Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an "internal" Martial Art that has been practiced for centuries in China. Sometimes referred to as "moving meditation", regular Tai Chi practice has been shown to improve overall health, reduce stress levels, and reduce symptoms of a number of major diseases. Now practiced around the world, Tai Chi routines feature slow controlled punches, kicks, and blocks, with smooth and graceful transitions that are performed while breathing deeply, activating your chi, staying rooted to the ground, and taking slow deliberate steps.

East Tennessee Tai Chi Team

The East Tennessee Tai Chi Team has classes (see below), performances, and demonstrations in the Knoxville and East Tennessee region. The team regularly performs at the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival, as well as other cultural festivals in the area. The team also sponsors cultural displays and interactive lectures on Chinese weaponry and martial arts.

Tai Chi Classes

Coach Michael Smith teaches Yang-style and Chen-style tai chi in Knoxville. Currently, classes are meeting on Sunday mornings from 9:00 - 10:00 at the Cove Park in Farragut, 11808 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN, 37922. New students are always welcome!

Our classes feature:
Warm up and Stretching
Deep Breathing, Qi Gong, and Meditation
Fundamentals, including Cloud Hands, Silk Reeling, and Stepping
Explosive power (fa jin) exercises
Numerous Yang-style and Chen-style Tai Chi Routines
Tai Chi Weapons routines (sword, staff, fan, and other weapons)

Private individual and small group Tai Chi lessons are also available.

For additional information, contact Coach Michael Smith.


Coach Michael Smith has taught Chinese Martial Arts in the Knoxville area since 2005, and has won 9 gold medals in competitions in China. He earned a 3rd Dan rating in testing given by the Chinese Wushu Association in China. He has performed many local demonstrations in the Knoxville area with his students, and introduced many to the fun of Chinese Martial Arts and Culture through his Chinese culture booths at local festivals. Since 2011, he has produced the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival, the largest celebration of its kind in our region, and manages the KnoxvilleChineseCulture.org website that promotes Chinese culture in the Knoxville and East Tennessee area.