In over a decade of martial and longevity arts practice, I have trained with many many teachers, and never one more knowledgable, graceful, or of a more genuine lineage than Master Michael Paler. For every instructor I have trained with, I have met a dozen senior students. And never have I been as impressed with a group of advanced students as the ones at the Tai Chi Association. Although many of the students there have development very high skill levels, they are all very patient and gentle, allowing for a efficient transfer of knowledge to beginners. Master Paler and his partner Julie have done an incredible job of creating a safe space that is welcoming to all comers, regardless of whether ones primary ambition is martial prowess or health and longevity.

This is the best school I have attended (9 schools in 5 states). Michael is extremely valuable as a teacher and a coach. The students are all very supportive, generous and welcoming. If you are looking for strengthening, relaxation and development, this is for you. If you want to change your recruitment patterns, increase your focus, and change your posture, this is also the place for you. I was able to eliminate my sciatica and back pain of six years by practicing what is taught here, and have lowered by blood pressure and pulse rate significantly. If youre looking to feel better by beating people up, go somewhere else :-D.

What a difference Tai Chi has made in my life - my Post Polio nerve pain is gone, all joint pain is gone, and back aches even after surgery are in the past. The warm up exercises are like a complete body workout without the stress as you do them at your own pace. Now I am standing straighter, can bend down to lift my grandchildren again, as I am so much stronger, my balance has improved tremendously, and my energy level is amazing. Tai Chi with Michael Paler is a wonderful experience that helps to allow you do things you thought were in your past. Its something youll never have to give up.

I told Michael that I wanted to give a review due to all of the positive changes that have occurred in my life in just one month of attending. At the same time I also joked and told him I fear Ill have to update this review excessively in order to keep up with all of the new positives Im experiencing in order to maintain an accurate review and do him any justice.This is one of those experiences that leaves you feeling inept in your ability to express just how much appreciation you feel. Its my belief and experience that Tai Chi has the potential to positively affect all areas of ones life. Michael has a passion and enthusiasm (in a calm way) for Tai Chi that is, I believe, the secret and often missing ingredient to an exceptional teacher. He is humble and comes across not as a superior but as a friend and one who serves as a vessel to form a bridge between the art of Tai Chi and its initiates.As for the atmosphere it couldnt be more welcoming. Great, friendly and warm people with a common goal of improving their lives. The energy that permeates the air is soothing and strengthening. This energy leaves with you when you go out into your normal daily life. I suspect that after a time of exposure to this energy it will no longer be borrowed but an incorporated part of self. They say you are who you hang and so I plan on doing quite a bit of hanging out with Michael, Julie and all the wonderful people here. And this stuff is fun! I could not imagine nor have hoped for a better experience. Im truly grateful.

Bought a groupon for the Tai Chi Association. Left them 4 messages to redeem. No one called back. Do NOT waste your money

Master Palers extensive background in Chinese martial arts lends a unique level of authenticity and expertise to his training. Master Paler provides superbly detailed instruction, yet classes are presented in a manner that can be readily absorbed by any student, regardless of experience level. Master Paler brings all of these components together in an environment that is safe, educational, and highly conducive to the welfare and development of the individual student. This is a great experience.

Julie and Michael Paler have created and maintain an atmosphere of welcome, acceptance, and support for their students. This is a great place to learn authentic Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan from a true Master, Michael Paler. To every class, he brings his superior teaching ability, based on his knowledge, understanding, and mastery of all that he teaches. Perhaps most important to mention is his endless patience with all students at all levels and abilities.

On 7/24/2018 I was thrown from a Fire Engine while responding to a call, the only damage I received was attributed to the initial impact of the Engine going into the sinkhole in Hanover. I attribute the lack of secondary injuries to the tai chi stretches DVD I followed daily, the Association sells. I would suggest this to anyone wishing to become more flexible, relaxed and enjoy learning from a great instructor and friend.

At the Tai Chi association of Colorado Springs Ive learned what real strength is. They teach self defense, and it is not only defending yourself from others. It is also protecting you against yourself; the different techniques all help improve different organs health. They teach self defense, not fighting. Plus, this is for everyone, the young, old, weak, or strong, anyone can come. So whether it is for self defense, or health I highly advise everyone to at least give it a try.

I cant say enough positive things about the school. Ive been taking classes there for 3 years and it has changed so many aspects in my life. Im healthier, happier, and more relaxed. Thank you so much!

I initially started going to the Tai Chi Association of Colorado Springs to gain a better understanding of the application and martial principals of Tai Chi. I always believed that Tai Chi was first and foremost a fighting art and not simply Karate for the slow. I can say that Sifu Michael Paler has a deep understanding of not only the boxing aspect, but health as well. It is not a shallow knowledge, but rich and thorough. I have been attending for a year now, and I thought I had a pretty good grasp of what Tai Chi was...I was humbly wrong. I can say I am completely and utterly vested in this school, but not just because of the statements and testimony above. I didnt stay for just for that. Michael and Julie Paler have created a sanctuary. Life is hard and sometimes cold. When I come to class I feel at peace. They and the students are people of love and understanding. No judgment, only friendship. For that it is worth every penny and then some. Thank you Sifu, thank you Julie.

A real health-builder! Came to Michael after a high-impact career and high-impact sports really wore the body down, then surgeries and a car accident left me feeling weak and with poor balance. Wow -- now, several years later, it feels like a new body. Michael never makes it uncomfortable, always lets you proceed at your own pace and with your own priorities, and he seems to always have the hint you need to help yourself move past whatever the current issue is. He really cares about us as individuals, and never is heard a discouraging word -- youll WANT to keep showing up. Tai Chi, and Michael in particular, will be in my future for many years to come.

Very good instruction, a complete system, and very healthy. I feel much more relaxed and healthy. Better to do it and find out for your self though.

Ive been attending Tai Chi & QiGong classes for the past 3 months and I am truly HOOKED! In just the 1st week of classes, my frequent upper back and neck pain has vanished and I FEEL so relaxed, both physically AND mentally! Michael Paler is an AMAZING and VERY GIFTED teacher! He demonstrates in great detail HOW to do each move, AND, even more importantly for me, he explains WHY each move should be done in a certain way so that your BODY & MIND can/will experience the maximum benefits of DE-stressing, relaxation, repair, strengthening & beyond. Michaels teaching style is very encouraging & patient, and he has an amazing ability to individualize techniques to help each student keep moving forward. I have and will continue to HIGHLY recommend Michael Palers classes to both family and friends, and I will continue to attend his classes indefinitely!

Ive been doing Tai Chi for 2.5 years and have experienced great improvement in my overall health and well-being. I have been with this particular studio for a year and a half and find the teaching excellent and the atmosphere friendly, noncompetitive and inviting.

Sifu Paler has done an excellent job structuring classes in a way that is inclusive to everyone while facilitating the growth of his students in the pursuit of their goals.

Just received my 8th monthly installment of the Colorado Tai Chi Association Yang Style 108 Long Form Online Course taught by Michael Paler. I have to say that the online videos are nothing short of outstanding.Each monthly class has 9 lessons and is about an hour to an hour-and-a-half long total. The videos are unscripted, professionally produced and easy to follow. It is almost as good as being in a live class with Michael only you get to go back and review past lessons as often as you like anywhere you like. The online courses are compatible with computers and mobile devices.Michael doesn’t just teach the Tai Chi Yang Long Form, he discusses movement principles and explains why we perform the movements as we should. Each lesson is clearly and logically presented and builds on previous lessons.I take classes at Michael and Julie’s studio but am not able to attend as often as I would like, so the online course serves as a bridge between actual classes. As one legend has it, the founder of the Yang style of Tai Chi - Yang Lu-ch’an - learned the foundation of tai chi solely from watching practitioners of early tia chi. Similarly, one could possibly learn the entire Yang 108 Long Form just by using Michael’s online course alone. However, the online course, coupled with attendance in actual classes really accelerates the learning curve and makes the whole experience fuller and more enjoyable and meaningful.I highly recommend the online course (as well as the actual in-studio classes) to anyone who wants to learn the foundation of and understand this form of Tai Chi. And at around $35 per month, it is an amazing bargain.Each month I eagerly look forward to the next installment and I give the online course 7 out of 7 stars.

I love Michael and the Tai Chi lessons Im learning about internal martial arts and Tai Chi is the one Ive chosen to help me balance Mind, Body and Spirit.. I also have my daughter in the Kung Fu, which she loves. Michael is a terrific teacher for both adults and children

Michael provides clear and concise instruction. I have been going to the Tai Chi Association now for a few years and its one of the best things I have done for both my mental and physical health and well being.

The only reason this place is even getting five stars is because........I couldnt give it six!I will tell you right now that you dont know what you are getting into when you get taught by Sifu Micheal Paler. No matter what you come for--health, self defense, spirituality, general exercise, or just because you feel like trying something new--you are going to end up becoming healthier, happier, and with a sense of personal power you never thought possible. Yes I guess this seems a little hyperbolic, but honestly, speaking from my own years worth of experience, I cannot praise this extraordinary place and this extraordinary man (and his incredible wife!...shouts out Julie) enough. When I walked into this school I was a total bananahead. I struggled with self-esteem, being kind, and was a general wimp. I was angry all the time and confused. One year later I dont even recognize myself. Im happy. I feel in control. Hell, I feel powerful! What a trip! Im still a banana head, but Im a much happier one. Basically, most of the good things that are happening to me in my life stem from Tai Chi and my sifus ability to transmit ancient teachings into modern benefits. But if you dont believe me--these are just words! go there and see for yourself!

I started Tai Chi here at this school May 2012 and started Qigong January this year. Qigong helps to form that Tai Chi body as your body adjusts to moving more efficiently. You can go to class 5 mornings and 2 evenings so there are plenty of chances to do a class and it is suggested to do as many as you can to learn the form, to adjust your body as you progress. They offer DVDs to help with practice at home. Uniforms are not needed, dress is casual, T-shirts, shorts or sweat pants, light shoes. Master Michael Paler is knowledgeable about subjects he teaches, 24 and 108 form Tai Chi, Qigong, push hands, swords and sabers, staffs, fans, balls and questions are encouraged. As they adjust to the new place, new classes will be given.

I have been a student at Michael Palers Tai Chi Association school for the last eighteen months. Michael is an excellent teacher who guides the student into a whole world of wellness and health through the understanding and reconditioning of the body and mind. Tai Chi Chuan is one of those arts that can only be learned through the instruction of a thoroughly knowledgeable, competent and experienced instructor like Master Michael Paler. We are extremely fortunate to have such an instructor with a well established school here in the Springs.

I enjoy it, it has become a great part of my life. I look forward to every class.

Michael is a true master. You will not find a better Tai Chi teacher.

You know the feeling when you are ready for something and it appears? That happened when I walked into the Tai Chi Association studio 7 months ago, took class with Michael Paler and that was it! Since then, learning Tai Chi and Qigong with Michael has changed my life and is still doing so! Shifu Michael is a master teacher with a depth of life experience and knowledge in Tai Chi, Qigong and martial arts which he generously shares with each student with great heart and incredible skill. Michael has an extraordinary, exceptional ability to develop Tai Chi and Qigong skills and insights in a non-stressful way with people on many different levels, even during the same class. I always learn or discover something in each class! He teaches what he does - it’s amazing! Relaxation, balance, awareness, these are the foundations, and from there many doors can open. Michael opens them, and we can walk through. He shows clearly how Tai Chi relates to daily life, health and wellness, self-defense, and mind/body working together. With Michael’s teaching and presence, my Tai Chi and Qigong practice are improving my health, releasing energy, slowly increasing my confidence, calming my mind (!), and opening much more possibility in my life. It’s all ongoing, age doesnt matter. As a person and teacher, Michael is kind, patient, highly perceptive, genuine, powerfully strong but gentle, - and relaxed! There is also humor! I enjoy knowing his Tai Chi wife Julie who is awesome and friendly and manages the studio, and the senior students there are helpful and kind. The environment at the Tai Chi Center is welcoming - - a super great place to be! I am eternally grateful that I walked into Michaels class one day...and have never left.Heres what some of my friends and family are saying after attending the Introductory Workshop or seeing Michael teach:*My work colleague and her mate: We signed up for the 12 classes program!*My daughter in law 100-mile marathon runner: I am taking yoga now, but if I start Tai Chi it will be with Michael without a doubt.*My 72 year old good friend: I enjoyed the Tai Chi session a lot! It is all comfortable and no stress. I should look into this when I get back from China.*My high tech son: I am familiar with Tai Chi and Michael is really good. He is a good person. I am so glad you are doing this!*Another friend: Ive noticed a change in you. Im a type A, theres no hope for it, but maybe I will check this out.Whether you would like to improve your balance or your health, or relax more, or try the self-defense partner push hands class, or change your life, I wholeheartedly recommend Michael Paler and the Colorado Springs Tai Chi Association!

Updated 12/21/13:Have now been at the school for almost 2 years and its been a terrific experience. Every time I think I know what were going to cover next, Sifu Paler makes the material interesting and finds a subtle aspect of the art to teach, but in an attainable way.Bottom line is that theres something here for everyone. Do yourself a favor and learn this art. It will improve your life in so many ways.___________________-Discovered this school about a month ago and like some of you, I thought, These reviews must be from employees -- its all too good to be true. Ive been training there for about a month now and I am BLOWN away by how good a school this is. When I first visited the studio, I was really impressed by how Michael Paler was more concerned with his students than signing someone new. He wasnt aloof; he made me very welcome but was much more focused on the class. Since then, I have come to realize just how gifted a martial artist and teacher Michael is. Whats most impressive is that he can teach to all ages and skill levels at once w/out anyone feeling like theyre not the focus. His calm, light hearted but detailed instructing is amazing. Above all that, the Palers are just nice people. I am so glad to have found this school.Aug: Have been training with Sifu Paler for 6 months. Honestly, its a great experience. At least twice in the last month, Ive had a terrible day at work and thought that I didnt want to go to class but Im glad I did. It is completely relaxing and what I needed. Sifu tells us, Where you are exactly where you should be and thats what I love about Tai Chi. You never have a bad day. I play golf and have bad rounds but with TC, its always where/what you are that day. If youre still waiting to join, stop waiting and get to class. I am sure you wont regret it.

“Authentic”That’s the word I’d use to describe T/C Association of Colorado Springs…entirely authentic. This is my fourth Tai Chi school. I started in the early ‘90s with Master Will Chan in Northern Virginia (Chen Man Ching 37 form Yang style), and received instruction both there and other places in the meantime. Flash: There are varying levels of sophistication in the teaching styles and knowledge of the teachers I’ve had, and Michael and Julie Paler are the most knowledgeable, and hands down have the best school I’ve seen.This excellence begins with knowledge: unparalleled in my experience…Michaels the real deal. Historically, internal martial artists have held back the good stuff in their teaching, and kept it secret until a student had proven both proficient and loyal, a process that could take quite a while. I’ve been exposed to things at Michael’s school that I am absolutely certain (with another Shifu) were only for the “behind the door” student, and revealed only after a formal kowtow ceremony and money changing hands. Michael has no secrets, he willingly shares all his (considerable) knowledge with his students; all you have to do is show up and apply yourself. Michaels also powerful in unconventional ways; I’ve seen some….”odd” things that have both perplexed (“now, WTF was THAT?!”) and delighted me, that I’d only heard about in rumor before. The good stuff is here, whether you simply want to practice Tai Chi for health, or head over to the far side of theTai Chi continuum and study weapons, develop internal power, or learn very powerful self defense techniques.It’s a convivial learning environment, too. The school has your old fat people (that’d be me), your skinny young folks, your military active duty types and retirees, men and women, you name it. If it matters, I know three Phd’s who regularly attend. And Julie is always there to provide a warm welcome to the ladies. Dont believe me, come see for yourself; you notice it when class ends and no one wants to leave.Ok, to set expectations, you won’t be levitating or defeating six thugs at once (at least not right off the bat), but you will be getting world class Tai Chi instruction from a powerful internal martial artist who is also a master teacher.Almost done--Bottom Line: Could not be happier with the environment, teaching style or abilities of Michael and Julie. This is the real stuff you read about but wont find just anywhere, and we’re lucky to have it available in Colorado Springs.Tomp