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