Tai Chi questions.
Clear answers.

No. You can begin Tai Chi without previous martial arts training. Early practice is about getting familiar with posture, weight shifts, and the way movements connect, rather than knowing a complete form. Give yourself permission to watch, ask questions, and repeat a movement. When you contact Red Dragon, say that you are a complete beginner so the school can help you choose an appropriate starting point.

Age alone does not decide whether you can start. Adults of many ages are drawn to Tai Chi for its deliberate movement and the opportunity to develop a regular practice. Your comfort, movement range, and individual needs matter more than keeping pace with another student. Let the instructor know about relevant limitations before attending. Ask a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure whether a new activity is appropriate for you.

You do not need exceptional flexibility or athletic ability to begin. Learning Tai Chi takes attention and repetition, and the movements should stay within a comfortable range. A deeper stance is not automatically a better stance for a beginner. Start by understanding the movement rather than trying to imitate someone else’s range of motion. Discuss your starting point with Robert before your first class.

Choose comfortable clothes that let you move your arms, bend your knees, and turn without feeling restricted. Supportive footwear should fit securely and allow you to stand and step comfortably. You do not need to arrive looking like an experienced martial artist. Confirm any class-specific clothing or footwear requirements when you arrange your visit, and ask whether you need to bring anything else.

Red Dragon’s Tai Chi program is described as Yang Style Tai Chi. The school’s current focus is Tai Chi instruction, while Robert’s broader martial arts background forms part of his experience. Forms and class levels can differ, so ask which sequence is currently being taught and where a new student should begin. There is no need to memorize movement names before your first visit.

Sifu Robert A. Gott is Red Dragon’s president and head instructor. He began martial arts training in 1971 and has studied with GrandMaster Yang Zhen Duo, GrandMaster Yang Jun, and GrandMaster Zhang Yuanming. His accomplishments include four gold and two silver medals at the Yang Family Style Invitational Tournament in China. His biography explains how that training history connects to Red Dragon’s focus on Tai Chi today.

Red Dragon’s listed location is McKinley Mall, 3701 McKinley Parkway, Suite 822, Blasdell, NY 14219, near Buffalo. The school serves people throughout Buffalo, Blasdell, Hamburg, and Western New York. Before setting out, call to confirm the current class location, time, and entry details. That lets you plan your visit around an actual class rather than relying on older schedules or general mall hours.

Contact Red Dragon to ask about arranging your first visit and whether trying or observing a class is available. Tell the school whether you are new to Tai Chi and what you would like to learn. Confirm availability, any fee, and which class is the best starting point before attending. Confirm any trial or observation fee when you arrange your visit.

The school confirms current class times, class length, availability, and fees directly. Older listings may not reflect the present schedule. When you call, ask which session welcomes new students, whether you need to register before arriving, and what payment arrangements apply. Have a few preferred days or times in mind so it is easier to find a class that fits your routine.

Begin with a routine you can maintain and ask your instructor what to practice between classes. Repeating a small amount of familiar material is often a more manageable starting point than trying to learn many new movements at once. The right amount of practice depends on your schedule, comfort, and learning goals. There is no single timetable for mastering a form, and attending regularly does not require rushing your progress.