I am an allopathic trained physician and Medical Director of a local medical entity. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was introduced to the Martial Arts Center for Health by a friend, but at first I didn’t go because I thought that I could never do martial arts with my condition, and further, it might be destructive to my joints.

I eventually did give it a chance and it is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I have gained in range of motion of some of the joints more severely affected by the condition, and 10 years later I am much stronger, with better balance and flexibility than I had when I started. The instructors take the time to modify the movements depending on what is happening to your body that day (as long as you tell them).  They push you to greater strength as you are able. My sons have also gone to MACH for about 10 years. They are now adults, but one the years and in conversation with my sons I’ve seen how the same movements have worked in curiously different ways for two individuals with very different personalities. The introvert gained more confidence, and the extrovert was able to look inward a bit more. I highly recommend this practice and this community to everyone without reservation. There is a great diversity of people in age, personality, level of physical activity, and the movements are adapted to all.

Ronald Ryan, MD

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 katja rego 
 
 
 
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I am forever grateful that I found Scott Orcutt and his gentle but firm martial arts teachings. It has allowed me to gain new physical strength and most importantly  psychological/emotional strength Katja
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Michelle M 
 
 
 
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I absolutely loved the hip opening workshop! The space itself is so bright, clean, and welcoming. The positive welcoming energy coming from everyone in the room allowed me to feel completely at ease in a new space. I loved the knowledge that was shared about our organs and meridians and what effects certain movements would have on them. I loved the bits of knowledge and wisdom being shared while simultaneously being guided into different movements - you walk away with physical and mental growth. I definitely felt a tremendous shift in my overall energy and emotions after the class, as well as several sore muscles of course! But the soreness felt great, not painful but definitely indicative of growth. I am inspired by the experience and would absolutely love to be back!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Wilson Ramos 
 
 
 
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In the past I would come home from work and lay down in intense pain shooting down my leg.  It was so unbearable I would imagine myself cutting off my leg.  Have I known the benefits of tai chi I would've joined instead of having failed back surgery which ruined my quality of lifestyle.  Tai chi helped me re gain some of the flexibility and reduced my chronic pain lessening the amount of pain pills I used to take on a daily basis.  I proudly have to say that it's been months since I last used my cane.  As I continue doing tai chi I am confident my health will continue to improve.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Eva Wynne 
 
 
 
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I became a member in 1998 after breaking my back in a car crash. I am still a member in 2024. That is 26 years! Time tells the story. I can do things at the age of 47 that I could not do in my late teens. Never been on prescription medications. I am pain free. The love, knowledge, community and over all quality of the Martial Arts Center for Health is unique. It shaped me into the woman I am. Confident to welcome life experiences in, accept & face challenges that come along. Love myself in all stages.  I am so grateful to be a part of the Martial Arts Center for Health today.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Olga Pulido 
 
 
 
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When I saw Martial Arts Center for Heath move in my community, I was very excited.  I sent a msg on a Sunday  and that same day Scott (Instructor) called me and gave me all the information needed and  Invited me to participate in the class.  I've been wanting to attend a Martial Art classes for a long time, but I didn't want the traditional martial art classes usually in every community since I've already experience Tai Chi before.  For my surprise Martial Arts Center for Health focus physically, mentally, and spiritually with Tai Chi, Qiqong, meditation, self defense if  you want to participate and a few more.  The Center is a safe place for everyone-spiritually and physically. I have MS and this has been an amazing experience for me specially on the physical part.  I've had my ups and downs, but with the compassion and guidance always of Scott, Matt and Jim, I'm happy to say, is going to be a year now on 1/19 I've been taking the classes and I will continue to do so. OH! and the classes at the beach!  AMAZING!  can't wait for the next one. Try it, you will Love it! 7/31/24 UPDATE: (I’m now in the 5th section 🎉)  These days I’ve been emphasizing on my lower body strength to make sure I don’t fall in the estimated 20% of falls that cause serious injuries of broken bones and head injuries. I can be clumsy when walking due to MS but I’ve noticed when I trip now, I can handle my legs very well! When before, I wasn’t able to, this is all due to the training we receive from MACH.  So grateful for MACH!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 oleta canterini 
 
 
 
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I started at MACH sitting in a chair doing the arm movements. My Hip so painful I could not walk, my back stiff from scoliosis and arthritis. The care and love everyone showed got me through the past year and now I walk  and move with less pain and stiffness. Matt and Scott are very patient and understanding. They have changed my life. I Thank them and all the members at MACH.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 jodys cowdin 
 
 
 
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I have been a member of MACH since August 2022. I've always enjoyed martial arts and was looking for a challenging, comprehensive work out. I have found MACH puts everything together for me. Focus, memory, and physical challenge. Instructors Matt, Scott and Eva are amazing. They are focused on each student reaching their maximum capabilities every class. I love going to class. I get a dexascan for bone density every 2 years. On Monday, I had my test. The results were that my bone density had increased 14% since 2 years ago! That is incredible and I can only attribute it to MACH.  Results now from 2 years ago ( same machine and same technician).  I went from Osteopenia to normal bone density. You can't get that from vitamins or just diet...I highly recommend MACH for anyone looking for low impact exercise, improvement of focus and memory, and learning martial arts to improve their health and daily living.❤️
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Emily Green 
 
 
 
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9 years ago I suffered a spinal injury. 4 years into my recovery, I was still dealing with chronic pain and was very restricted in my mobility. Physical therapy hadn't taken me where I thought it would. At this time, my doctor encouraged me to try MACH. Since she was a longtime student of MACH and I was desperate enough to try anything, I gave it a try. I was highly skeptical that it would help. After all, what could I even do bc somedays I couldn't get out of bed due to pain. Me, doing martial arts? How?! My first day at MACH, I met instructor Jim and he shared his story of finding MACH. I heard myself in his story & thought "well maybe it could do something for me." Still too scared to get hopeful bc, I was told PT would help me more than it did. My first lesson with instructor Scott showed me they could modify things to my limitations and needs AND they did so with such respect and compassion. I was met with zero judgement and continue to be. Which was so rare and refreshing. In 4 months time, I noticed that these simple exercises that were modified a lot so I could do them started making my pain more manageable. In 7 months time, I couldn't believe it! I was able to reduce my pain medication AND I was able to do movements and hold my body in positions that didn't need those previous modifications AND I was starting to feel athletic. It's been 5 years since that first day at MACH. Now, I am pain free. I take no medications. I can move with ease and confidence. No longer fearful and restricted. When I started 5 years ago, I really wanted to be able to sit down at the table and eat dinner with my family. I couldn't then. Sitting was the hardest. This year, I went on a 16 hour road trip with my family and I wasn't in pain! There is good "medicine" in the movement here at MACH. I've learned not all movement is equal. MACH can help us recover from injury, regain health, & reinvigorate ourselves from the inside out. My physical ability is a treasure but it's not the only gift I've found here through the forms and exercises. With the utmost respect and care, the instructors and owner have helped me grow and develop self-compassion and the ability to take good care of my body. My injury made my life very small and it stayed small for a longtime. I tried to get back to health. I did the things suggested to me. But MACH was the missing piece. My life got bigger and bigger bit by bit and now, it is open to me and I am so thankful and excited about what's to come. With MACH in my life,  I'll continue to get stronger and be prepared to meet any challenge- physical, mental, emotional with the inner strength and self-love that will support me. Also the community here always has my back and best interest at heart.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sandy Bove 
 
 
 
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I will be training at Mach for the rest of my life.   The instructors r warm, caring patient and inspirational.  It is a peace filled loving center!!!!