The Martial Arts Center for Health has been a life changer for my wife and me. When we started a couple of years ago we were both at a high stress level, not in the best of health and overweight. Our first visit was simply out of curiosity without any intention of joining. We took the free lesson and found that our curiosity had morphed into a desire to give this a try. We committed to 3 months with the understanding between the two of us that if we didn’t notice any real changes that we could just walk away. We knew we needed a little help to get our health on track but what we didn’t anticipate is that we got a LOT of help!
The benefits we have seen in the time we have been with Martial Arts Center for Health (MACH) include but are not limited to; weight loss, much improved cardiovascular endurance and noticeable increase in strength. In addition to the physical improvements, we also noticed a reduction in stress levels, improved confidence (that actually shows through success in our business affairs) and we have even been able to get off of medications that we had been on for years. When your doctor asks you; “What are you doing in your life that is causing these dramatic changes?” you know that you have found something that you want to stick with.
The owners, instructors and fellow students at MACH, we now consider ‘family’. There is no feeling of competition because the energy of support among us all is genuine. EVERYONE feels comfortable at their level and each person is taught to listen to their body as we go through the movements. The stories that are shared are amazing. Some have a history that would have kept a body down for life; broken backs, knee and hip surgeries, severe heart conditions and other debilitating illnesses.
We strongly recommend Martial Arts Center for Health to everyone we know and those who know us long enough are convinced because of the obvious changes in us. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. We are now committed for life!
MACH is a great place to develop overall physical conditioning, balance, coordination, endurance and mental focus. The instructors meet with each student individually to determine their goals and learn about any physical limitations or conditions a student may have. MACH is a friendly, non-competitive school where the focus is directed at health. The owners, Thomas and Eva Curtin have created a beautiful space where anyone who is willing, regardless of their age or physical condition, can improve their health and have fun doing it. The roots of the martial arts traditions are respected yet facilitated for the 21st century. As an older student (age 57) who has never participated in martial arts I was concerned about my ability to do well but with the patience and encouragement of the instructors I have made excellent progress. Each week at MACH is new adventure and I’m never bored as the program is always changing. The instructors strive to educate the students about the forms they are learning so classes at MACH aren’t just about physical development but also a learning opportunity. They’re always offering to help students with any questions they may have and know how to help students move past their comfort zones in a safe manner. At the time I enrolled in MACH I had either stopped or greatly reduced the activities I had enjoyed in the past, including bike riding, hiking, swimming and landscaping due to joint pain I was experiencing and lack of endurance. I’m now back to doing the things I enjoy and don’t suffer from joint pain. Not only has my overall physical condition improved but I feel more confidence in my ability to take on new challenges.
I am a relatively new member of MACH, but I can already see remarkable changes in both my body and my ability to handle stress. The students and the instructors at MACH are so civil, thoughtful and kind that I quickly gave up competitiveness and self-judgment and surrendered to the exhilaration of surprisingly gentle yet challenging motion. I have spent years doing (and overdoing) yoga,weights, running, tennis, and even biking. Kung Fu and Tai Chi represented a strange environment for me, one I suspected I would tire of quickly. Instead the community is so dedicated to your health and encouragement that, far from finding it either exotic or imposing, you will relax into its rhythms and wonder why you didn’t do this before.
Before finding this place my only stress reliever and weight control was the gym. There was a point that I hit a wall and did a personal trainer for a year and half then I hit another wall. My neighbor told me about this place and I FOUND GOLD! I’ve been coming here for years now and have found a new place I call home. My initial goals were to control my weight and stress. I found that and so much more here! The instructors and the people who come here make the school special. If you’re looking for a new exercise routine or rehabilitating back, neck, shoulder, knee, hip, or suffer from other health issues you can find an alternative solution here. Really recommend giving this place a shot. Ask for any of the instructors and they will take care of you!