Student Reviews

We're grateful to the students and seminar participants who have shared their experiences with Yang's Andover. Here are a few of their comments about our Tai Chi and Qigong classes, instructors, and special events.

Seminar & Workshop Feedback

Dr. Yang & Kathy Yang Seminars

“Dr. Yang's presence—his wisdom, humility, and sense of humor—was living testimony to his life's work.” Jim D.

"Kathy's depth of skill, clarity of communication, and joy of sharing and teaching Qigong shone through." Mike C.

Jim D. Andover, MA

Our September day-long seminar with Dr. Yang, Kathy, and Alex was a truly special experience. As someone with a deep interest in Taiji, I found that learning directly from a revered master brought the ancient art to life. Dr. Yang’s wisdom, humility, and humor reflected his lifelong dedication, while Kathy’s participation beautifully demonstrated the passing of Taiji knowledge to the next generation.

The day also brought together our Yang’s Andover community and guests in a welcoming atmosphere. I came away with new connections, new insights, and practices I have incorporated into my own training. This is an experience I wish every dedicated Taiji practitioner could have.

Joe R., PGA Certified Instructor, Middletown, MA

Qigong with Kathy Yang was an amazing class. She has great energy, gave background information about Qigong, and demonstrated the animal movements while we followed. Overall, the class was fascinating and challenged my ability to let go and do the animal movements at times but all in all, it was a perfect introduction to Qigong and five animal medical Qigong. I highly recommend classes at Yang's and in this case, Kathy Yang’s class.

Mike C. Chelmsford, MA

Kathy's depth of skill, clarity of communication, and joy of sharing and teaching Qigong shone through. It was inspirational to participate and be part of her presentation and class!

Kathy teaches with such joy and positive energy . Her Qigong seminars continue to connect the dots for me about why many things are the way they are in martial arts training. Highly recommended!

Tai Chi Classes with Alex

“Patient, methodical, intuitive, and wonderfully supportive.”
— Ruth P.

“Alex makes Tai Chi accessible and genuinely enjoyable.”
— Gretchen A.

“The classes are fun, supportive, and just the right amount of challenge.”
— Susan S.

Gretchen A. Methuen, MA

Testimonial for Yang's Martial Arts and Instructor Alex Kiesel

I’m thrilled to share my experience at Yang's Martial Arts, especially under the guidance of instructor Alex. After taking taekwondo in my younger years, I was eager to return to martial arts for the discipline and focus it brings. Yang's has exceeded my expectations!

Alex has a remarkable ability to make tai chi not just accessible but genuinely enjoyable. If you’re seeking a practice that emphasizes gentle movement and mindfulness, look no further—tai chi is truly transformative. Alex’s classes are perfectly paced, catering to all skill levels and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

What I love most is how Alex reinforces what we learned in previous sessions while gradually introducing new concepts. His sense of humor brings an element of fun to each class, making the experience not just a workout but a joyful gathering. If you're looking to be more physical, centered, and present in your life, I wholeheartedly recommend joining Yang's Martial Arts. You won’t regret it!

Ruth P. Tewksbury, MA

I had the privilege of working in private sessions over the summer with Alex.

The end goal was to be ready to join the Tai Chi Level One Continuation class in the fall.

Not every instructor who has mastered his art is also a master in the art of instruction; and I, being No Longer Young, take longer to pick up new skills.

Alex was exactly what I was looking for patient, methodical, intuitive, and wonderfully supportive, as we successfully built up my confidence and worked through the beginning of the Form.

I’m now comfortable in embracing Yang tai chi as an integral and indispensable part of my life going forward.

Susan S. Andover, MA

If you have never tried tai chi before but are curious about the practice, Yang’s is the place to go. I am an active person and thought that tai chi would not be challenging enough for me. What a misconception! Similar to yoga, it requires a combination of balance, strength, and mental focus, and is just the right amount of challenge.

Alex is adept at introducing new layers of complexity when the class is ready, and he makes the class both fun and supportive. There is also a nice sense of community with others in the class as we make progress together.

I am looking forward to continuing to learn the tai chi form and deepening my understanding of the practice.

I highly recommend tai chi at Yang's!

Harley M. Andover, MA

Top-notch instruction!

After studying Tai Chi for years in New York, I stopped practicing when I moved to the Boston area. After retiring, I decided it was time to get back into it—and I was delighted to discover that a student of the renowned Yang Jwing-Ming teaches in Andover.

I’ve been training there for several months and couldn’t be happier. The instructors have deep expertise, explain things clearly, the classes move at a comfortable pace, and the facility is excellent and affordable.

I’ve already signed up for the fall session and a seminar with Master Yang when he visits in September. I’m very glad to be back!

Robert C. Andover, MA

I highly recommend the Tai Chi classes taught by Alex. His methodical, patient approach coupled with his affable personality makes the classes fun as we learn the form and the deeper aspects of Tai Chi. Some key observations include:

Alex has clearly thought through his approach, introducing drills and concepts before adding them to the form. This really helps with learning the next steps. He also incrementally "raises the bar" on the movements so we are always improving.
He shows the application of the movements, which is very helpful in visualizing the proper technique.
Alex keeps the class interesting through his humor and variety; each class is different.
He is keenly observing each person in the class and tailors his feedback to where they are, personalizing the class.

There are many benefits to Tai Chi; Alex's class adds a sense of community through his welcoming and friendly approach.

I'm looking forward to continuing and making it a regular part of my life.

Diane P. Andover, MA

I became very ill with COVID last year and developed extremely high blood pressure afterward. Medication helped control it, but I was still stressed and worried about my health.

My daughter was taking Tai Chi with Alex and encouraged me to try it.

I am so glad I did. Tai Chi has become a calming and enjoyable part of my routine. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and the gentle, low-impact movements feel comfortable and manageable for me.

It is wonderful to have found a form of exercise that I enjoy and can practice at my own pace. I would highly recommend taking a class!

Kathy K. Andover, MA

You asked for feedback, and I have only positive things to say!

I appreciate your dedication, especially the extra help you offer before and after class. I also value your correcting us—it’s an essential part of learning.

Your great sense of humor creates a relaxed, friendly, and collaborative atmosphere while still keeping the focus on Tai Chi. I’m impressed that each class is tailored to what we need to work on and where we’re headed.

Finally, I really appreciate learning the applications. They help me better understand how the movements and positions should be performed.

Neal D. Reading, MA

The tai chi (short form) class I took was great. My first attempt was thwarted after 3 classes due to COVID, and I was issued a refund without even mentioning it.

Alex really has great consideration for the comfort level and abilities of the students taking the class, and he really tries to accommodate and provide support for each student, whether they're beginners or experienced.

It's a casual atmosphere even though Alex and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and qualified in the art.

I plan on going back to the beginner's class.