“There are many tai chi classes where you can go to learn a form. There are far fewer teachers who really know the art from the inside out. Maarten teaches not just the movements of tai chi, but the internal subtleties that turn the practice into something real, powerful, and transformative.”

“I feel very welcome to each session. It starts with breathing exercises and meditation and is followed by a review of previous movements and instruction in new movements. Maarten breaks everything down into simple, small steps that are well-explained and easy to understand and follow. Maarten is warm, caring, knowledgeable, and entertaining. The way he moves through the program is beautiful and inspiring. It is amazing to watch him. The mindfulness aspect of tai chi—the breathing, focus, and rhythmic nature of the movements—helps calm the nervous system. That being said, I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn Tai Chi, regardless of age or physical issues. It is excellent instruction for everyone and a wonderful place to start learning this fantastic martial art form. Sessions are very calming. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to exercise, is stressed from the everyday fast life, or just wants to try something different. These movements are very beneficial for me.”

“I have been taking Maarten’s Tai Chi classes for over a year and can heartily recommend him as a Tai Chi teacher. As a teacher, he takes pains to introduce both the background theory and the physical aspects of the positions and movements as we learn and practice the forms. I first encountered Maarten’s school when searching for a Qi Gong class in the Basel area – he incorporates Qi Gong, as well as meditation and breathing techniques into his practice. He himself has an excellent “lineage,” as I understand, and is able to compare and contrast the theory and practice of the different schools of Tai Chi. Maarten runs classes both in groups and one-on-one, both of which I have found helpful. Group classes mix things up, sometimes focussing on breathing, sometimes learning new exercises, sometimes practicing the forms, etc., always with a very positive spin on doing your best, while giving it your all (note: it’s not a class for observers). In the one-on-one classes, we have been focussed on my areas that need improvement. I very much value his patience and his eagerness to make sure I am doing everything as well as I can. I had not expected to find my life so enriched by the Tai Chi practice and the community of fellow students Maarten has gathered around him. Last of all: we have great fun in our classes - something that’s also been very helpful over the past year and a half!”

“An amazing place to learn all the elements of Tai Chi.“

"I have practiced Tai Chi in China and was impressed with its positive impact on me when I practiced it correctly. There are many places where you can find teachers who show you a series of slow and gentle movements, but Tai Chi goes far behind learning the movements; you can make it a way of life! So, I was looking for an authentic Tai Chi experience near Basel. I was deeply impressed when I practiced with Maarten for the first time since he lives and breathes Tai Chi! His movements and techniques are extremely smooth, precise & authentic! He is a great leader that teaches the movements and techniques very precise and he shows how to combine this with controlled breathing to achieve a meditative state of mind.”

"“In the middle of the strict coronavirus lockdown of winter 2020/2021, after thirty years of living abroad in Rome, I moved to the border triangle and five years of Tai Chi Chuan in-class lessons. What a privilege, after further months of the imposed boundaries, to have met Maarten as a Tai Chi teacher last autumn 2021 and to have been able to take lessons in the form of private lessons or online ever since. He is able to convincingly convey the principles of formless Tai Chi Chuan developed by his master, Tung Kuan Yen, not only thanks to his profound theoretical and practical knowledge but also thanks to his lived internalization. For me, Maarten's consistent approach has become both a template and a bridge for the disciplined learning of these principles of mental-physical balance, based on the two pillars of mindfulness and patience, framed by meditation and nutrition. Many thanks, Maarten!”

“I really enjoyed Maarten’s Taichi class sessions. Following his movements, clear instructions, and explanations, he felt natural and fluid. Maarten would break the form’s movements into their underlying principles and into manageable steps. Part of the class involved learning to relax one’s body and mind. This helped enable me to naturally mimic the Taichi movements and allowed me to learn more easily.“

“After not practicing for decades, I started Taichi chuan again some years ago and eventually discovered Maarten Vercruysse’s school. I had previously practiced a version of Yang Tai Chi Chuan in New York City from a renowned master who teaches it as a martial art. However, I had forgotten many things about the energy flow in Tai Chi Chuan. Maarten is a PhD research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry who seems to spend most of his free time practicing Taichi Chuan and is a disciple of Chen-style Tai chi Chuan master Tung Kuan Yen. His lineage and diligent practice are reflected in the quality of Maarten`s classes, which show a deep understanding of Tai chi chuan. These classes start with the basics and gradually introduce more advanced and dynamic forms. As is often the case in good schools, they can be implemented with more or less athleticism, depending on the student's ability. Among the things I have learned from Maarten: (1) that meditation (including standing meditation) allows us to understand and express the flow of internal energy that is used in Taichi chuan, (2) that focusing on certain fundamental energies or postures can provide a framework for interpreting and executing Taichi chuan forms properly (eg Peng, Lu, Ji, An and Kao and circular movements that tend to be more visible in Chen-style Taichi chuan), and (3) the importance of maintaining dynamism and energy flow in our forms even when executing them slowly. The lessons are only once a week, so practice at home is needed to obtain the most benefit.“

“This was the first time I tried Tai Chi, and it was challenging for me, but Maarten is a very patient teacher, and I was able to learn quickly. I am very happy about my progress and about my discovery of this discipline. I really recommend this school if you are looking for a Tai Chi class in Basel.“

“Maarten Vercruysse has been my Tai Chi Chuan Teacher for only a few weeks. He is a true Master and teaches the movements, thinking, and philosophy beyond. Tai Chi Chuan, being a whole and complex world, promises lifelong learning. Practicing regularly can help maintain inner and outer balance, bring calmness, and brighten up. I hope to dive deeply into Tai Chi Chuan with Maarten as my patient and empathetic teacher.“