YMAA Western Mass in Florence

I found this classic Yang tai chi martial arts school to be exactly what I had been looking for with QiGong, Long Form, coiling and jing drill and partner work. Jeff leads with grace and mastery, -- and humor! The attention to mind-body and grounded soft movement supports inner connectedness, and sets my goals and desire for long, deep study.

YMAA of Western Mass is more than a place to do Tai Chi and Qigong. It’s more than an exercise program. It’s more than a moving meditation practice. It is a place to connect with a master of martial arts (Jeff), a group of kind and supportive fellow students, the YMAA community at large, and, most importantly, a place to connect with yourself, your mind, your body, your Chi… all in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. The experience is transformative, so, I guess that’s worth 5 stars!

I first met Jeff as an instructor at YMAA Boston circa 2004 during one of Dr. Yang’s weekend Taiji (Tai chi) seminars shortly after I had started Taiji. Jeff is one of the most accessible and perceptive martial arts instructors I’ve had over 34 years of study of various martial arts. Taijiquan is the most subtle and fascinating martial art I’ve studied and Jeff is completely able to lead the journey. He always seems to know just where I am in my journey and what the direction of my next steps should be. I was always a long-distance student at YMAA Boston, driving in from Southeastern and later near Hartford, Connecticut when I could make it. In 2015, when I learned that Jeff had a school in Northampton, I started classes and have not regretted the drive since. My study has really accelerated and there’s so much more to absorb, which is a challenge. The classes are informal and friendly and I’m always looking forward to the next one.

Finally I have found a teacher with whom I connect. Jeff is patient, slow with new learners, and simply a delight to work with, as is the group of his long-time, advanced students. I feel so lucky to have the YMAA close to my home in Florence.

This is a great school with a lot going for it. After years of studying a few different styles of Chinese martial arts, it was really important to me to find a taijiquan teacher who understands taiji as a martial art. Jeff is great. He has a deep knowledge of taiji principles and application, and enough background in other Chinese styles, to place everything we practice in the context of Chinese gong fu in general. For me, this was essential. In addition, the atmosphere fostered in the class is casual, but also collaborative and dedicated. There is a real sense of sincere and cooperative investigation into the usage of the art, with everyone helping each other to learn. There is also a real sense of freedom. Everyone is encouraged to make the training whatever they want it to be for themselves. This is refreshing. Less important, but also fun for me, the school comes from a great lineage (Dr. Yang Jwing Ming) and practices a somewhat rare older style of the Yang Taiji form. I feel super lucky to have this place right around the corner from me!

My training at YMAA Western MA began in the fall of 2012 with Jeff Rosen. With a strong Taekwondo background I was curious how Tai Chi could complement my martial arts practice with its mix of health and healing and close-range martial principles. I cannot say enough about the high caliber martial arts instruction, or the supportive YMAA Tai Chi class community. There is something here for everyone: those who are hoping for health/healing, or martial training will find a great home at YMAA Western MA, and the good-humored and excellent instruction of Jeff, Dvora, and Terri is not to be missed!

I've practiced Tai Chi several places as a complement to my other martial arts training. I was very glad to find this group! Because of time constraints, I've only been attending the "Level II" training, which offers a rich set of energy/power and partner exercises. This group has offered a great depth of insight in a context that is welcoming and accepting. A great find!

This practice group is amazing! Jeff has a very deep working knowledge of Tai Chi and related forms and a rare ability to teach at every level with the same amount of interest and passion. Dvora brings the same qualities to the study of Qigong and the combination is really powerful! The environment is welcoming and supportive and I feel that I can explore the richness of this tradition at my own pace. At the same time there is always the sense that I can take it as far as I could possibly want to go. The students I've been practicing with are friendly and humble and the classes are fun!