Class Reviews and Testimonials

I have been a student of martial arts for 50 years and training with Chris for just short of a year. Chris does an excellent job of deconstructing tai chi moves which, at first blush, seem extremely complicated.


Since students are at different levels he needs to blend basic techniques with those that are more advanced while keeping the senior students interested and not overwhelming the newer students. His success at doing this makes his teaching effective and enjoyable.

Mark Mestel

…over my 40-odd years of studying, I have found few — teachers or students — with [Chris’] grasp of Tai Chi and his ability to convey it to others.

Ross Andrus

Very knowledgeable and patient instructor, makes sense of movements that are at the same time complicated and simple. You learn the Yang style form and how those movements apply in Push hands. Great class for beginners to advanced.

Kay Norton

Chris does a excellent job…due to his extensive training and inquiry into all that is truly effective. He is able to break things down, and illuminate many of the mysteries of Tai Chi Chuan. His unique set of skills has been enormously helpful.

Mark Girouard

I was pleased when I came across Chris Marshall of Shoreline Tai Chi several months ago. I have practiced various martial arts for thirty some odd years, and have been frustrated in my search for a Tai Chi class that suited me. Chris is very knowledgeable, and understands the martial applications of each movement. He is able to demonstrate and explain the movements clearly, and he leads class in a very comfortable rhythm.
Chris is able to effectively teach a class of students with a wide range of experience and physical ability. He is perceptive, and “corrects” students with finesse. Chris has a good sense of humor, and a noticeable lack of pretentious ego.

Suzanne Pardee

When I began classes, I could barely stand on one foot without tipping over. Now I can stand on one foot and swing my leg forward and back and remain stable without a problem. I am amazed by how my balance has improved because of Tai Chi.
Chris Marshall is an excellent and patient instructor. I am gradually learning proper movements, coordinating my hands and legs while maintaining correct body position. Chris explains how these movements should be fluid and I find that they are relaxing and almost meditative. Not only that, Chris demonstrates for us how each of these moves is a defensive and potentially offensive movement for self-defense so that practicing Tai Chi is more than an esoteric exercise. I do not regret for a moment having signed up for this class. It was one of my best decisions.

Peter Agnos

Chris is a knowledgeable instructor who is able to translate significant tai chi experience into achievable lessons that make sense to students with quite a variety of physical abilities and histories.

The class is a comfortable, quiet, non-judgmental place for students to learn and be successful, with elements tailored to multiple levels of skill. Group instruction, complimented by the history and purpose of the different aspects of the form and augmented by individual advice and posture correction, generally takes up the first half of the class. The second half is devoted to partner exercises, which both illustrate the purpose of the elements being practiced and help hone students’ sense of balance and ability.

Whether you’re searching for an enjoyable learning experience, better flexibility and balance, an understanding of the roots of tai chi, or a grounded and practical martial art, you’re likely to find something beneficial in Chris’s weekly classes. Cannot recommend highly enough – I’m very grateful to have found such a welcoming place to learn.

Nikki Burns

We have been learning tai ji with Chris for two years now, and strongly recommend it! He is a fantastic teacher, constantly tailoring his instruction to each student in the class, and successfully engaging both newcomers and more seasoned students. We are very privileged to learn this art from such an accomplished and friendly teacher.

Gustavo Glusman

I turned 50 last month and have not gone to a gym or taken any form of structured fitness class for years. I decided it was time to get in to something which would be good for me and that I could do for the rest of my life. I’m so glad to have found Shoreline Tai Chi. The classes are not overly strenuous, but I can still tell that good things are happening in my body and I am inspired to practice even when I’m not there. The low impact doesn’t hurt my joints, and I appreciate seeing people of all different ages.

Chris is the real deal for anyone who wants to learn the “real” way of doing this art. He’s got a good sense of humor, he’s detailed, intelligent, dedicated, and the cost of class is fair and reasonable. Come join me in class.

Russ Shulman

Excellent teacher, great feedback, very accommodating while making sure everyone is progressing.

Tristan Parker

I’ve been studying Tai Chi with Chris Marshall for just over two years, and would highly recommend his classes to people of all experience levels.
Chris is a very knowledgeable instructor with a deep understanding of the Tai Chi form and its applications. His classes include both the traditional Yang style form and partner push hand practice. Chris is great at providing specific, actionable feedback to each person, giving intermediate and advanced students plenty to think about, without overwhelming beginners with detail.

Through studying with Chris I’ve found that I’ve already significantly improved my balance, proprioception, recall, and reaction time. I’ve also found a great community of people to learn and practice with.

Anna Tonkonogui

Chris has an affinity for sharing his knowledge. You will find excellent feedback to synergize your brightening skill.

Robert Levy

Excellent teacher, great feedback, very accommodating while making sure everyone is progressing.

Tristan Parker

These classes are well organized and the instructor, Chris, is very supportive. I highly recommend them for any and all. I am a total beginner but felt comfortable even among some of the more experienced students.

Sally Mizroch

Great experience, wonderful and thoughtful teacher. Chris is in-depth and insightful.

Pierce Piilani