Tao Academy Of Kansas City 2440 West 47th Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66103

"I have had several injuries from combat over seas. I have seen countless doctors from the VA, and on my own. I was once on over 13 medications to counter my nerve pain, muscle / joint pain, and overall feeling of worth. Since my first visit, I noticed that I was walking straight up with little effort. I was able to walk down the stairs without my legs shaking. Fred and Sandy are wonderful people. Fred himself served in Vietnam, along with his brothers. Both are welcoming, and very knowledgeable of their practice. I can see the 2 star comment, and I can agree that it can come across as arrogance, but I can assure you, Fred is the real deal...and I know many people that have trained with Fred and Sandy. They all studied under Taika Seiyu Oyata."

"Words cannot even properly express how wonderful this place and the people are. Finding this hidden gem years ago transformed my life in so many miraculous ways. The love and support that flows from these people is infinite; and healing. I would and do HIGHLY recommend them to anyone "

"I've studied and taught at the Tao Academy for almost 13 years and I have to refute the negative review on almost every point. The head instructor has more than 30 years experience in several different arts in addition to his deep knowledge of Chinese medicine. His lineages for the various arts taught are all solid - if that sort of thing matters to you. The teaching style can be somewhat eclectic for those who are expecting a fixed curriculum and this can be, admittedly, off-putting to some. Every teacher has a teaching style and every student has a learning style. If those two don't sync up then it's in your best interest as a student to move on. Lastly, there is nothing 'cult-ish' about anything that goes on at the Tao Academy. It's a bunch of people who get together on a regular basis to train, nothing more, nothing less."

"The Tao Academy is truly a gem to Kansas City. Dr. Fred Weaver and his wife Sandy provide a very relaxed setting where they offer Traditional Chinese Medicine and internal kung fu systems. To speak on the medicine, he has a doctorate in the field, they are incredibly knowledgable of the body's systems, and have the best bedside manner. This medicine is very deep. They take a yin/yang, 5 element approach to the treatment which can include accupuncture, herbs, massage, food therapy and movement therapy. I have been treated for various ailments over the years with near immediate results. Anyone I talk to who is in need and ready to take thier health seriously, is refered to see them. My friends, family and clients will all agree to the high level of care and skill given by the Weavers. As for the martial arts taught there, the focus is on the internal systems of Hsing i, Tai Chi and Bagua. Having such a profound knowledge of the medicine, the kung fu training is much deeper than you will find elsewhere. A typical class can include stretching, chi gong, forms, light sparring or push hands and rolls/ falls. A newcomer to the arts might confuse left with right and feel a bit lost. However, over the weeks, months and years of practice, you are more alert, focused, and coordinate. Personal perfection is more important than belts, trophies and fame here. Although, after daily training for 44+ years in many systems, Dr. Weaver does have an outstanding reputation in the martial arts community. I've had the privilege of training with him for 7 years and have found it invaluable in all aspects of life. If you are serious about your mental, physical and spiritual health, The Tao Academy will more than accomodate!"

"The author of this post below is NOT from the Sanfran or Chicago areas. This posters name is Jimmy Betts. He is a unqualified martial artist of sorts from Iowa, and loves to get online and discuss how he has burned his bridges here in Kansas City. These ridiculous claims are the folly of the information age gone wrong. I have been a student @ the Tao Academy for 4 years now, along with many others. If you really want to learn about the martial arts, you have to dedicate yourself to what you are learning. Hopping around from school to school to find out if you are the best is obviously the wrong way to certify yourself. I am not even going to start to describe in detail the wrong doings of this 'wanna-be student'. I am simply posting this review because I am not fond of demonizing a establishment on the internet. The Tao Academy has treated many members of my family, along with friends. The medicine provided completely changed my mothers high blood pressure issues. Simple dieting changes along with herbs and acupuncture are the main methods of treatment, along with bodywork, yoga, and martial arts. If you are considering Chinese medicine, the Tao Academy has the most experienced Doctor as well as the best Chinese martial arts in KC."