Senior Tai Chi

  • Boost Memory 
  • Improve Cognitive Skills
  • Improves leg strength
  • Improves balance
  • Achieve Mindfulness
  • Reduce Stress

Tai Chi Program For Seniors

 

Tai Chi for Seniors

Better Balance. Greater Confidence. A Lifetime of Learning.

Discover a gentle, engaging way to stay active and connected. Our 45–50-minute classes combine slow, controlled movement with mindful attention, helping you develop balance, coordination, and body awareness. Research suggests Tai Chi can improve balance, reduce fall risk, and support cognitive health in older adults.

Voted Best in Austin year after year, Austin Kung Fu & Tai Chi offers a distinctive combination of scientific understanding and traditional practice. Dr. Joe Schaefer brings a PhD in neuroscience, published research experience, and nearly 40 years of Tai Chi teaching to our approach—a rare depth of knowledge about how the brain and body learn together.

You’ll learn Tai Chi step by step, developing skills you can practice independently and enjoy for years to come. With multiple forms to explore and a welcoming community to grow alongside, many of our seniors stay for years, reach advanced levels, and even help others learn.

Build confidence in your movement—and keep discovering what you can do.

 

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Pain has eased and balance has improved

“At 75, after two near falls and reflecting on past injuries—a broken hip, a severe motorcycle accident, and a pacemaker—I knew I needed to act. I found Austin Kung Fu & Tai Chi and began classes in April 2025. Five months in, attending twice a week, I have no regrets. Master Joe, Master Sheryl, and the advanced students have been incredibly supportive. The pain in my left shoulder has eased, and my balance has significantly improved. I now move with more deliberation and control, something I am truly grateful for.”

Bill G. 8/2025

They put their heart and soul into teaching

Having found Master Joe and Master Sheryl, owners of the Austin Kung Fu and Tai Chi School, I’ve experienced how they literally put their heart and soul into teaching and making their school a welcoming environment for persons of all ages. If nothing else, the comradery, commitment, and longevity of their students says more about who Master Joe and Sheryl are than any review could.

Rod M.

Supportive and caring

The school is a community where we are motivated mentally and physically and can grow and learn together. Master Joe and Master Sheryl provide a supportive and caring environment where students can thrive and be their best selves. The tai chi program provides endless learning opportunities that continue for a lifetime.

Lesa W.

I always feel better after class

I have found a truly wonderful and supportive community of people. I’ve made new friends that are also teachers and training partners. It’s good exercise (you will sweat doing some of the forms) and I always feel better at the end of class than I did at the beginning. Joining the Austin Shaolin-Do family is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. I hope that you’ll feel the same after you join.

Paul K.

Seniors Can Benefit The Most From Tai Chi

 

Tai Chi Is shown to be healthier for Seniors than walking

Fall prevention in older adults: Supported by 14 systematic reviews showing consistent reduction in fall risk.

Osteoarthritis: Especially knee osteoarthritis—improvements seen in pain, stiffness, and function.

Parkinson’s disease: Enhanced balance and mobility when combined with medication.

COPD rehabilitation: Improvements in walking distance, breathlessness, and lung function.

Cognitive function: Notable gains in attention and mental processing speed among older adults.

 

Also Benefits for depression, cardiac rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, and

dementia-related cognitive decline.

Try One Of Our Tai Chi Classes

  • Multiple Class Options
  • Daytime Class Options
  • No Contracts
  • Senior (60+) get 30% off our regular prices
  • Free trial session
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Recent Report On NPR

As A Beginner You’ll Learn

Learn the basic postures, body alignment, stepping, Chi Kung breathing techniques and above all relax and enjoy Tai Chi.

A Place To Grow, Make New Friends and Reach For New Personal Goals

Our students find a new passion that is engaging and leads to a longer healthy life.

Tai Chi

Makes life Better

Master Joe & Master Sheryl have taught Tai Chi for almost 35 years. In addition, they taught university level physiology courses. The combination of their passion to teach and their experience makes them truly master-level teachers.

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Become Stronger and Balanced with Practice

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Helps Prevent Cognitive Decline

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Find Your New Happy Place

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Slow and Patient Teachers

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Supportive and Encouraging Community

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We Are The

Best In Austin

What happens when a neuroscientist and physiologist from UT are also masters of Tai Chi and own a school? That school becomes the BEST IN AUSTIN!

Tai Chi Is A Daily Health Practice That Pays Off A Hundred Fold In Terms Of Physical and Mental Longevity

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