It's like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, except in the air, and you might keep your arms. I said *might*. The rope work alone is everything you are or aren't familiar with about "This hand goes there, and you put your other hand there. Now hook your leg around and grab this...", but hanging upside-down and every which way. If you're totally unfamiliar with what I'm saying, think of it as chess in outer space - thoughtful moves and everything's floating. It is a mental x physical challenge of using the brain + the muscles to figure out new movements.
I got a li'l 3-pack of classes which I used for "Rope & Tissue", "Parkour / Circus Acrobatics", and "Trapeze (Static), Rope & Tissue". The whole reason I signed up in the first place was because I'd for the longest time wanted to try Parkour. Yet the class schedule didn't fit with mine, so I decided to branch out; I'm glad I did.
My Rope & Tissue class was taught by Jaron. He had an injury that day which prevented him from getting on the rope, so an assistant demoed the moves. What was cool to me was that, solely by his verbal directions, people followed the intricate steps involved in the tricks (or whatever you call them). This included my day 1 novice self. There were plenty of "What the...?!" moments as I was instructed to do things like flip over, let go with one or both hands, etc.. But I was totally guided the whole time. People sometimes spotted me too, which I of course needed.
My Parkour class was with Zach. Two words: instant addiction. Yet I still feel a little whirlwinded as to what exactly I'm addicted to because the moves kept outpacing my slow 'n' steady learning style. The students in my class were myself and this ex-gymnast girl. Maybe that's part of why after trying a trick just two or three times, another thing would be added, then another, and another. This instructional flow seemed to work, and he said we were getting the hang of the moves. So it wasn't long before an entire obstacle course formed to let us practice the budding arsenal of maneuvers non-stop. "Cardio" is an understatement for this type of workout.
My Trapeze x Rope x Tissue class was by Emily. It was in a back-and-forth style, doing some work on the rope / tissue, then the trapeze, then the rope / tissue, and so on. I was so new that I didn't get around to the tissue, but the trapeze and rope were each more than a handful on their own. I'd had Jaron for a bit of rope previously, and Emily's teaching style was a little different (which was only natural since they're different people). What I liked is that she showed various ways to get into the positions, so if you weren't able to do one, you could try versions two through four - that kind of thing.
Do I need to take more classes here? Duh. If I lived in Oakland, it would be a no-brainer. But I don't live in Oakland, so it's a brainer. One consideration is that, for those walking to and from BART, it can feel a little sketchy, especially if you're alone, especially if it's after nightfall, especially if you're not wearing all black and walking with swagger, especially if you don't know the slang for the different blocks along 7th Street. I'm kidding about that last one.
Another thing is that some of the classes are only on particular days of the week. So if you're the type who does your workouts Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays & Thursdays or just weekends, you might find yourself outright unable to take the special class you'd been eyeing. Be ready to flex your work / life schedule or explore classes you may not have initially considered.
In fact, the schedule is the reason I wanted to give a 3-star rating. But the 5 emerged when I took into consideration all the community work this place does. Before taking my classes, the first time I was here was to see a production of Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors". Such theater presentations which collaborate with local drama troupes and the myriad programs for children are wonderful resources to cultivate youth. I wish I'd had such opportunities when I was growing up. read more
