Before Kyle Marston received his first tai chi lesson, he wasn’t sure the ancient martial art had much to offer.

“I just thought it was something that wouldn’t be extremely useful,” Marston said. “But I’ve found that it’s helped me with everything I’ve done in my life.”

That first class lead to 11 years of training in tai chi and kung fu for Marston, a Marion native.

Starting May 5, Marston will share his tai chi knowledge by instructing two classes at the Marion Recreation Department

Each class will focus on either Chen- or Yang-style tai chi.

Of the two, Chen is more rigorous with alternating fast and slow movements. Marston said it’s the oldest form of tai chi.

Yang-style tai chi is focused on slow, deliberate movements, which makes it suitable for just about anyone. It is the most widely practiced tai chi style.

Both offer a full-body exercise that is easy on the joints. According to Marston, several studies show that practicing tai chi improves overall health.

“It’s a really good exercise for your whole body and offers a lot more than resistance training or weightlifting,” Marston said. “You build mobility and flexibility.”

Marston learned tai chi from Carl Bevilacqua of South Coast Tai Chi in Dartmouth. For Marston, he said he “lucked out” having Bevilacqua as a teacher because he studied under Jason Tsou, an accomplished martial arts instructor.

Tsou moved to the South Coast from Taiwan to earn a master’s degree in chemistry at UMass Dartmouth in 1974. While at the school he started a kung fu club that Bevilacqua joined.

“[Bevilacqua] learned from the real deal,” Marston said.

In addition to the health benefits, Marston said tai chi has an aspect of mindfulness that fosters concentration and a calm mind.

“In our culture, many people do not pay attention to their bodies,” he said. “When was the last time you just sat and listened to your heart beat? We have too many distractions.”

The classes are offered through a collaboration of the Marion Council on Aging, the Marion Recreation Department and the Board of Health. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Both classes will be held at the Marion Recreation Department. Classes run for eight weeks. The cost is $30 in advance or $40 at the door.

Register by contacting Marion Recreation at 774-217-8355 or info@marionrecreation.com or the Council on Aging at 508-748-3570 or sschwager@marionma.gov.