Arun Gujaran leading a gentle Chi Gong class for older adults in a Leeds community hall

Gentle classes for older adults in Leeds

Tai Chi for Over-50s & Seniors in Leeds

Slow, gentle and low-impact, Tai Chi and Chi Gong suit adults of every age. Our friendly classes adapt to your fitness and mobility, whether you are a complete beginner or returning to exercise.

  • Beginners welcome
  • Daytime & evening classes
  • Pay on the door options

Why Tai Chi

Why Tai Chi Suits Older Adults

Tai Chi is practised slowly, standing up, with soft and continuous movements. There is no running, jumping or floor work, and you move at your own pace. That makes it one of the most accessible forms of exercise for people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

Our classes combine simple Tai Chi movements with Chi Gong (Qigong) exercises, breathing and relaxation. Many people come to improve their balance and mobility, to stay active, or to find a calmer state of mind, and they enjoy the friendly group too.

Tai Chi is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have a health condition, check with your GP before starting.

What students practise for

  • Steadier balance and posture
  • Easier movement in the joints
  • Strength in the legs, built gently
  • Calmer breathing and less stress
  • A friendly group to practise with

Where to start

The Best Classes for Over-50s

Choose an evening class, a gentle daytime class or practise from home.

Indoor Beginners Tai Chi class at Stainbeck Hall

Evening · Beginners

Beginners Tai Chi

Our main starting class, indoors at Stainbeck Hall in Chapel Allerton.

  • Monday 5.45pm – 7.15pm
  • Stainbeck Hall, LS7 2EA
  • £12 drop-in
Daytime Chi Gong class in a Leeds community hall

Daytime · Gentle

Health Recovery Chi Gong

Gentle daytime classes in community venues. No booking needed.

  • Tue 1.45pm & 3pm · Wed 11am · Thu 10.45am
  • Crossgates, Roundhay and Meanwood
  • Pay on the door
Arun Gujaran demonstrating a seated Chi Gong movement

Online · From home

Online Chi Gong

Live classes on Zoom, with help to set up if you need it.

  • Tue 8.30am · Wed 7pm · Thu 8.30am · Fri 8.30am
  • Zoom
  • £10, Friday pay as you feel

See a class

Tai Chi for Seniors with Leeds Tai Chi Academy

Watch a short clip to get a feel for the pace and style of our classes before you come along.

Weekly timetable

All Class Times

Every class is open to beginners and over-50s. Community classes are pay on the door; the others can be booked online.

Class times

Please check details when booking.

Leeds Tai Chi Academy class times
DayTimeClassWherePriceBook
Monday5.45 – 7.15pmBeginners Tai Chi IndoorStainbeck Hall, LS7 2EA£12Book
Tuesday8.30 – 9.30amOnline Chi Gong OnlineZoom£10Book
Tuesday1.45 – 2.45pmHealth Recovery Chi Gong IndoorNewman Centre, Crossgates LS15Pay on the doorNo booking needed
Tuesday3 – 4pmHealth Recovery Qigong IndoorNewman Centre, Crossgates LS15Pay on the doorNo booking needed
Wednesday11am – 12pmHealth Recovery Chi Gong IndoorLidgett Park Methodist Church, Roundhay LS8Pay on the doorNo booking needed
Wednesday7 – 8pmOnline Chi Gong OnlineZoom£10Book
Thursday8.30 – 9.30amOnline Chi Gong OnlineZoom£10Book
Thursday10.45 – 11.45amHealth Recovery Chi Gong IndoorMeanwood Community Centre, LS7Pay on the doorNo booking needed
Friday8.30 – 9.15amOnline Health Recovery OnlineZoomBook free · pay as you feel £5–£10Book
Saturday10 – 11.30amBeginners Tai Chi OutdoorMeanwood Park£12Book
Saturday11.30am – 12.30pmContinuers Tai Chi OutdoorMeanwood Park£12Book
Tai Chi instructor Arun Gujaran demonstrating a Tai Chi posture

Your teacher

Learn with Experience, Care, and Understanding

Arun Gujaran, founder & instructor

Arun has been exploring and developing his practice in Tai Chi and Chi Gung for around thirty years, teaching classes and workshops in Leeds and around the UK and Europe. He has been accredited to teach meditation by his Buddhist teachers and has practised with many renowned meditation masters.

He draws on a wide range of ancient techniques alongside modern scientific research to inform his teaching — guiding beginners and experienced students alike.

30years of personal practice
15+years teaching in Leeds & beyond
3ways to learn: indoor, outdoor, online
Arun sees Tai Chi as a way of coming back to ourselves — to see clearly, function well, and live in harmony with ourselves and each other.
Read more about Arun

Trusted by Our Students in Leeds

Rated 5.0 on Google from 21 reviews · Read reviews · Leave a review

“Such a great class with a lovely group. Arun’s teaching is really accessible, which makes it suitable for all abilities.”

Cassandra Storey · Google review

“A friendly, welcoming and informal atmosphere… I’ve been attending 14 years and am still learning so much!”

Charles Eyre · Google review

“A lovely, diverse, warm and welcoming group… my favourite is Saturday mornings in the open air.”

Matthew Kay · Google review

FAQ

Questions From Older Beginners

Can’t find your answer? Call 07581 217074 or message us on WhatsApp.

Is Tai Chi suitable for over-50s and seniors?

Yes. Tai Chi and Chi Gong are slow, gentle and low-impact, and every movement can be adapted to your fitness and mobility. Many people start in later life.

I have never done Tai Chi. Which class should I start with?

Beginners Tai Chi on Monday evening at Stainbeck Hall is our main starting class. If you prefer daytime, try a Health Recovery Chi Gong class in Crossgates, Roundhay or Meanwood, or join an online class from home.

Can I do Tai Chi if I have a health condition or limited mobility?

Usually, yes. The movements can be made smaller or slower, and Arun adapts the practice to each person. Let him know about any health condition when you book, and check with your GP if you are unsure.

Do I need to book?

Beginners, outdoor and online classes are booked online. The daytime Health Recovery community classes are pay on the door, so you can just turn up.

How much do classes cost?

Indoor and outdoor Tai Chi classes are £12, online Chi Gong is £10, the Friday online class is pay as you feel (£5–£10), and the community classes are pay on the door. The £45 monthly pass covers unlimited booked classes for a month.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and flat shoes. No equipment is needed.

Begin today

Take the First Step Towards a More Mindful Practice

Discover Tai Chi and Chi Gong in a friendly, supportive environment in Leeds.

Book Classes