Programs

Fitness Kickboxing

This cl;ass is for any level of participant.  This class which combines elements of boxing, martial arts, and aerobics to provide overall physical conditioning and toning. Unlike other types of kickboxing, cardio kickboxing does not involve physical contact between competitors — it's a cardiovascular workout that's done because of its many benefits to the body.

Cardio kickboxing classes usually start with 10-15 minutes of warm-ups, which may include stretching and traditional exercises such as jumping jacks and push-ups, followed by a 30-minute kickboxing session that includes movements such as knee strikes, kicks, and punches. Some instructors may use equipment like punching bags or jump ropes.

Throw in some good music, with a good beat and you will find yourself listening to the music  and punching, squatting, kicking, laughing , sweating and going thru the motions, unaware of time passing you by.  Before you know it,  the fun part is over.

After this,  we spend at least 5 minutes should be devoted to cooling down, followed by about 10 minutes of stretching and muscle conditioning. Stretching is really important because beginners can strain ("pull") their muscles, and slow, proper stretching helps relax muscles and prevent injury.  Towels and water encouraged!

Martial Arts/Kenpo Classes

You may of heard this style of martial arts referred to as "Kenpo" with an "N" and "Kempo" with an "M" and you may be asking yourself, what is the difference?  Nothing. Actually, the only difference is in the translation of the Kanji to its english form. The word Kempo and Kempo are both pronounced the same and both mean "Law of the Fist." When the Japanease Kanji for Kempo is brought into english, either a "m" or "n" is placed in the word. Its sorta like saying "Qi" or "Chi", "Gung" or "Kung." Generally though, the more "traditional" (lightly used) forms of Kempo use the "Kempo" form, while the more non- traditional or contemporary versions use "Kenpo." 

This 24 technique system was designed by Ed Parker because he realized that no two people are alike and the new system was to be tailored to the individual. After all, it was the individual who would advance through American Kenpo to where he met the standards Ed Parker wanted. There were also many different ways of doing a movement. Many of his black belts would find that the way Ed taught them was completely different from all the others.   Teaching the “why’s” of martial arts is just as important as the “way’s.”  The reason why something is done is crucial in understanding the system, and must be constantly in focus as the moves are practiced.  One person’s movement or understanding is going to be different than another person’s.

The height and size of a person will also determine how soon the move can be perfected.  In other words a suit for a 6 foot tall man will not fit someone who is 5’9 and this is how the system works here.  We tailor the program to each person.  The learning process and journey is never ending. 

There are many names for where martial arts is taught.  You have heard them called, dojos,school, academy, institute,  but the one I prefer is  “studio.”   The proper definition of a studio is this - a room where an artist, photographer, sculptor, works and in this room, I encourage everyone to be creative, and think, and question and not to take everything at face value.  We are all learning from each other—belt ranks do serve a purpose, but don’t let that dominate your thought process.  Achieving the belt in any rank is just the beginning to another adventure, or story or journey.  It is never ending.

Sparring, while wearing gloves, head gear and foot gear is encouraged thru out the learning process here.  The ranking of the person does not matter, to a certain degree.  Sparring helps build confidence, balance, breathing, strength, power and focus.  It also gets a person comfortable with being hit.

There are many names for where martial arts is taught.  You have heard them called, dojos, school, academy, institute,  but the one I prefer is  “studio.”   The proper definition of a studio is this - a room where an artist, photographer, sculptor, works and in this room, I encourage everyone to be creative, and think, and question and not to take everything at face value.  We are all learning from each other—belt ranks do serve a purpose, but don’t let that dominate your thought process.  Achieving the belt in any rank is just the beginning to another adventure, or story or journey.  It is never ending.

Personal Training

This is all about customizing a routine to suit YOU and not just a standard workout pulled off the internet.  We will work to strengthen your entire body or just certain areas of it.  My workouts do include core work, abdominal work,  perhaps kettlebell work—it is going to vary because the body gets accustomed to the same exercises after awhile and in order to keep you body changing and muscles adapting, the exercises have to be different, plus it’s more enjoyable for the client. 

One of the items I use in the workouts is called the TRX System.  It is a suspension system that uses your bodyweight to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously while going thru a variety of exercises. You will be pushed mentally and physically to succeed in all your workouts. You will be encouraged to eat cleaner and healthier while away from the gym.  You will be required to keep an exercise log so you can see your progress weekly. Eating a healthy lifestyle is NOT as expensive as people think—considering you are making healthy shopping choices and when not filling the cart with chips, soda, frozen meals, candy, etc., you will see your food bill decrease. Find a good visual source of motivation before you begin your new lifestyle.  Focus on rewarding yourself for your hard work—go ahead!
 

30 Minute Stacking Workout

 

Most people have never heard of the term "super stacking" and may have no idea what exactly it is. The basic idea behind this is that it is a cardio workout, a toning and sculpting workout and an ab workout and they are all STACKED on top of each other so that you are doing of them continuously within a 30 minute span. Instead of simply starting with a cardiovascular workout and then moving into a tonight workout, you get a workout which incorporates the entire body with exercises that are efficient and effective for burning fat in as little as 30 minutes. You have a full body workout that burns fat and calories and with this approach, you can be done exercising for the day. The great thing about the superstacking technique and the 30 minute workout is that how choose how long you want to do this. Any type of exercise is better than nothing, even 10 minutes. Some days you may find that you have more time and you CAN get 30 minutes in, other times less which is fine because this program was designed to work even for a 10 minute workout So how this all adds up is this, we do 5-6 exercises that work the full body, plus core and abs in a very quick manner and cycle thru it anywhere from 1-3 times.

Teaching Reaction to Action 

Introduction To Building Your Self Confidence, Esteem and Learning How to Lessen Your Chances of Becoming a Statistic

This class was designed to make people familiar with what I call, The Three A’s of Self Defense: Awareness, Ability and Action

Self-defense covers the concept, or topics of awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation skills, safety strategies, and physical techniques that enable someone to successfully prevent, escape, resist and survive violent assaults. A good self-defense course provides psychological awareness and verbal skills, not just physical training.

In this class we will work on three basic defense tools,  blocking, punching and kicking, plus do some actual real life situations, sparring, and some heavy bag drills.  The program will also work on developing strength, NOT just in the mind but in the body as well.   Some basic exercises using one’s bodyweight will also be included in the program.  Balance, timing, breathing, focus and confidence are just a few of the areas that a person will grow once they have the knowledge and confidence. 

How is this different from the Kenpo martial arts that is also taught at the studio? 

To study and understand the principles of Kenpo requires dedication and years to grow and learn.  Kenpo is a hand’s on, user friendly type of martial arts, but time is a crucial commitment. 

This class however, gives a person the basic knowledge and tools to defend themselves

Ask yourself these 5 questions:

1.       Do you want to know how to protect yourself and others without the use of external means (weapons, pepper spray, guns)?

2.      Do you know how to execute a kick?

3.      Can you clench your fist and punch?

4.      Do you have a fight or flight button?  This response is a physiological reaction that either prepares our bodies to stay and fight or flea the situation

5.      Do you feel you have the physical capabilities to do this?

If you answered yes to at least 3 of these question, – let’s talk !

Boxing

In these classes, you will be taught the art of boxing while you increase cardiovascular fitness and drop body fat.  Come channel your frustrations into powerful jabs, hooks, and uppercuts.  Exercise has never been so invigorating!  Breathe, focus, punch, intensity, power—boxing and hitting a heavy bag is an awesome stress reliever.  You won’t believe what your body can do