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
Our next beginner course starts in January, please contact to enrol!
Beginners Tai Chi
Friday 9th January, 18:00-19:00
Bamboo Forest Martial Arts Studio
Harrogates beginners Tai Chi course, learn a Tai Chi practice in eight weeks small group class with weekly supporting videos.
What We Practice
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.
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.
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
Strength
Balance
Structure
Focus
Relaxation
Awareness
Flow
Existing Students Reviews
I’ve recently started Tai Chi at Bamboo Forest Martial Arts, taught by Paul and I’ve been really impressed from the very first session. Paul has a supportive and relaxed teaching style, blending historic practice with clear, accessible teaching that makes the sessions both informative and enjoyable.
The atmosphere is completely pressure free, there are no mistakes, only learning. I was looking for a change from high-intensity exercise to something more mindful and grounding, and Tai Chi has been exactly what I needed.
After each session, I feel mentally clearer with a heightened awareness of the fascia muscles rather than just the large muscle groups. The follow-up support is excellent too. Paul shares well-produced video clips that recap what we covered in class, along with optional further reading if you’d like to explore more deeply.
I’d highly recommend Tai Chi at Bamboo Forest to anyone looking to improve their mental and physical wellbeing at their own pace, supported by Paul’s knowledge, encouragement, and calm approach.
Tim
The atmosphere is completely pressure free, there are no mistakes, only learning. I was looking for a change from high-intensity exercise to something more mindful and grounding, and Tai Chi has been exactly what I needed.
After each session, I feel mentally clearer with a heightened awareness of the fascia muscles rather than just the large muscle groups. The follow-up support is excellent too. Paul shares well-produced video clips that recap what we covered in class, along with optional further reading if you’d like to explore more deeply.
I’d highly recommend Tai Chi at Bamboo Forest to anyone looking to improve their mental and physical wellbeing at their own pace, supported by Paul’s knowledge, encouragement, and calm approach.
Tim
Joining Paul’s Beginner Tai Chi classes has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health and wellbeing. From the very first session, Paul’s manner immediately put me at ease. He creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes learning this gentle art both enjoyable and accessible, no matter your fitness level or prior experience.
Instruction: Paul’s teaching style is clear, patient, and deeply knowledgeable. He explains each movement with precision, ensuring that beginners understand not only how to perform the form, but also why it matters for balance, posture, and mindfulness.
Information: His depth of knowledge about Tai Chi and the Cheng Man Ching style shines through in every class. He shares insights that connect the physical practice to its mental and meditative benefits, making each lesson feel rich and meaningful.
Pace of Classes: The pace is perfectly judged—slow enough to allow beginners to absorb the movements, yet structured so you feel steady progress week by week. Paul never rushes, but he also keeps the sessions engaging and flowing.
Atmosphere: The classes are relaxed, friendly, and truly beginner-friendly. Paul’s encouragement helps you build confidence while gently guiding you toward improved strength, flexibility, and focus.
Tai Chi with Paul is more than just exercise—it’s a journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. His excellent teaching makes the practice accessible, rewarding, and something I look forward to every week.
Instruction: Paul’s teaching style is clear, patient, and deeply knowledgeable. He explains each movement with precision, ensuring that beginners understand not only how to perform the form, but also why it matters for balance, posture, and mindfulness.
Information: His depth of knowledge about Tai Chi and the Cheng Man Ching style shines through in every class. He shares insights that connect the physical practice to its mental and meditative benefits, making each lesson feel rich and meaningful.
Pace of Classes: The pace is perfectly judged—slow enough to allow beginners to absorb the movements, yet structured so you feel steady progress week by week. Paul never rushes, but he also keeps the sessions engaging and flowing.
Atmosphere: The classes are relaxed, friendly, and truly beginner-friendly. Paul’s encouragement helps you build confidence while gently guiding you toward improved strength, flexibility, and focus.
Tai Chi with Paul is more than just exercise—it’s a journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. His excellent teaching makes the practice accessible, rewarding, and something I look forward to every week.
Here’s a polished, friendly review you can use:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review for Instructor Paul
Paul is an excellent teacher — calm, patient, and incredibly easy to learn from. His Tai Chi classes are relaxing, well-structured, and suitable for all levels. Paul explains movements clearly and makes the whole experience enjoyable and stress-free. I always leave the class feeling centred and refreshed. Highly recommended!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review for Instructor Paul
Paul is an excellent teacher — calm, patient, and incredibly easy to learn from. His Tai Chi classes are relaxing, well-structured, and suitable for all levels. Paul explains movements clearly and makes the whole experience enjoyable and stress-free. I always leave the class feeling centred and refreshed. Highly recommended!
Paul’s 8 week Tai Chi beginners course has been great. It’s focused, but taught in a relaxed small class, where you pick up techniques really quickly.
Great to follow on with another 8 weeks to build on it. Great value too.
Great to follow on with another 8 weeks to build on it. Great value too.
I'm so glad I came across Bamboo Forest, where I was looking for a Tai Chi class. Paul is a great teacher with lots of experience and a very good approach.
Our class is small enough for him to be able to give us individual advice. After each session, we also receive emails with video tutorials of what we did in the classroom. This helps you to practice at home even if you miss some of your classes. You always have the option to 1:1 catch up class if you feel like you need one or if you miss one of the sessions.
For me, Bamboo Forest is a good opportunity to be physically active ,calm my busy mind, and I also met nice people.
Thank you Bamboo Forest, Thanks Paul for being so good teacher.
Anna.
Our class is small enough for him to be able to give us individual advice. After each session, we also receive emails with video tutorials of what we did in the classroom. This helps you to practice at home even if you miss some of your classes. You always have the option to 1:1 catch up class if you feel like you need one or if you miss one of the sessions.
For me, Bamboo Forest is a good opportunity to be physically active ,calm my busy mind, and I also met nice people.
Thank you Bamboo Forest, Thanks Paul for being so good teacher.
Anna.
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.
A Google User
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Its been so beneficial for my physical and psychological well being .
A small group , very relaxed and so supportive.
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 🙌
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!
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!
A fantastic relaxed environment and great teaching techniques… highly recommend Paul at Bamboo Forest…
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
Been here a few times now, quite relaxed and informal with lots of fun. Standard of tuition seems to be pretty good.
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.
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.
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