Tai Chi Classes Near Gallatin, TN
Ancient qigong-based movement for health, balance, and self-defense. Reduce stress, relieve arthritis, and strengthen your immune system — led by a Grandmaster with 50+ years experience.
What Is Tai Chi?
Yang Tai Chi Chuan is the most widely practiced style of tai chi in the world. Evolving from ancient qigong (chee-gung) routines, Yang Tai Chi provides a non-impact form of exercise that promotes energy flow and optimizes the functioning of all bodily organs and systems.
The benefits of regular tai chi practice include relief from stress and the discomforts of arthritis, a stronger immune system, and enhanced functioning of the sympathetic nervous system and circulatory system. Although health optimization is the primary reason people practice tai chi, Yang Style also provides excellent self-defense techniques cleverly disguised within its movements.
GMA’s Tai Chi program is taught under the Golden Talon Kung Fu system — a balanced blend of fundamentals, techniques, philosophies, and training methods from both Northern and Southern styles of Chinese martial arts, founded by Grandmaster W. Vardeman.
Golden Talon Kung Fu — A comprehensive Chinese martial arts system developed for practicality. Golden Talon blends Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang, and Kung Fu into a unified curriculum. Students receive a well-rounded education in traditional martial arts practices with both health and self-defense applications.
What You’ll Learn
A complete Yang Tai Chi program — from foundational qigong to advanced weapon forms and self-defense applications.
Short form and long form sequences. Slow, flowing movements that build internal energy, improve balance, and develop body awareness.
Ancient breathing and energy cultivation exercises. Build internal strength, reduce stress, and promote the flow of chi through the body’s meridians.
Tai Chi saber form and double-edged sword form. Traditional weapon training that develops coordination, focus, and advanced body mechanics.
Partner drills for improving balance and the sense of touch. Learn to read and redirect an opponent’s force through contact and sensitivity training.
Every tai chi movement contains a practical self-defense technique. Learn to apply the forms in real-world scenarios — the martial art hidden within the meditation.
Progressive drills that strengthen legs, improve stability, and increase range of motion. Gentle enough for beginners, challenging enough for athletes.
Is Tai Chi Right for You?
Tai chi is for everyone — no athletic ability, flexibility, or experience required to start.
Improve balance, reduce fall risk, and manage arthritis pain through gentle, non-impact movement. No floor work required.
Meditative movement that calms the nervous system and reduces cortisol. A moving meditation for mental clarity and emotional balance.
Cross-train with internal martial arts. Develop body awareness, rooting, and the ability to generate power through relaxation instead of tension.
Low-impact exercise ideal for post-surgery recovery, chronic pain management, and rebuilding strength after injury or illness.
Learn From a Grandmaster
Founder of Golden Talon Kung Fu and author of the Golden Beginners Manual. Over 50 years of martial arts experience spanning Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Bagua Zhang, and Kung Fu. U.S. Air Force veteran (1967–1971, SSgt). Writer and musician. Sifu Vardeman brings a lifetime of discipline, wisdom, and mastery to every class.
Golden Talon Kung Fu / GMA
Tai Chi Tuition
Depending on program length and classes per week
Contact us for a detailed tuition breakdown. We’ll find a program that fits your schedule and budget.
Peace of Mind, Strength of Body
“Great instructors and wonderful environment for the whole family. My sons enjoy the Tae Kwon Do classes and I enjoy my Golden Talon Kung Fu and Bagua classes.”
“Anyone that is looking for something whether it be just exercising to get back in shape, self esteem issues or whatever your need may be — consider becoming a part of this family. I have never met such encouraging and inspirational people. I am so glad I have became a part of this family.”
Tai Chi FAQ
Both. Tai chi is one of the original Chinese internal martial arts. Every movement in the forms contains a practical self-defense application — strikes, joint locks, throws, and takedowns disguised within the flowing movements. At GMA, Sifu Vardeman teaches both the health and self-defense aspects so students understand the complete art.
No. Tai chi is non-impact and every movement can be adapted to your current ability level. Students who can’t stand for long periods can do seated versions of the forms. You’ll build flexibility, balance, and strength progressively as you train — that’s the whole point. Start where you are.
Research supports tai chi for stress reduction, arthritis pain relief, improved balance and fall prevention, stronger immune function, enhanced circulation, lower blood pressure, and better sleep. The gentle, flowing movements promote energy flow and optimize organ function without stressing joints. Many doctors recommend tai chi for patients managing chronic conditions.
Yoga uses static poses and stretches. Tai chi uses continuous, flowing movement — you’re always in motion. Tai chi is performed standing (no floor work), which makes it more accessible for people with mobility limitations. Tai chi also has a martial arts foundation, so every movement has both a health and a self-defense purpose. Both are excellent for health — tai chi just adds a martial dimension.
Qigong (chee-gung) is the foundation that tai chi evolved from. It consists of breathing exercises, meditation, and simple movements designed to cultivate and circulate internal energy (chi). Think of qigong as the building blocks and tai chi as the complete system that applies those principles to movement, self-defense, and health optimization. Both are taught in GMA’s program.
Ready to Find Your Inner Balance?
Your first Tai Chi class is free. Come experience the ancient art of moving meditation led by a Grandmaster with over 50 years of experience.
509 Garnet Ct, Suite 100, Gallatin, TN 37066
(731) 324-3850 | info@gmagallatin.com