pam Nicklin profile picturePam Nicklin
20:33 30 Sep 25
Paul is an mazing teacher with an abundance of Martial Art knowledge which shines through in his classes. I am enjoying learning Cheng-Man Ch'ing style with Paul so much 🙌
Ian Gillespie profile pictureIan Gillespie
11:45 30 Sep 25
Very knowledgeable instructor with a background in a number of internal practices. Oppertunity to extend learning from the form into pushing hand and weapons in follow on classes.
Debbie Stoker profile pictureDebbie Stoker
20:16 28 Sep 25
I first set out to find a form of exercise gentle enough to cope with osteoarthritis in one knee, but still able to strengthen my legs. In Tai Chi with Paul from Bamboo Forest Martial Arts, I found exactly what I was looking for—and so much more.
What began as a search for manageable movement has become a holistic practice for both body and mind. It has given me a real sense of wellbeing, an outlet to reset and recharge, and the confidence to take on new challenges I didn’t think possible.
Paul is a fabulous teacher — supportive, patient, and inspiring. His teaching style makes each session both accessible and rewarding, encouraging steady progress. Over time, I’ve noticed a real difference: I am now moving with much more ease and confidence.
Beyond the physical benefits, these classes have brought connection, positivity, and a renewed appreciation of what my body can do. I cannot recommend Tai Chi with Paul from Bamboo Forest Martial Arts highly enough.
Jon profile pictureJon
17:26 28 Sep 25
Hi … I’m leaving a note to recommend and support the activities of Bamboo Forest Martial Arts and Paul’s ability to teach and explain, in this case, Tai Chi. I was very keen to find a class which not only ran through the mechanics but also had a level of authenticity and commitment to maintaining a historical lineage which could be both taught and explained so that you feel part of something a little larger. I joined the class as a Rossett Adult learning but have continued for the next couple of terms. It not only provides the Tai Chi experience but also a weekly opportunity to slow a little and connect. This is a great opportunity to find a local opportunity to learn more and dig a little deeper. Thanks
Samantha Simmons profile pictureSamantha Simmons
10:55 22 Sep 25
Have been learning from Paul for over a year now and couldn’t recommend his classes more highly. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced he is knowledgeable, supportive and adaptable in his teaching style, ensuring everyone is learning and developing! Go on, give a class a try, you won’t regret it!!
Mat White profile pictureMat White
08:08 22 Sep 25
Thoroughly enjoying Paul's stick fighting class on thursday evenings. Even with my 30 years' martial arts experience, I get so much out of Paul's excellent teaching and training alongside him and his other students. Cannot recommend enough!
Gary Robinson profile pictureGary Robinson
09:54 21 Sep 25
A fantastic relaxed environment and great teaching techniques… highly recommend Paul at Bamboo Forest…
Craig Pocknell profile pictureCraig Pocknell
12:22 19 Sep 25
As a total beginner I couldn’t have found a better tutor. The pace of learning is perfect for all abilities and and Paul’s approach is friendly and highly knowledgeable. Highly recommended for experienced or beginners.
Kimberley Simmons profile pictureKimberley Simmons
19:10 18 Sep 25
I really enjoy Paul’s Tai Chi classes. I started training with him on a beginners course at Rossett School as part of their adult learning programme. Since then I’ve been coming to his lovely studio on Saturday mornings. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how relaxing yet challenging the practise can be. Paul is a great teacher. His instruction is easy to follow, he is very knowledgeable and he includes Qigong exercises too - warm ups and breath work which nicely round out the class. I’m really enjoying it. Thanks Paul!
goldentigerclaw1 profile picturegoldentigerclaw1
18:34 18 Sep 25
Great martial arts class! Paul is really friendly and patient, and makes sure everyone feels welcome no matter what level you’re at. Each lesson is well structured but also enjoyable, you learn proper technique, build focus and balance, and pick up useful self-defense skills along the way.

The atmosphere is super supportive, and the group feels more like a team than just a class. I always leave feeling stronger, more confident, and glad I went. Definitely recommend to anyone thinking about giving it a try!
Emma profile pictureEmma
09:38 13 Sep 25
When I started I wasn't quite sure what to expect. However Paul put me at ease immediately. He's incredibly knowledgeable and also is very patient and understanding. I'm really enjoying the classes and is definitely worth it.
Karen profile pictureKaren
16:42 25 Feb 24
A fun way to spend Sunday mornings learning various tai chi techniques/skills which has included Escrima stick fighting and Staff forms with Paul and the gang.
Paul has a wealth of tai chi martial arts knowledge and experience. He also adapts his classes to suit his students (beginners to more experienced).
Bridget Tayan profile pictureBridget Tayan
14:29 17 Feb 24
If you are interested in learning more about Chinese Martial arts and their application, then this is the place for you. Paul is very knowledgeable and his lessons are always interesting and fun.
Trevor profile pictureTrevor
17:02 16 Feb 24
I have known Paul who runs Bamboo Forest Martial Arts. Paul's a great teacher in Tai Chi martial arts. Whatever the moves of Tai Chi Paul teaches, you will find him full of patience and lots of knowledge.
Darren Taylor profile pictureDarren Taylor
20:01 15 Feb 24
I train regularly with Paul under Bamboo Forest and in my experience he is very knowledgeable and a superb trainer. I would highly recommend training with him.
roddy macglashan profile pictureroddy macglashan
18:40 15 Feb 24
Been here a few times now, quite relaxed and informal with lots of fun. Standard of tuition seems to be pretty good.
alastair g profile picturealastair g
21:41 14 Feb 24
I've just started at the Harrogate Stick and Staff class. It is my first experience of a weapons based martial art and I have found it very enjoyable. Paul is very good at explaining the underlying principles of the art and there is a good mix of practising techniques solo and as two-person drills. There is a very friendly atmosphere and after the class people tend to finish up at the café nearby and chat. Very glad I found this class.
Erica L profile pictureErica L
16:43 14 Feb 24
Amazing atmosphere. Found this class and group extremely welcoming and there is a wealth of knowledge. Helps mentally and physically without being too strenuous. Can thoroughly recommend.

Train with Bamboo Forest Martial Arts

Discover a vibrant approach to holistic health and fitness, embracing both body and mind at Bamboo Forest Martial Arts. If the traditional gym setting doesn't resonate with you, our martial arts classes offer a compelling alternative to enhance your fitness, well-being, and confidence.

With over 25 years of personal martial arts practice and over two decades of teaching experience, Bamboo Forest is affiliated with the respected Zhong Ding traditional martial arts association. Our rich lineage boasts top-tier practitioners who have shaped the arts we passionately embrace.

At Bamboo Forest, community, inclusion, and diversity are integral to our ethos. We welcome individuals of all genders, ages, and races to participate and foster a supportive environment.  Beyond physical endeavours, the practice of our arts serve as a transformative journey, providing a holistic exploration and improvement of your entire self.

For those seeking application of the traditional fighting arts, Bamboo Forest's applied classes are designed for you. Benefit from our extensive practical training acquired throughout the UK and South East Asia, offering a genuine path to mastering these age-old disciplines.

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