Learning · NMJL-rules American mahjong lessons in Central Arkansas: a two-night beginner series, Siamese and strategy workshops, coached practice and private lessons
Natural State Mahjong (Central Arkansas)
Also called natural state mahjong; Lisa Perk
Central Arkansas (Little Rock area); class venues given at booking. Open play at WXYZ Bar, Aloft Hotel, West Little Rock. Central time.
Category: Learning · NMJL-rules American mahjong lessons in Central Arkansas: a two-night beginner series, Siamese and strategy workshops, coached practice and private lessons
Also called: natural state mahjong; Lisa Perk
What it is
Natural State Mahjong is a mahjong teaching business in Central Arkansas run by instructor Lisa, a member of the Mahj Life Instructor Guild. She teaches American mahjong strictly by National Mah Jongg League rules, through recurring group classes, workshops, coached practice and private lessons, and hosts a free weekly open play.
Who it’s for
Beginners in the Little Rock area who want a structured start, and players who know the basics and want to sharpen their Charleston, scoring or two-player game.
Why it’s listed
It is an ongoing class program with several levels, not a one-off date.
- Learn to Play: Mahjong Foundations: a two-night beginner series covering tiles, the NMJL card, hand building and the Charleston, then guided hands.
- Learn to Play: Real Siamese: the two-player version using the authentic annual Siamese card; materials provided.
- Play with Intention: strategy workshops, “Charleston Lab” and “Score & Win”, for players who know the basics.
- The Practice Table: coached gameplay for newer players, offered as an add-on for Foundations students.
- Private lessons and events: for friends, book clubs, parties or teams; she brings tiles, racks, mats and NMJL cards.
- Open play: Mondays 5–7 p.m. at the WXYZ Bar in the Aloft Hotel, West Little Rock, free, for players who can already play on their own.
Official URL
Home, classes and FAQ: https://naturalstatemahjong.com/
Class schedule and booking: https://naturalstatemahjong.as.me/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location
Central Arkansas, around Little Rock. Open play is at the Aloft Hotel’s WXYZ Bar in West Little Rock; class locations are not published on the home page.
Notes
- Dates: the site says to “check the calendar” for each class’s upcoming dates. The Acuity booking page returned 200 but loads its calendar with JavaScript, so current dates and prices were not confirmed; on 2026-10-19 it showed “Online scheduling is not currently available.”
- Prices: not published on the home page.
- Open play is not for beginners: the FAQ asks brand-new players to take a class or guided play first. Open play RSVP links are shared on social media and are not cited.
- NMJL card: lessons use the annual National Mah Jongg League card (simplified versions in some lessons).
- Instructor’s surname: the site gives only “Lisa”; her Calendly link is under the name Lisa Perk.
- Image: none. The site has no og:image; its class graphic shows identifiable students and a copyrighted card, so it was not used.
- Not affiliated with Mahjong Plaza. No booking, newsletter signup or contact was made.
FAQ
Q: Which rules does she teach?
A: Strictly NMJL rules, so you can play confidently at any table.
Q: I’ve never played. Where do I start?
A: With Mahjong Foundations, the two-night beginner series.
Q: How do I find class dates?
A: Through the schedule link on the home page (naturalstatemahjong.as.me). Dates were not visible without a browser on the check date.
Q: Can she teach a private group?
A: Yes. She offers private lessons and events across Central Arkansas and brings all the equipment.
Q: Can beginners join open play?
A: Open play is for players who can already play on their own; beginners are asked to take a class or guided play first.