Private instruction from a certified Yang Family lineage holder. Yang Tai Chi, Liu He Ba Fa, and 5 Animal Chi Gung — taught the way it was meant to be taught.
Authentic Yang Family instruction for working professionals. Book online, pay online, start learning.
"Tai chi is not a performance you learn to repeat. It's a living practice you build from the inside out — with patience, precision, and a teacher who knows the original source."
Mike Nolan holds a rare credential: certified 6th-generation instructor in the Yang Family system — a direct lineage traceable back to Yang Cheng-fu, the man who shaped tai chi as the world knows it. This isn't a weekend certification. It's a lineage handed down through six generations of dedicated practitioners.
Based in San Leandro, Mike teaches private one-on-one lessons across the East Bay. His curriculum spans three disciplines — Yang Tai Chi, Liu He Ba Fa (Water Boxing), and 5 Animal Chi Gung — a breadth rarely found under a single teacher. Every lesson is built around your body, your goals, and your schedule.
Mike Nolan is a certified 6th-generation Yang Family Tai Chi instructor — a direct line from Yang Cheng-fu, the most influential tai chi master in modern history.
Based in San Leandro and serving the East Bay, Mike teaches the full Yang Family curriculum: forms, push hands, and internal principles. He also instructs Liu He Ba Fa (Water Boxing) and 5 Animal Chi Gung — three internal arts rarely found under one teacher.
Every lesson is private, one-on-one. Your practice is built around your goals, your schedule, and your body — not a room of 30 strangers following along.
Founder of Yang Family Tai Chi (1799–1872)
Standardized the Yang form taught worldwide
Current head, International Yang Family Association
Your Instructor — Certified 6th Generation
Most tai chi instruction here falls into two buckets. Neither serves working professionals who want authentic training with modern convenience.
Each discipline develops different aspects of internal practice. Together, they build a complete foundation.
The flagship practice. The authentic Yang Family form passed down through six generations — slow, precise movements that build internal power, balance, and deep body awareness. Forms, push hands, and internal principles.
Known as Water Boxing. A rare internal art combining elements of tai chi, xing yi, and ba gua. Flowing, continuous movement that develops extraordinary coordination and adaptability.
Energy cultivation through animal-inspired movement. Tiger, crane, leopard, snake, and dragon forms develop strength, flexibility, speed, stillness, and spirit.
Pay per lesson. Start with an introductory session and continue at your own pace.
Join a complimentary 30-minute introductory Tai Chi session. No commitment, no pressure — just your first taste of authentic Yang Family instruction.
We'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your free 30-minute session. Check your inbox at the email you provided.
Most tai chi classes run at 10am on a Tuesday and cater to retirees. CraneForge is private instruction with scheduling that fits your life — not the other way around.
Mon–Sat, 4 daily time slots. Morning or afternoon — pick what works for your week.
One-on-one lessons tailored to your goals. Every correction, every detail — for you.
Not a watered-down stretch class. Authentic Yang Family forms with depth and rigor.
Based in San Leandro with availability across the greater East Bay area. Private lessons at a convenient location for you.
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$50 introductory session. No commitment, no contract. Authentic Yang Family instruction from a certified 6th-generation teacher — in the East Bay, on your schedule.
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