Mahj on the Beach

I’m Kari Long, the founder of Mahj on the Beach, where I bring people together through the timeless, social game of Mahjong. With a background as a history teacher and reading specialist, I’ve always been passionate about making learning feel approachable, engaging, and fun. What started as a love for the game quickly grew into a way to help women connect, unwind, and build real friendships. I’ve taught thousands of students since June 2025, hosting classes, events, and private gatherings across South Florida. At the heart of it all, I believe Mahjong is more than a game, it’s a reason to gather, laugh, and create meaningful connections around the table.

Email Kari to book a mahjong lesson.

Where do you teach? 

Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Parkland, Miami, Wellington, Jupiter

Where, when and how did you learn mahjong? 

I learned from @katedotbham in Birmingham, AL at a birthday party with friends!

Tell us why you love Mahjong?

I love Mahjong for how it quiets my mind in a way nothing else really does; it pulls me fully into the moment and gives my brain a break from the to-do list or the million things that I am thinking about all day. Mahjong creates this authentic, low-stakes space to connect with my people, where conversation flows easily and everyone can just be themselves. I also love that it’s completely screen-free, which feels so rare and refreshing right now. We can play anywhere: the beach, the soccer field, on vacation, at the kitchen table, in an airport, even on a boat. A mahjong set instantly turns any place into a gathering. More than anything, I love how Mahjong inspires connection, bringing people together in the most natural, joyful way.

What is your favorite mahjong memory? 

I loved meeting TML ambassadors from all across the county in Dallas at the 5-Year TML Anniversary party this past October. From seeing the headquarters, to brunch at Kate's then the epic party at Sadelle's...I will never forget tearing up the dance floor with new friends!

What is your favorite mahjong tile? 

8 Bam from the Minimal Line or the Jackie Robinson joker from Americana Line (I wrote my senior thesis in college about the integration of baseball!)

What makes you laugh? 

Silly moments and dance parties

One thing you can't live without. 

Caffeine and my daughter's snuggles

Motto for life

"Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently... Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."— Steve Jobs

What would you sing on Karaoke night?

"Old Time Rock N'Roll" or "Fishin' in the Dark"

What Mahjong Line set is your favorite to play on?

It used to be the Lucky Line Cornflower Blue, however, I just got the Americana Line and from the moment I opened the package I knew it would be my favorite. So many of the tiles trace back to my roots as a person- the Chicago 9 Crak, the Jackie Robinson Joker (I wrote my senior college thesis on the integration of baseball), RBG and her fearless attitude towards life...the nostalgia of the music notes and quilted flowers. I love how each tile has a story and a moment for what it represents. With the 250th Birthday of the USA just around the corner, it makes me nostalgic and grateful for the progress we've made as a country, but also all recognizes how we have room to grow. I love how timeless and special it is and just cannot wait to have it as my personal favorite for years to come!

The person, alive or dead, you would love to have at your dinner party.

Effa Manley or Julia Child

Stranded on a desert island and you only have one movie to watch...

Forrest Gump