Palisades Kung Fu and Tai Chi

Experience the research-backed health and wellness benefits of true tai chi

For physical and mental wellness, fitness and conditioning, improving strength and balance, and finding your focus and centeredness.

Scroll down for class options and complete the form to be added to our contact list and let us know which classes you are interested in.

"A great instructor. Patient, and knowledgeable." — Lew R.

"Best class ever! " — Katie S.

"These classes are really amazing!" — Sharon W.

How Can Tai Chi Benefit You?

Tai chi can help with stress reduction, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and general well-being. It may also improve sleep, ease some chronic pain, and help lower anxiety. (Mayo Clinic)

Common benefits

Better balance and coordination, especially helpful for older adults—and more efficiently than conventional exercise modalities. (Harvard Medical School, NIH)
Improved flexibility and muscle strength. (Harvard Medical School)
Lower stress and a calmer mood, since it combines movement with focused breathing. (Mayo Clinic)
Possible relief from anxiety, depression, and some chronic pain. (Mayo Clinic)
Better sleep and cardiovascular health in some studies.
Reduce weight gain around the middle in older adults (UCLA Health)
Tai chi also helps reduce symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD (numerous studies)

To gain the benefits that can come from tai chi practice, it's important to be consistent and make it a part of your weekly routine. Practicing two to three times a week is optimal.

Even a 10-20-minute tai chi workout can act like "moving meditation" to calm your nervous system, lower your blood pressure, improve circulation, and make you feel more centered and grounded.

Why it appeals to many people

Tai chi is low impact and gentle, so it’s often easier to stick with than more intense exercise. It can be a good option if you want something that supports both physical and mental health without a hard workout. (Harvard Medical School).

PROUDLY AFFILIATED WITH

Learn at your own pace in a personalized, supportive, and non-competitive setting from a teacher who has over 40 years of experience, training in China, and a deep connection to authentic traditions and teaching methods.

We specialize in teaching people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels, meeting people where they are and helping them improve as complete individuals, mind, body, and spirit.

Whether you are an advanced practitioner looking to refine your skills and learn something new, someone who hasn't worked out in a long time and wants to get back into it, or you are just starting on your journey, you are welcome here.

CLASS OPTIONS AND SCHEDULE

(All times Pacific Standard Time)

LA Parks

In partnership with LA Parks, these classes are open to everyone. They include stretching, strength training, meditation, qigong, and tai chi basics, along with instruction in the Yang Style 24-movement form and other tai chi and kung fu elements. Classes are designed to meet students where they are and promote improvement.

LOCATIONS AND TIMES

Barrington Recreation Center

Wednesdays 11–12

Felicia Mahood Multipurpose Center

Wednesdays 9:30–10:15

Westchester Senior Center

Thursdays 9:15–10:00

(taught online)

Palisades Recreation Center

***Returning 2027 due to park construction***

To register in advance, click below and scroll down to find the location. You may also register in-person.

Beyond Karate

We are thrilled to be partnering with Beyond Karate in Santa Monica to offer tai chi and qigong to the community. No prior experience required. Your first class is always free.

1x/week $100 month

2x/week $160/month

Package of 5 classes $175

Package of 10 classes $300

Mondays and Wednesdays 6–7pm

Classes held at Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica

Online

Online classes are always taught live—no recordings or AI! It's a great way to explore tai chi and connect with an online community. Practice from anywhere using your computer, tablet, or phone. You just need a little space to move around in your living room. Email to get your link. Easy payment via Venmo.

$20/class

Mondays 12–12:45
Fridays 9–9:45
*** Special discount for anyone who experienced the wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, CA. ***

Email to book a class

Private Lessons

Private lessons are ideal for students seeking flexible scheduling and personalized attention. Each session is tailored to your individual needs and goals, allowing for deeper exploration, focused skill development, and meaningful growth.

Lessons are available online or in-person. Guy customizes his approach for each student, whether you are pursuing martial arts for therapeutic purposes, preparing for on-screen performance as an actor, or looking to expand your skills as an intermediate or advanced practitioner.

Email to book a class

Testimonials

What People Are Saying

After training in kung fu for over 20 years, I recognized Guy's mastery from the very first class. After taking classes for a few months, I have already experienced better balance, focus, and overall agility.

Linda D.

Online and In-Person Student

Guy is one of the best teachers out there. He is great teaching young students. My son thoroughly enjoyed being in his class.

Harley Y.

Parent of Student

Guy is a great instructor. Patient, and knowledgeable. No matter what your level, he leads by example and watches to guide your moves correctly. He brings a truly mindful spirit to the discipline.

Lew R.

Student

Guy is inspiring, patient, and provides a safe and welcoming environment for all of his students. I was a complete beginner with some physical limitations and he taught me how to do the movements in a safe manner that wouldn't cause pain. His classes are a lot of fun!

Fay K.

Student

These classes are really amazing! The teacher has had decades of training and it shows. He's flexible and sensitive to the needs of his students.

Sharon W.

Student

Best class ever! Guy is a great teacher and tai chi is super relaxing. So nice to have this.

Katie S.

Student

Guy is a wonderful teacher! Can't recommend him enough. He has patience, knowledge, and a fun sense of humor.

Laurie P.

Student

Guy has been my teacher since I lost my husband and then my house in the January fires. His calm patience, and expertise have helped me greatly. I am 78 and my strength, balance, and core have all benefitted from his classes! He has a deep, integrated understanding of tai chi and martial arts.

Kathy J.

Student

About the Instructor

Guy Horton began his journey in tai chi and kung fu more than 40 years ago, with extensive training in China and Japan, including with Chen Peishan, 12th generation successor of Chen Small Frame Tai Chi, one of original styles of tai chi that traces its origins back to the 17th century.

Guy's first instructor, Liang Kam Yuen (1941-2023), was a master in Seven Star Praying Mantis, Tai Chi Praying Mantis, and the Northern Shaolin system of kung fu under masters Wong Jack-Man (1941-2018) and Ma Jianfeng (1916-2000). Grandmaster Yuen introduced mass audiences to kung fu through his work on the 1970's Kung Fu TV series with David Carradine. He later founded the Tai Mantis Kung Fu Association in Torrance, California.

Since the 1980s, Guy has also studied extensively with Yao Li and Joshua Grant, co-founders of the Boston Kung Fu Tai Chi Institute. Both were instrumental in transmitting authentic kung fu from China to the U.S. Between them, they have won numerous championships and awards and have shared their knowledge with thousands of people, both through their school and their best-selling instructional video series.

With over 35 years of teaching experience, Guy believes it's important to help students understand core principles so that they may experience and enjoy martial arts at the deepest level possible, unlocking the physical and mental benefits true practice can bring.

To further deepen his practice, Guy continues his training with Masters Yao Li and Jonathan Wang.

Guy leads tai chi programs for LA Parks, Beyond Karate, and the Jonathan Club. He also serves as an advisor for tai chi-related medical research for Tufts and UCLA Medical Schools.

Photo: (upper left) Guy with Chen Peishan in 1995, (lower left) demonstrating Chen tai chi, (right) demonstrating baji style kung fu, or bajiquan.

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Guy's Teachers

Liang Kam Yuen

Liang Kam Yuen (1941-2023) was a master of Northern Shaolin, Seven Star Praying Mantis, Tai Chi Praying Mantis, and a co-founder of the Tai Mantis Kung Fu Association. He became famous for his advising and fight choreography on the TV show, Kung Fu, starring David Carradine, which introduced the philosophy and art of kung fu to wider audiences.

Yao Li

Yao Li started kung fu at a young age in Taiwan and Boston with Master Pui Chan. In the 1980s, he and his wife, Dorri Li founded Yao Li's Kung Fu Academy. He later traveled to Beijing to learn from the best teachers in China. Yao successfully competed in tournaments nationally and has won many championships. In 1990, he co-founded the Boston Kung Fu Tai Chi Institute with Dorri Li, and Joshua Grant.

Joshua Grant

Joshua Grant studied in China for many years and specializes in internal styles including Chen and Yang Tai Chi, Baguazhang, Xingyi, as well as Mantis and Straight Sword. A co-founder of the Boston Kung Fu Tai Chi Institute, Joshua is a two-time US National Wushu Taiji Gold Medalist and a former member of the US National Wushu Team, US National Taiji Team and US Pan Am Wushu Team. He is also a licensed acupuncturist.

Chen Peishan

20th Generation Chen Small Frame Tai Chi from Chenjiagou, China. Chairman of the International Society of Chen Taijiquan (ISCT) and the Japan Chen Family Taijiquan Association (JCTA).

Jonathan Wang

Jonathan is the founder of the Beijing Tai Chi & Kung Fu Academy in Los Angeles. He has won numerous championships and continues to further his training by returning to Beijing to study with some of China's most respected masters. He is a licensed acupuncturist and is at the forefront of documenting kung fu styles around the world before they are lost.