Skip to content
TaiJi (Tai Chi) Practitioners demonstrating martial arts for fitness and health.

The Attaining Softness
TaiJiQuan Association

We are an association of TaiJi practitioners with the shared goals of developing ourselves to our highest potential as individual practitioners.

Whether it’s a path of martial mastery, mental discipline and evolution, or spiritual excellence, we are here to help you grow and develop the greatest amount of skill possible.

Flow with Life, Find your Balance, and Master your Energy!
Join our TaiJi Classes here in Pittsburgh for Mind-Body Mastery and a Healthier You!
To learn more about our Pittsburgh TaiJi Classes, please fill out the form below.

The Physical Side

Our TaiJi classes approach the art from its original perspective—as a complete combat system, not just for self-defense but for life-and-death situations. TaiJi was developed in a time when trained renegade soldiers and armed bandits were raiding small towns and villages; local police forces didn’t exist yet and these armed and dangerous criminals had to be defended against.

 In today’s world, filled with ‘MMA fighters’ and ‘WWE wrestlers,’ you need a method that goes beyond brute force, one that levels the playing field. No matter your size, strength, or speed, our TaiJi practice equips you to face aggressive opponents, neutralizing attacks swiftly and effectively, ensuring your safety while disarming your adversary.

The Spiritual Side

Tai Chi was designed as a comprehensive system of martial arts training, but as a traditional Chinese martial art, it also emphasizes the cultivation of the mind and spirit. Through its meditative movements and principles, Tai Chi promotes mental discipline by fostering focus and clarity, helping practitioners develop a calm and centered mind. It encourages emotional balance by teaching the practitioner to remain grounded in the face of life’s challenges, allowing for greater emotional resilience and peace.

On a spiritual level, Tai Chi connects practitioners with the flow of energy (Qi), guiding them toward inner harmony and a deeper sense of unity with the world around them. This holistic approach strengthens not only the body but the entire being—mind, body, and spirit—making it a transformative practice.

Development of the Mind, the Body, and the Spirit.


Breaking down the personal development attainable through TaiJii into the categories of Mind, Body, and Spirit reveals how this art cultivates holistic well-being.

The Mind

– **Mental Focus and Clarity**: Tai Chi’s slow, deliberate movements require sustained attention, enhancing mental clarity and reducing mental distractions.

– **Calmness and Emotional Regulation**: The meditative aspect of Tai Chi helps to regulate emotions, fostering calmness and the ability to stay centered in stressful situations.

– **Mind-Body Awareness**: Through mindfulness practices, Tai Chi sharpens awareness of how the mind and body interact, improving cognitive processing and mental coordination.

– **Stress Reduction**: Regular practice reduces anxiety by shifting the practitioner’s focus from external worries to the present moment, enabling more effective stress management.

Student learning martial arts philosophy through training.painting buddha wallpaper (Tai Chi)
Pittsburgh TaiJi Tai Chi Classes, Yang Long Form, Relaxation, Stress Reduction, alternative exercise, Mindfulness. Taoist Buddhist philosophy, self-defense

The Body

Flexibility and Strength:

Tai Chi’s gentle movements promote flexibility and joint mobility while also building core strength and stability.

– **Balance and Coordination**: The practice trains balance and coordination, which are vital for overall physical health and injury prevention, especially as one ages.

– **Energy Circulation (Qi)**: Tai Chi is deeply rooted in the flow of Qi (life energy), and regular practice helps unblock energy pathways, promoting overall vitality and physical wellness.

– **Physical Health Benefits**: Practicing Tai Chi can improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, enhance respiratory function, and support the immune system.

The Spirit

Inner Harmony:

Tai Chi cultivates a sense of inner peace, aligning the practitioner with the natural rhythms of life, which is essential for spiritual growth.

– **Connection to the Tao**: The philosophy of Tai Chi draws from Taoism, guiding practitioners to live in accordance with the Tao, or the Way, which emphasizes living in harmony with the world and one’s true nature.

– **Emotional and Spiritual Resilience**: Over time, Tai Chi nurtures a deep sense of spiritual resilience, allowing practitioners to approach life’s challenges with greater equanimity and wisdom.

– **Meditation in Motion**: The spiritual aspect is often described as a moving meditation, where the practitioner transcends the physical realm and connects with a deeper, more universal consciousness.

Each of these elements—Mind, Body, and Spirit—reinforces the others, creating a well-rounded system of personal development.

TaiJi (Tai Chi) Meditation. Martial Arts Practice –

The Attaining Softness
TaiJiQuan Association

Click Here to Learn More

Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where mental strength, physical fitness, and mindfulness converge to create a truly balanced and harmonious lifestyle?

This is an exclusive invitation for seniors dedicated to self-improvement, seeking to cultivate a state of mindfulness in their everyday lives through the transformative art of TaiJi.

In a fast-paced world filled with constant demands, it’s time to reconnect with your inner essence, embrace tranquility, and unleash the power within. Welcome to a transformative experience that blends the ancient wisdom of TaiJi with modern insights, tailored specifically for people who seek personal growth, physical vitality, and a deep sense of mindfulness.

What Does This New Journey of
Personal Discovery Hold For You?

1. Discover the Art of TaiJi: Delve into the profound teachings of this centuries-old practice. Our esteemed instructors will guide you through the gentle movements, breathwork, and meditation techniques that form the foundation of TaiJi, leading to enhanced mental clarity, physical balance, and a profound sense of inner peace.

2. Strengthen Your Mind, Body, and Spirit: Experience the holistic benefits of TaiJi as it nurtures your mental strength, enhances physical fitness, and harmonizes your inner being. Through regular practice, you’ll develop greater resilience, improve flexibility, and cultivate a deep sense of well-being that radiates throughout all aspects of your life.

3. Cultivating Mindfulness in Motion: TaiJi is more than just an exercise routine; it is a mindful practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Discover how the flowing movements and focused attention of TaiJi awaken a heightened state of mindfulness, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with grace, centeredness, and a profound sense of presence.

Join us to learn how TaiJi and Qigong can:

Increase your body’s Self-Healing Abilities Develop your Strength and Flexibility

Achieve Mental Clarity and Focus

Bolster your Immune System     Manage and Reduce Stress.

About the Instructor

"Daily practice of TaiJi helps you create wellness and vitality for your mind, body, and spirit."

- GrandMaster Marc Phillip Black

Marc Phillip Black has practiced Traditional Chinese Martial Arts for the past 30 years. He is a well-known and respected instructor of several styles of Chinese Kung Fu, Qi Gong, and Mindfulness Meditation, as well as national competitor and coach. He is the Senior Instructor at the Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu, and also teaches at the Pittsburgh Chinese School, at the Carnegie Mellon University.
YangJia TaiJiQuan and Northern Shaolin Temple Boxing student clubs, at the Golden Wellness club at McKeesport Hospital as well as leads workshops for various not-for-profit organizations, after-school programs, small business wellness and health incentive programs.

Student Testimonials

Read Clark S.'s review of Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu on Yelp
James Swanson
James Swanson
Black Mountain Spirit is an awesome school where you learn self defense as well as self discipline. You meet very friendly people who has been there longer than you or who hasn't but is still willing to work with you and help you out with your practicing. The Shaolin style is a more intense type of style which will help your endurance as well as strength. Tai Chi is a more calmer style that helps you relax your mind whenever you're fighting or just relaxing. Kung Fu is a MUCH better style than Karate since it feels much smoother and gives you a better piece of mind. The price isn't bad at all, its actually the best deal I was able to find. But the instructor is very helpful and is very charismatic and is knowledgeable about everything he does or brings up in a conversation. But they are very polite and friendly and the instructor is very professional.
Dave Garris
Dave Garris
I have been a student at Black Mountain Spirit Kung Fu for four years. It has been an amazing experience. I used to be in the Marines, where i learned Marine Corps Martial Arts. The self defense i am learning at Black Mountain Spirit in terms of practicality and professional instruction far surpasses the system of hand to hand fighting i learned in the Marines. To say that i highly recommend this school is an understatement. Whether its Tai Chi, Shaolin, or BaGua kung fu, you will learn simple yet awesome techniques for street defense and survival. I work in a state correctional facility and the skills that i have gained in learning kung fu at Black Mountain Spirit helps me perform my duties with a certainty and confidence that did not have before. There is no doubt in my mind that i can effectively defend myself while on the job or on the street in a hand to hand, self defense, survival situation. The instructor is waterfall of deep knowledge and incite about fighting with kung fu, he absolutely has a battlefield mindset when it comes to self defense. It doesn't matter what style of kung fu you gravitate to, he can show you how to practically use any technique for fighting. There are no flowery punches or embroidered kicks, you will learn that every movement has a practical purpose from form to fight. The instructor is very knowledgeable of the rich cultural history of kung fu and lore from the land and people where kung fu was first developed and cultivated. Overall the curriculum is excellent, the people are friendly and welcoming, and the price of tuition is most likely going to be the lowest your going to find when compared to many other martial arts schools in the area.
Spencer Whitman
Spencer Whitman
If you are interested in Real Kung Fu, this is the place to be. Period. I've studied at over five schools and visited dozens more across the United States, and He Shan Shen has the highest level of teaching that I have encountered. Since I started learning Tai Chi and Shaolin over eight years ago I have been amazed by the friendly and awesome quality of Marc Black's lessons. Combine this with the crazy low price, and constant willingness of Marc to teach, and you get an amazing kung fu experience.
Ryan Jannak-Huang
Ryan Jannak-Huang
I spent 4 years practicing both Shaolin Kung Fu and TaiJi from Master Black here during my college years. There is no better place to learn authentic, effective martial arts. If you're looking for a school where you're going to learn real Kung Fu, this is it.
Read Jason B.'s review of Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu on Yelp
Ed Ryan
Ed Ryan
I studied Kung Fu at Black Mountain Spirit all through college and it was a formative experience for me. Sifu Marc Black teaches a rich curriculum of traditional Kung Fu with an emphasis on practical application. This is not a school where aerobics are dressed up as martial arts, but is instead a place where students work hard and learn valuable skills. The studio itself is clean and well-equipped. The front room has full-length mirrors along the entire wall and weapons for students who are studying advanced forms. The back room has rugged and modern training equipment, with changing rooms downstairs. But even setting aside the facilities, Marc Black is a teacher second to none. He is personable and knows how to break complex maneuvers down in a way that anyone can grasp. Even more impressive, he scales his lesson to the skill level of the student. Every time Marc shows you a technique, the feeling is that what you are seeing is easily attainable with just a bit more practice. If you have ever thought about taking a martial art, you owe it to yourself to visit Black Mountain Spirit.
Jesse Bauer
Jesse Bauer
I've been attending Black Mountain Spirit for about four years. The instructor, Marc, teaches Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Bagua. I've been taking the Tai Chi and Bagua classes. He's very knowledgeable about the intricacies that make a technique work or fail. What I like about the Tai Chi lessons here is that Marc teaches both the form for health benefits, as well as the martial aspects of the techniques. Sparring night is very open, with people from other styles coming to spar some nights. I find Marc to be professional with his teaching methods and practical with his technique. The price to quality instruction ratio looks great compared to some other schools in the area, and I've attended a few. I would say the best way to get a grasp on what you can expect at this school is to come view an open sparring night and see how amazing the technique looks.
Gloria Williams
Gloria Williams
The only place where my fiance and I feel at home since moving to Pennsylvanian is at Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu. We are both athletes and find the classes challenging and enjoyable. Mr. Black is a very knowledgeable teacher who understands the applications behind the drills he teaches. My fiance and I look forward to our development as we continue to train at Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu.
Patrick Juola
Patrick Juola
As a former student of Sifu Black's, I studied with him when he was teaching under a tree on Forbes Avenue. His knowledge of martial arts is superb, especially of applications.
Henry Hansen
Henry Hansen
I went here while I was in college and really enjoyed it. Proper form is emphasized here which really helped me improve. I liked the sparring especially as it was a great way to practice techniques you learned in a more practical setting.

We have specifically designed courses available to our friends that want to bring our classes and workshops into their businesses, and community/living facilities.

The Black Mountain Spirit School of Chinese Kung Fu
107 E 8th Avenue at The Waterfront, Homestead PA
Contact Us At:    bms1pgh@gmail.com    WWW.GHOSTHAND.ORG         412 759 8570