Community Classes
Yoga for Beginners | Adult Mandarin Classes
Flower Design Classes | And More
Long Island Community Classes
For EVERY Age and Ability
From cooking to yoga classes for beginners, our schedule is bursting with exciting classes every week. All ages welcome! Find your community and meet locals in a shared space for learning, growth, and joy.
Classes Info
Vegetarian Temari & Inari Sushi Family Workshop (Age 6+)
Join Japanese cookbook author Akino Ogata for a hands-on Vegetarian Temari & Inari Sushi Workshop. Participants will learn how to prepare sushi vinegar, properly season sushi rice, and create beautiful bite-sized temari sushi and inari sushi using colorful plant-based ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, avocado, eggplant, and seasonal vegetables.
Through simple shaping and presentation techniques, participants will discover how everyday ingredients can be transformed into delicious and elegant Japanese cuisine. The workshop will also introduce the spirit of mottainai—a Japanese philosophy of appreciating ingredients and avoiding waste. Each participant will receive a printed recipe card to recreate the dishes at home.
No prior cooking experience is required. Menu items may vary depending on the availability of local produce.
Class Information:
Participants must currently be 6 years to 120 years old.
Tuition: Free
All levels welcome
Instructor Introduction
Akino Ogata is a Japanese home-cooking author, recipe developer, and creator of the popular YouTube channel Kitchen Princess Bamboo, which has more than 420,000 subscribers worldwide. After operating a pastry shop in Japan for 15 years, she began teaching authentic, everyday Japanese cooking in English from her home base in Nara, Japan. Her first English-language cookbook, Effortless Japanese Cooking, will be published by Tuttle Publishing in October 2026. Through simple and enjoyable recipes, Akino hopes to inspire people to cook at home and live healthier, happier lives.
Jing Si Flower Arrangement
This hands-on class introduces the principles and techniques of Eastern floral arrangement. Students will explore how the forms and shapes of flowers can be harmoniously combined with other natural elements to create beautifully balanced arrangements to take home.
The course covers fundamental forms, design theories, tool-handling techniques, and traditional methods refined over centuries in East Asia.
Class Information:
Ages: Adults
Program enrollment capacity:
Minimum: 1Maximum: 8Sessions: 4 sessions
Tuition:$200
Registration period:
Registration starts on 08/25/2026 and ends on 09/23/2026.In-person location:
50 Underhill Blvd, Syosset, NY 11791, USARoom: Humanities Classroom 人文教室
All levels welcome
Instructor Introduction
Born and raised in Taiwan, the instructor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the United States before pursuing a career in engineering. After retiring, the instructor continued studying the ancient art of floral arrangement—a journey spanning more than 20 years across Taiwan, Japan, and the United States.
The instructor regularly participates in floral exhibitions, holds an Ikebana Professor Certificate, and teaches seasonal floral-arrangement workshops throughout the United States.
Music with Tots
Music with Tots is a fun, theme-based class designed for toddlers ages 0–3 and their caregivers. Through Mandarin songs, movement activities, music play, and simple art projects, children are introduced to early Mandarin vocabulary in a joyful and engaging environment. Each class includes singing, rhythm and movement time, and topic-based learning that supports language development, gross and fine motor skills, and sensory exploration. This interactive class encourages parent-child bonding while helping little ones build confidence and curiosity through music and play.
Class Information:
Ages: Under 3
Languagez: Mandarin immersion
Sessions: 10 sessions
Tuition: $200 (Early bird price $180 ends on 8/31)
Caregiver participation required
Beginner-friendly
Instructor: Candice
Candice is an experienced early childhood educator and former preschool lead teacher at a Mandarin-immersion school in Manhattan. She has led “Music with Tots” classes combining music, movement, and language learning. Candice is passionate about creating joyful, engaging environments where children develop Mandarin naturally.
Children’s Mandarin Class (Age 5-9)
Designed for children ages 5–9, this engaging class helps students build a strong foundation in Mandarin through songs, stories, games, crafts, and interactive activities. Children will learn practical vocabulary, everyday conversations, basic character recognition, and simple writing while exploring Chinese traditions and culture. Through a fun and supportive learning environment, students will gradually develop confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing traditional Mandarin.
Class Information:
Ages: 5 years to 9 years old
Sessions: 14 sessions
Tuition: $350
Early bird price $325 ends on 9/6
Beginner-friendly
No prior experience required
Instructor: Jasmine Liu
Jasmine Liu is a Mandarin instructor at Tzu Chi Academy Long Island and is pursuing a Master’s in Education at Hofstra University. Teaching since 2024, she has completed professional training in teaching Mandarin to children and adults. Jasmine is passionate about promoting Chinese language and culture through engaging learning experiences.
Adult Mandarin Class
Led by professional Mandarin instructors, the Chinese Language for Adults course covers basic vocabulary, conversational practice, reading short texts, and writing exercises, enriched with cultural insights to make lessons practical. Interactive methods such as group discussions, role-play, and real-life dialogues enable students to gradually build Chinese thinking, improve communication, and develop literacy skills. This program is ideal for beginners and adults seeking structured and comprehensive learning.
Class Information:
Ages: Adults (18+)
Sessions: 24 sessions
Tuition: $385
Beginner-friendly
No prior experience required
Instructor: Jasmine Liu
Jasmine Liu is a Mandarin instructor at Tzu Chi Academy Long Island and is pursuing a Master’s in Education at Hofstra University. Teaching since 2024, she has completed professional training in teaching Mandarin to children and adults. Jasmine is passionate about promoting Chinese language and culture through engaging learning experiences.
Yoga Classes
This yoga program offers both Root Hatha and Flow Vinyasa styles to support a range of needs and experience levels. Root Hatha is a slow-paced practice focused on grounding, stability, and body awareness through mindful breath and intentional movement. Flow Vinyasa is a faster-paced, breath-centered flow that builds strength, mobility, and mental clarity. Together, these classes provide a balanced approach to strengthening both body and mind.
Class Information:
Ages: Adults
Sessions: 10 sessions
Tuition:$200 (Early bird price ends on 9/4)
All levels welcome
Bring your own mat
Instructor: Kathy
Kathy is a dedicated yoga instructor with experience teaching in both studio and community settings. She has led classes at LIFETIME ATHLETES and LA Fitness, while also serving the community through Tzu Chi and senior chair yoga programs. In addition to group classes, Kathy offers personalized private lessons tailored to individual goals. Her teaching style is accessible, supportive, and focused on helping students build strength, confidence, and connection through movement and breath.
One Stroke, One Heart
Discover the art of traditional brush calligraphy in this four-week workshop that combines calligraphy practice with mindfulness and character building.
Students will learn the fundamental brush strokes and practice writing meaningful Chinese characters while developing proper brush techniques and an appreciation for the art of calligraphy. Each lesson includes a Jing Si Aphorism and a brief discussion that encourages values such as perseverance, integrity, gratitude, respect, and compassion.
By the end of the course, students will complete a calligraphy artwork featuring a meaningful character that reflects the values explored throughout the workshop.
Class Information:
Tuition: $100 / 4 session
Age: 7+ years old
Instructor: Ruxia Hou
Ruxia Hou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Department of Fine Arts at Baicheng Normal University in China. She specialized in traditional Chinese ink painting and brush calligraphy and holds a Chinese High School Art Teacher Qualification Certificate.
Tea Ceremony Class
Tea as a Way of Living – Tea Ceremony invites participants to slow down and reconnect with the present moment through the art of tea. More than learning how to prepare and serve tea, this class explores mindfulness, gratitude, and inner calm as part of everyday life.
Through tea preparation, serving, and tasting, students will experience how simple moments can become meaningful rituals of peace and awareness. Rooted in simplicity and presence, this course offers a gentle space to nourish both mind and heart through tea.
Class Information:
Tuition: $100 / 4 session
Early Bird: $90 (Before June 30)
Instructor: Stella Yang
Stella Yang has been a volunteer with the Tzu Chi Foundation since 1998 and became a certified Tzu Chi commissioner in 2000. Through years of volunteer service and tea ceremony training, she completed comprehensive studies in Jing Si Tea Ceremony and has previously taught tea culture and humanities classes within the Tzu Chi community.
In recent years, she has also supported tea ceremony programs at the Taichung Zhi Xuan Education Center in Taiwan. For Stella, tea ceremony is more than a practice—it is a way of bringing mindfulness, calm, and beauty into everyday life, which she hopes to share with others through this course.
Zumba
Zumba is a high-energy dance fitness class that blends Latin and international music with easy-to-follow choreography, making it suitable for all levels. This full-body workout improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and endurance while supporting overall well-being. The class is designed to be fun, uplifting, and a great way to relieve stress in a welcoming, community-focused environment.
Class Information:
Ages: Adults
Sessions: 10 sessions
Tuition:$200
All levels welcome
Instructor: Molly
Molly is a certified Zumba instructor with three years of teaching experience. She has taught at gyms such as LA Fitness and Crunch and brings energy and positivity to every class. She believes dance is a powerful way to build confidence and support well-being, and creates a welcoming space where participants can move freely and enjoy the experience.
Wagashi Workshop
Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confectionery art closely connected to tea culture, nature, and seasonal aesthetics. It is known for its delicate craftsmanship, elegant appearance, and harmonious balance of flavor. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where early tea accompaniments were introduced to Japan through centuries of cultural exchange. Over time, these influences evolved in Japan into the refined wagashi tradition we see today. Inspired by Ichigo Ichie (treasuring each unique moment) and the changing seasons, wagashi reflects a mindful appreciation of nature and the present moment.
Class Information:
Tuition: $100 per session
Early Bird: $90 per session (Before May 25)
Each session will make 4 different kinds of wagashi to take home
Instructor: Xinxin He
Xinxin He is a wagashi artist and the founder of Oshiriai Inc. Trained in modern wagashi since 2021 and a direct disciple of Junichi Mitsubori (Ikka-ryu school, Japan). She founded Oshiriai Inc. in New York in 2023, offering wagashi workshops, professional courses, and custom creations. Her work blends traditional techniques with modern aesthetics and flavors, and has been well received by diverse communities. Xinxin has hosted 100+ workshops and led sold-out events across New York.
Important Notes
Each class has limited capacity and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Class schedules and dates are subject to change; participants will receive course updates and any changes via email.
Most classes are open to adults (18+), except for designated parent-child programs.
The center may adjust schedules or offerings, including opening or canceling classes based on enrollment.
Late enrollment may be accommodated when space is available, with tuition adjusted accordingly.
Tuition is non-refundable, and missed classes are not eligible for make-up sessions or refunds.
Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to help ensure a smooth start for all participants.