When I moved into the Enfield area 5 years ago, I did my normal thing -- I found a gym to work out at. But, while attending an aerobics class one Sat. morning, I was bored to tears and actually left the class early. However, right down the sidewalk sat Integrity Martial Arts. I had often thought about trying out some sort of karate place but never got around to it, and was worried I couldn't do it because of my tight hamstring muscles (and at 38 years old, I didn't think that would improve any). I mean, how could I ever kick as high as they'd want me to? Anyway, I thought "what the heck?" and popped in. I was in luck; an adult class was going to be starting in about 10 minutes. So, I stayed for that class -- and have never left! Not only did I find a great place to work out (and it certainly isn't boring!), I also found a home away from home, a community of incredibly caring and supportive people (you should see how they care about the students and do everything they can to help them succeed in life, not just karate), newfound confidence, etc., etc.. Oh, and re. those kicks? No worries; first of all I actually have gotten more flexible so I can kick higher than before, but at Integrity they work around what you can and can't do. So, sure, I can't kick somebody in the face, but there other lower down targets that would work just as well should the situation call for it! :-) read more
